Lauderhill Turns 66: Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future

This week, we celebrate 66 vibrant years of Lauderhill — a city shaped by bold visions, diverse communities, and the shared heartbeat of its people. From prefab homes and golf courses to cricket stadiums and Caribbean culture, Lauderhill’s history isn’t just a timeline — it’s a legacy.

1959: The Birth of a Bold Idea

Lauderhill was officially incorporated on June 20, 1959, born from the imagination of developer Herbert Sadkin, who envisioned a sun-soaked suburban retreat for New Yorkers. The homes? Pre-fabricated in New York, then shipped down to Broward County and dropped into place — quick, affordable, and ready to go.

Lauderhill was marketed as a modern escape with rolling golf courses, palm-lined streets, and peaceful neighborhoods. Communities like Inverrary would soon define the city’s early identity.

A Disney Touch: The Inverrary Waterfall

At the entrance to Inverrary stood a signature piece of that vision — the Inverrary waterfall, designed by a Walt Disney Imagineer. It wasn’t just scenery — it was theater. Flowing water, curved stone, and architectural drama marked the arrival into something special.

Even today, locals smile as they pass it. It remains a lasting symbol of Lauderhill’s ambition, elegance, and enduring spirit.

The Jewish Community Contribution: Building Lauderhill’s Foundation

In the 1960s and ’70s, Lauderhill attracted a strong Jewish community, particularly retirees from New York and New Jersey. These early residents built synagogues, civic organizations, and neighborhood watch groups, laying the foundation for Lauderhill’s civic values and multigenerational charm.

Their presence established Lauderhill as a place of community connection and upward mobility, values that still define the city today.

1966–67: Shopping, Shows and Social Life

In 1966, Lauderhill Mall opened as the first fully enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall in the southeastern U.S. It became a local anchor for shopping, socializing, and Saturday strolls.

A year later, the Loew’s Lauderhill Theatre opened right next door, kicking off with The Dirty Dozen and creating a downtown feel in the heart of a growing city.

These weren’t just buildings — they were memory-makers for a new community.

1980s–90s: “Jamaica Hill” Rises

In the 1980s and ’90s, Lauderhill welcomed a wave of new residents — Caribbean families, especially from Jamaica, Trinidad, and Haiti, drawn by:

• Affordable homes

• Access to Miami/Fort Lauderdale jobs

• Caribbean-owned businesses and churches

• Political visibility and leadership opportunities

Soon, the nickname “Jamaica Hill” took hold — not just for the culture, food, and accents, but because Lauderhill had become a true Caribbean-American capital.

2007: A Global Game Comes Home

In 2007, Lauderhill opened Central Broward Park and Cricket Stadium, the first and only ICC-certified stadium in the United States. It was more than a sports venue — it was recognition.

Cricket didn’t start Lauderhill’s Caribbean story, but it celebrated it on a world stage, bringing international tournaments and Major League Cricket to NW 11th Place — right in our backyard.

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center: Culture Front and Center

Opened in 2016, the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC) has become a dynamic hub for music, dance, theater, and cultural events. With a steady lineup of Caribbean concerts, youth theater programs, and community showcases, LPAC is one of the city’s brightest stars — giving local talent a stage and residents a space to gather, celebrate, and connect.

Learn More: The Lauderhill Historical Museum

Want to explore more of the city’s journey? Visit the Lauderhill Historical Museum — set in the footprint of the very first Lauderhill City Hall, is located in the beautiful Walter M. “Wally” Elfers Park. This facility houses historic items such as old photographs, artifacts, and various items of significance of Lauderhill’s rich history.

Lauderhill in 2025: Who We Are Today

Today, Lauderhill is a thriving, multicultural city defined by:

Arts & Culture

• LPAC hosts Caribbean concerts, youth theater, and cultural showcases

• Public murals and artist grants energize city walls and parks

Youth Leadership

• Mentorship programs, after-school care, and teen leadership pipelines

• Free summer camps and education-forward city initiatives

Small Business Growth

• Pop-up markets, vendor fairs, and storefront expansion

• Strong Caribbean-American entrepreneurship from food to fashion

Sports Legacy

• International cricket, fitness festivals, and community leagues bring life to Central Broward Park

What’s Next: Lauderhill’s Future Vision

The future of Lauderhill is being built right now — with major development projects transforming the city’s look, feel, and economy.

New Construction & Revitalization

38th Avenue Arts & Entertainment District
The city is reimagining NW 38th Avenue as Lauderhill’s creative core — with quarterly events, artistic installations, and a walkable “downtown” energy.

LeParc Apartment Complex
A 320-unit luxury complex will anchor the new district, offering modern living in the heart of the city’s cultural zone.

Lauderhill Market Place
Adjacent to LPAC, this future hotel, lifestyle center, beer garden, and retail plaza will enhance visitor experience and fuel local business.

38th Avenue Extension
Designed to link the Performing Arts Center to the new Arts District, this extension will make it easier for guests to explore, shop, and experience Lauderhill’s full story.

 Join the Celebration

Find this week’s events at: lauderhillpulse.com/events

Post your Lauderhill memories and love with: #Lauderhill66 #JamaicaHill #CityofLauderhill #TheHeartbeatOfLauderhill

💚 Happy 66th Birthday, Lauderhill.
From golf course dreams to cricket stadium cheers — from waterfall welcomes to cultural revolutions — you’ve never stopped growing. And the next chapter? It’s going to be the best one yet.