Originally written by Kurt Lehmann for the Delray Beach Pineapple newspaper, updated for 2026.
We’re moving to Nassau. No, not the Bahamas!
When I wrapped up my series on Delray’s historic districts, we finally got to go beachside. Nassau Park runs perpendicular to our beautiful beach, and it’s one of the easiest historic districts to find, simply because it’s named after the street it sits on: Nassau Street. Just a few blocks south of Atlantic, it keeps the memories of Delray’s 1930s resort lifestyle alive.
Where is Nassau Park?
The Nassau Park Historic District covers two blocks of Nassau Street, from Venetian Drive east to South Ocean Boulevard (A1A). It’s the only historic district east of the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach, and the zip code is 33483. For more on the beachside area, see our Delray Beach 33483 guide.
A little history
Here’s some fun trivia: Nassau Street was originally called Jo-Jo Avenue. Developer R.C. MacNeil renamed it and hired architect Sam Ogren Sr. to design the first house in 1935. A 1935 newspaper ad for Ray-Del Realty Co. called it “West Indian Charm Along Delray Shores.” That’s no surprise when you know Ogren also designed many of Delray’s most memorable buildings, including the old Delray High School at Old School Square.
Most of the homes went up between 1935 and 1941, when the winter crowd relaxed in small, discreet cottages close to the sand. In 1988 the City of Delray Beach made Nassau Park its first locally designated historic district. The designation was prompted by the demolition of a home at the southwest corner of Nassau Street and South Ocean Boulevard. In 2009 the city, the Delray Beach Historical Society and the state put up a historical marker at Nassau Street and Venetian Drive.
Classic Cape Cod cottages by the beach
The original 18 houses are Colonial-Cape Cod Revival cottages, inspired by the early wooden folk houses of eastern Massachusetts. Clapboard siding, multi-paned windows, front doors with fanlights overhead and carved wood details will have you intrigued before you even park the car. They’re modest in size, but the attention to detail is incredible, and the natural lay of the land is part of the street’s charm.
What buyers should know
It’s a tiny district. With so few homes, sales don’t come up often. Set up a search alert and be ready to move.
Historic review applies. Exterior changes, additions and new construction go through the city’s historic preservation review.
Beachside means insurance and flood homework. Check the flood zone, wind mitigation and the age of the roof on any older cottage near the ocean.
Renting it out? Check the city’s current rental rules before you plan on seasonal income.
I won’t quote old prices or rents; values here have changed a lot since I first wrote this. To see what’s available now, use our VIP home search.
Nassau Park FAQ
What zip code is Nassau Park in?
33483. It’s on the barrier island, just south of Atlantic Avenue and steps from the beach.
When was Nassau Park designated historic?
In 1988. It was Delray Beach’s first locally designated historic district.
What style are the homes?
Mostly 1930s Colonial-Cape Cod Revival cottages, many attributed to architect Sam Ogren Sr.
Ready for your beachside cottage?
Next time you’re walking off a Sunday brunch at Caffe Luna Rosa on A1A, take a stroll a few blocks south and see this bit of history up close. If you own a home in Nassau Park and want to know what it’s worth, start with a free home valuation or call Lehmann Realty at 888-644-3828. You can explore more neighborhoods on our Delray Beach communities page.
Lehmann Realty, 111 SE 2nd Street, Suite 102, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
