History
If you’re wondering how Windmill Gate got its name, you would have to travel back in time more than half a century.
That’s when the area that is snug along the south side of the Palmetto Expressway was home to the Miami Lakes Riding Academy.
There used to be a windmill at the riding school that was used to pump up water for the horses.
In 1977, The Graham Companies built the townhome community that is east of Northwest 67th Avenue and named it with a nod to its history.
An image of the iconic farm machinery also appears on the town entrance marker on Northwest 67th Avenue.
Amenities
Of about 240 townhomes, some border a lake or have water views.
The community has a shady tree canopy, pocket parks and a majestic peacock mascot that patrols the grounds.
A short walk from the neighborhood’s entrance leads to a branch of the
Miami-Dade County Library and the Windmill Gate
Shopping Center.
On a recent weekday afternoon, shoppers were busy at the shops and restaurants that include El Pimiento restaurant; Haagen-Dazs ice cream; Casavana Cuban Cuisine, Ken and Mike’s Pizza, Pasta & More and Hale’s Health Foods.
A Pollo Tropical drive-thru restaurant stands alone in front of the complex, next to a Miami-Dade Fire
Rescue station.
There are also beauty salons and service businesses such as Crown Cleaners, Miami Lakes Shoe Repair.
“I eat at Haagen-Dazs and Casavana a lot,” said town resident Daniel Gutierrez. “All my family and friends love it here.”
A canal that runs south along Windmill Gate’s border separates the community from destinations that are still within walking distance.
Those include Miami Lakes Optimist Park and schools along Miami
Lakeway North, including Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School, Miami Lakes Middle School and
Montessori Children’s House.
Who lives there?
Miami Lakes Councilman Luis Collazo, his wife
Clarisell De Cardenas, the communications director for the town of Miami Lakes and their children live in the community.
Some homeowners are longtime residents; other units are rented out.
What it costs
Townhomes range in size from one bedroom, one bathroom to four bedrooms and three baths.
Many of the homes have cheerful yellow and white striped awnings.
Thirteen Windmill Gate townhomes were sold last year, according to the South Florida Multiple Listing Service.
Three homes are currently listed for sale, at prices ranging from $235,900 to $330,000.
Each homeowner pays $850 a year for association fees that are used to maintain the swimming pool, landscaping and neighborhood roads.
Realtor Lynn Matos has lived in Windmill Gate for 16 years and said she couldn’t be happier anywhere else.
“I love my neighbors,” Matos said. “This is a great community.”