When D.P. Davis first proposed his $30 million project to dredge and develop what was then Grassy Islands into a high-class residential property in 1924, most people were skeptical. His plans included homes, several hotels, and a concrete causeway connecting the islands with Hyde Park. He purchased the natural islands from the city for $25,000, promising to give back at least 55 acres for parks. The Florida land boom was in full swing; people were flocking to the area on Henry B. Plants railway and steamships, and investors were taking a “can’t lose” approach to land buying. The buildings along Davis Blvd. pictured here, right to left, are the Royal Poinciana Apartment building, in the center with the bell tower, is the Davis Island Administration Building, The Spanish Apartment, and the Venetian Apartments at the foot of the Davis Islands Bridge.

Davis was a master promoter. Full-page advertisements appeared in local newspapers, extoling the virtues of buying land in his project. However, according to many economic experts, his marketing logic- buy it because it costs more this year than last year and the trend will continue- was flawed. In the end, the critics were right. His project went bust by 1926, and land and buildings were sold for pennies on the dollar.  By many accounts, Davis fell out or was pushed out of his stateroom window on a cruise to Europe after selling his interest. Three of the four buildings pictured still exist today. The Venetian Apartments were demolished and replaced by the Adalia Bayfront Condominiums. Davis’ promises did eventually come true.  Land on Davis Islands is now some of the most valuable real estate in the Tampa market today.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved