The Frankes
Generations building a legacy on South Padre Island
The Franke's Generations building a legacy on South Padre Island It was 1956 when J.P. “Bud” Franke opened his real estate office. He was greeted by sand streets, high hopes and when crushed oyster shells was a luxury driveway. Life in the remote South Texas tourist and fishing village was simple and very hot in the summer, but he was happy and not surprisingly fishing often. With an enthusiastic imagination and foresight, Bud was sure that South Padre Island would be another Miami Beach and that his decision to move from Chicago was the right one. After years of hard work, everything seemed to be coming together, but he realized that it would take a little longer than he thought. The first bridge to the island, the Queen Isabella Causeway, was constructed, so you could now drive to
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SOCIALIFE SUMMER
the island. However, when you arrived on the island, it was a different scene. Roads were scarce and burdened with deep sand. It was well worth it when you arrived on the beautiful white sand beach and sparkling water that lured you in on a hot summer day. All has changed, but all is still the same. Franke Realty, the oldest Realty Company on South Padre Island, was founded in 1956. The company handles sales, rentals, and development and has steadily grown over the years. Dennis and his twin brother Richard, worked for their father and eventually took over the company in the early ’70s when he retired. South Padre Island is a destination resort with tourism as its only industry and has benefited by the fact that there is no heavy industry in the area, making it a pristine area with no pollution. This
has caused slower area growth but great rewards for the tourism industry. Although the island is 120 miles long, making it one of the longest barrier islands in the country, only six miles have been developed at the south end and a small portion at the north end. Eighty miles of the island is a National Sea Shore Park, and other large parcels are owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Therefore, the majority of the island will always be left in its natural state which is a huge asset for the future. On the south end of the island, which is the premium end, is where the Franke’s have made their mark. Over the years, they have built condominiums, houses, townhouses, offices, retail shops, shopping centers, rental and management companies, and all things related to real estate. What they haven’t built, they brokered.
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