The History of Heritage Palms

In 1997, US Home Corporation purchased 512 acres, which represented the initial footprint of Heritage Palms. Harper Brothers Construction, a road construction contractor who also did site development, owned the property.  Monk Hillmyer was the central figure with US Home, starting their Rutenberg division in SW FL. He was instrumental in earlier residential developments in the 70’s and 80’s.

Prior to 1997, the land comprised a farm with few trees and foliage, a 38-acre lake, and some grazing cattle. Melons and vegetables had been raised on the property. In fact, when the golf course was initially developed, wild watermelon were found growing between #14 and #15 Royal, and tomato plants were popping up everywhere. There were still cattle roaming the property when construction first began. They remained for several months until the project required their relocation.  More...