718 Caroline Street, Key West

There are two new listings located 718 Caroline Street and 720 Caroline Street in Historic Seaport Area of Key West. I got a chance to see the interiors a couple of weeks ago before the listing agreement had been signed. I immediately recognized the building had been updated and expanded a few years ago, but I had no idea the building dated back to the beginning of the Twentieth Century.

I first searched the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps that date back to 1889 and successive editions. I found a building on this site on the 1889 map, but I could immediately tell it was not this building because the maps were precisely drawn to identify the size and location in case the building would be destroyed. It was not until the 1912 map that the current building appeared at the corner of Peacon Lane (previously known as Gruntbone Alley). Whereas the previous building was set back from Caroline Street and away from Gruntbone Alley, the 1912 building was located at the property line of both streets. That is the building that still exists today.  The Monroe County Property Appraiser dates the building to 1918.  I think I am correct and no matter if the date is off by a couple of years either way, it is still an old building.

1965

1970

I then dug into my old shoebox and found the top two photos which show the original building in 1965 and 1970. There is a notation on the 1965 photo stating the small building with awning projecting over sidewalk was "demolished" indicating that was done after the photo was taken. The next photo shows the building as it appeared in 1970. Note that both photos show the building is but one story tall. The aerial photo above was taken in 1999. I added a mark to show 718 Caroline Street as it exists today. You can immediately see the building was then two storys tall and has a widow's walk on the roof. I selected to add this photo to the blog because it also shows the Historic Seaport just a short 18 years ago before the massive renovation took place there. During the past four years Caroline Street was rebuilt as well to provide better access for the movement of people and vehicles in the area.

 The building as currently configured consists of two ground floor commercial units (not for sale) and two residential condominiums distinguished by different street numbers.  718 Caroline Street is a 1589 sq ft two bedroom two bath unit with incredible views to the north and the south.

The main living level is actually on the second floor of the building. Both units share the broad and sunny deck on this level. When you pass through the double front door opening you enter into a light filled living area with treetop views of nearby Peacon Lane.  That lane begins one block to the south at Eaton Street and ends at Caroline Street. Most people (including locals) do not know it exits. Almost all traffic will emanate from the few people who live on this lane and the few tourists who happen upon it by accident.

The smaller of the two bedrooms is located at the front of the building where it shares the balcony with 720 Caroline Street both of which have commanding views of Caroline Street. The historic seaport is located one block to the north. Pepe's Cafe is located one block to the east and Dante's is located two blocks further. Dante's has become favorite daytime hangout of locals and returning guests. They can swim and/or drink and dine all day long by the huge pool.

The master bedroom of 718 Caroline Street has a couple of views unlike others you'll probably experience elsewhere in Old Town. From the south third floor private deck you can view the rooftops  of the other homes on Peacon Lane.  This unit has the only access to the widow's walk atop the house. There you have a commanding view of the Caroline Street corridor and the historic seaport.
CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and to view more photos of 718 Caroline Street offered at $825,000.

720 Caroline Street has 1567 sq ft of living space on two floors. The open concept living area integrates nicely with the broad second floor sundeck. The smaller of the two bedrooms fronts onto the Caroline Street balcony. The master suite is on the second floor. It has expansive view of the southern skies. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 720 Caroline Street offered at $825,000.

The commercial and residential condominiums share proportionately in the monthly condominium dues which cover all building insurance, building maintenance, and common area maintenance. 718 Caroline pays $861.90 and 720 Caroline pays $849.94.

These units are being offered separately, however, one buyer might prefer to buy both and claim a stake in the future of Old Town. This building has both a historic past and prominent presence.  Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule a private showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.