KEY WEST: A LIVING CITY

 
 

Despite its reputation as an historic district, Key West has never been frozen in time.  Life went on, times changed, and housing changed to suit.  Come tour five private homes illustrating that point.  Somewhat ironically, they form a ring around the Cemetery.

The tour is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 14 and 15, from 10 am  to 4 pm.  Tickets are $ 30 and are available in advance.  For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.  Tickets are also available for purchase by check or cash at:  Capital Bank, (Old Town & North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; MM30.4, Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Highway, Marathon); and Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd.).  During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

If other Valentine weekend activities interfere, remember you are welcome to split your visits over two days and see the homes in any order.

OIRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of architectural treasures in the City of Key West and the celebration, honor, and recognition of the historical achievements of the Island.  Funds raised from the tours will be used to maintain the Oldest House, for the Foundation’s grants program, scholarships and other endeavors furthering our preservation goals.

FEATURED HOUSES

(photographs by P.D. Cummings, 2014)

618 grinnell

618 GRINNELL ST

“Eyebrow” is an indigenous house style, but this one had some uncommon features since its construction.  After serving as a winter home for one Northern family since 1938, its new owners have continued the tradition of adaptation to the times.  The pool area includes a hurricane-rated bathhouse.

 704 white

704 WHITE ST

A fire in 1923 caused an architectural transformation in this neighborhood.   Rows of tiny cigar-roller cottages were consumed by the flames.  They were replaced by several larger houses constructed in the then-contemporary “bungalow” style on larger lots.  A cheerful yellow exterior encloses a surprisingly airy interior.

 1214 OLIVIA

1214 OLIVIA ST

Victorian design caught on late in Key West; undeveloped lots at the edge of town lent themselves to embellished residences like this c. 1905 beauty.  Know as “The Monastery” because it was church-owned at one point, there is nothing austere about the lifestyle it now encloses.  Modern additions include a media room and an impressive outdoor kitchen and bar gazebo.

114 margaret 1114 MARGARET ST

A dilapidated cigar-roller cottage was demolished in 1968 to make room for a plain but practical concrete block box.  Recent renovations by its architect/owner added living space as well as retro/contemporary style.  Hand-crafted furnishings and artwork reinforce the design aesthetic.

 710 windsor compass

710 WINDSOR LN

Yes, there are entirely new houses in “Old Town”.  This tropical modern home on a double lot was constructed using innovative 21st Century techniques and materials (SIPS – Structural Insulated Panels) that are energy-efficient, eco-friendly and storm-resistant. The décor is variations in blue.

 BONUS

Free admission to GardenFest at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on College Road, February 15th & 16th for February House Tour ticket holders.

Mark your calendar for these OIRF Events

  • Friday, 14th & Saturday, 15th 10am-4pm: March House Tour 
  • Saturday, March 1st at Noon:  Conch Shell Blowing Contest
  • Saturday, February 22nd, 5-7pm:  “Una Raza – One Race” sculpture exhibition opening at Oldest House garden