1022 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida - Legal Duplex and a Great Old Town Location

Just Listed, but not by me, 1022 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida. This is another unique Old Town property for several reasons. I did a quick check of the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps to see if I could determine when this building was built.  The 1889 Sanborn Map showed a small building on what I am certain was the lot for 1022 Fleming, but the building was way too small and set back on the lot so far that the building could not have been the current structure. The building was numbered 425 Fleming Street on that map. The 1892 map showed it numbered with the new number of 926 Fleming and was further identified as a grocer. I looked at other nearby buildings within 200 feet or so and learned there was another grocer plus a general merchandise store across the street at the corner of Frances at Fleming and a barber located midway down the block toward Duval Street. I also learned that the Cologne Lane (located about 50 feet west of what I know is 1022 Fleming) had its name changed to Nassau Lane on the 1892 map. It was not until the 1912 map that 1022 Fleming Street appeared in the right location. Thus we know this house was built sometime between 1899 and 1912.

I then searched through my old shoebox and found a black and white photo of 1022 Fleming Street that dates back to 1965.  That's only 50 years ago, but it shows the house before more recent additions changed the exterior a bit.  If you look at the black and white photo you will quickly see an exterior staircase on the left side which leads to the second floor. Notice a gap in the first floor wrap-around porch where a set of stone or concrete steps provide entry to the porch. Then look to the far right side where you'll notice a more formal stairway leading to what appears to be the front door which at that time had glass louvers. The property is a legal duplex. The above photo shows us that the second unit is located on the second floor and was historically accessed via the outdoor staircase. Today that staircase is semi-enclosed. See the two color photos below.

The listing Realtor describes 1022 Fleming Street this way:

"This stately home is located in the heart of Old Town, near the Historic Seaport and surrounded by some of the most beautiful homes on the island. The property is prime for a renovation. It's a legal duplex that could be converted back to a single family home or supply its owner with rental income from above or below. The home features an abundance of well-maintained Dade County pine, beautiful oak floors, and gorgeous natural light that shows off its phenomenal potential. Enjoy the peaceful views over Old Town tree tops or gaze out along Fleming Street from the magnificent double wraparound porches. Off street parking and a private pool put the finishing touches on this masterpiece."

This is a very pretty house from both the street and from the inside.  It offers the same basic features on both floors with slight variations.  Both units have living areas located at the rear with kitchens tucked into the left rear corners.  Both have pool and garden views from the rear. The main floor unit has direct pool access. The second floor unit has a balcony that looks down to the pool and out toward the neighboring homes. Both units have two bedrooms which are accessed via the quite large west side interior hallway. The hallway has plenty of ambient daytime light that floods this hall. The bedrooms also have an exterior porch on the east and front sides.  East side windows in all bedrooms open out to this hallway onto the covered porches.

The above photos show the first floor configuration. The owners created a contemporary feel in this hundred year-plus house.  The Dade County Pine walls are painted a stark white which beautifully contrasts to the rich wood floors. The hallway provides a great space for displaying artwork. There are built-inshelves and more storage not visible in the photos.

The second floor is laid out pretty much the same as the main floor, however, the rear addition boasts a paladin window opposite the storage loft. CLICK HERE to view more photos of 1022 Fleming Street.

1022 Fleming Street is offered at $1,095,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this really pretty and quite unique Old Town home.  This home gives a potential new homeowner the ability to have his cake and to eat it too. The ability to rent out either the top floor or main floor ought to generate a good cash flow either as a full time annual rental or as a vacation rental. The property could also be converted into a single family residence.  Remember, there is a pool here.  There is plenty of on street parking as well. Please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 to set up a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.