Providence Street in Dean Park

Shown on an early postcard – Australian pines lined the street then

DEAN PARK WALKING TOUR!

DEAN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Fort Myers, proudly announces that the Dean Park Walking Tour is available once again!  The Walking Tour -- discontinued when Hurricane Ian washed away the brochure kiosk and destroyed the supply of...

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Welcome to Dean Park

Dean Park Historic District is a small neighborhood of about eighty homes built, for the most part, between 1916 and the mid-1920’s and within walking distance of downtown Fort Myers. Its homes are rich in architectural style and include Craftsman bungalows as well as homes designed in the Spanish, Mediterranean, English Tudor and colonial revival designs so popular in that era.  In 1913, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

Our Interactive Map

Dean Park was the inspiration of Fort Myers businessman John Morgan Dean.  He named some of the streets after his home state of Rhode Island and, on May 1, 1920, recorded the map for “Dean’s Subdivision” with the Lee County clerk’s office.  To view photos of the original maps, see the “Maps” section of the gallery. Otherwise click the button below to use our interactive map.

Our History

On August 28, 1902, John Morgan Dean purchased a 37-acre parcel of land from Ferdinand W. Peck and his wife, Tilla I. Peck, both of Chicago. The land, for which Dean paid $8,500, ran along the Caloosahatchee River and Billy’s Creek, and it included all of what was to become Dean Park.

John Dean’s dream was to construct the city’s finest residential development. But he delayed starting this project until he believed that local real estate buyers were ready to pay for the paved streets, sidewalks, underground utilities and lush landscaping he envisioned.

Dean Park Happenings

DEAN PARK WALKING TOUR!

DEAN PARK WALKING TOUR!

DEAN PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Fort Myers, proudly announces that the Dean Park Walking Tour is available once again!  The Walking Tour -- discontinued when Hurricane Ian washed away the brochure kiosk and destroyed the supply of...

read more
Bar-B-Q & Blues  – April 22, 2023

Bar-B-Q & Blues – April 22, 2023

Don't miss our fabulous BAR-B-Q & BLUES block party on Saturday, April 18th, from 4 pm to 7 pm under the banyan tree at the home of Donna Ellswick and Tom Palazzo, 2721 Rhode Island Avenue.  This year, we welcome back our neighbor, George Mitchell and his friend Bill...

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Neighborhood Clean-up – 2023

Neighborhood Clean-up – 2023

The Dean Park Beautification Committee will be coordinating a Neighborhood Clean-up at a date to be announced (tentatively set for Saturday, November 18, 2023). This clean-up effort will target the public spaces in Dean Park, including the areas along our sidewalks,...

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Progressive Dinner – January 2024

Progressive Dinner – January 2024

Each January, Dean Park residents celebrate the post-holiday season with a "Progressive Dinner" held at several homes in the neighborhood.  Drinks are the first stop, Appetizers are the second, Soup is the third, the Main Course is the fourth stop, and Dessert is the...

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