Beginning in about 1912, early developer and major Longboat Key landowner Rufus Jordan used a block making machine to construct many of the early residences on the North end Longboat Key. Utilizing rusticated stone blocks made on or near the construction, Rufus Jordan constructed all but one of the rusticated concrete block historic structures making up the original area of Longbeach. Mar Vista is one of these structures.
The Rufus and Annie Jordan House "Mar Vista" is one of the twelve oldest surviving structures on Longboat Key. Although the Room House has received some modifications over time, it continues to maintain its historic significance as the former residence of Rufus Jordan, who played a significant role in the early development, settlement, and construction activity on Longboat Key during the 1910