1517 Washington Street - Key West - Dreams Fulfilled

1517 Washington Street - June 2011

1517 Washington Street - June 2011

February 2012 the look is just a bit different

Some Readers may remember when I wrote about 1517 Washington Street in May 2011 when Preferred Properties listed it for sale at the asking price of $425.000. I wrote:

"The house was built in 1963 so it has the architecture of that era. The slanted roof and jalousie windows give this house a distinguished look. Some may not like it, but others will embrace it. Much of the architecture in the Mid Town and New Town areas of Key West have similar features. Some buyers do blow-outs or tear downs and reconfigure and expand the living space. Others prefer to conserve money and fix that which is broken and update that which needs it. When money is tight, some new owners prefer to keep things simple and do low cost improvements rather than big renovation projects. This house could go either way in my opinion. This house has been perfectly maintained and will be just fine if left as is. Serious! It is old Florida."

The property was purchased by Kent Ducote and Guillermo Orozco. Kent is a Realtor that works at a Doug Mayberry Realty. Guillermo Orozco is an architect whose name and designs I have referred to several times in my little blog. They just completed their renovation of 1517 Washington Street and I was invited to see the results.

I had not been past the house in the months since it was sold. As I drove near I immediately saw a large fence in front and recognized Guillerm0's sleek minimalist style.

The new owners removed the old jalousie windows, revamped the kitchen, and added a new bath on the east side of the house. They kept most of the interiors the way they were, but they are still different. The Cuban tile floors and the stained wood ceiling remain the two focal points of this mid century home. The interiors were painted white so the interior will not confuse the observer with too many diversions from the simplicity of the design. Less really is more. Take a look at some before and after shots of the same living areas and see if you do not agree that for these new homeowners, theirs is a dream fulfilled.

Former living room. Note the door to left of the clam shell table. That door is now the main entry into the home.

The new living room pays homage to the old Cuban tiles

Former semi-enclosed front porch

Contemporary home office anyone would admire

This kitchen had been updated from original but...

...It lacked the finesse the new owners desired.

The wall separating the living room from the kitchen and dining area was shortened and new cabinets and counters were installed. The Cuban tiled floors gracefully blend the two living areas together.

Original master bedroom

Same space, different look, new bath added to the left

Stunning new addition added so much utility and grace to this dream home.

Former second bedroom ...

...is now a functional office

The old carport...

...is now the inviting entry into this lovely home.

This project was much more than just replacing windows, painting walls, installing a new kitchen, adding a new bathroom, and erecting a privacy fence. Each individual element was part of a harmonious plan that used the existing building and its design elements as the basis upon which the replacements and additions would play upon. The result is a simple and harmonious blend of old with new. Not everybody can pull this off. That's why regular folks hire architects and designers if they want to get things done correctly. This blog is not a plug for Guillermo, but you must respect his and Kent's vision. Proof is in the pictures. CLICK HERE to see more photos.

If you are looking for a Key West house that you could turn into your dream home, please CLICK HERE to search the Key West Association of Realtors mls database. If you see something you like, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Let me help you find your place in Paradise.