Timeline Stories

The City of Boca Raton celebrates its Centennial, marking 100 years of growth, innovation, and community spirit. As we look back on a century of achievements, we also look forward to continued growth and prosperity in the years to come!

Mizner park opens. One year later, the International Museum of Cartoon Art opens in Mizner Park. 

Old Floresta, originally named just “Floresta“, a site of twenty-nine homes designed by Addison Mizner in 1925 officially becomes the city’s first historic district. 

Gumbo Limbo Park was officially established, focusing on environmental conservation and education. The park’s name derives from the “Gumbo Limbo” tree which is native to the area. 

IBM launched the IBM PC and revolutionizes the technology industry, making Boca Raton the center of PC operations.   IBM was the first company to build an industrial site on 550 acres in western scrubland.      

Town Center Mall opens well away from the “town center.”  The mall is the largest enclosed and conventional shopping mall in Palm Beach County.

The first condominiums open at the Boca West development.  

Arvida opens a twenty-six-story tower addition to The Boca Raton Hotel and Club.

Boca Raton Community Hospital opens its doors.

The state cabinet approves the construction of the newest state university, Florida Atlantic, to be built in Boca Raton. Two years later, Marymount College opens, which is now Lynn University.