317 Whitehead Street, Key West - Dream Small

Robert F. Kennedy said "Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not."

Senator Kennedy was not talking about houses. I know that. Nor was Martin Luther King Jr when he said "I have a dream."

Neither was talking about real estate. They were exploring what might be, what could be, what should be. Aspirations. 

I applied for a job one time. The lady interviewing me asked me why I was not involved in more civic activities. I told her I was doing the best I could taking care of myself and my house. I thought making a nice home with a nice yard was a good contribution to society. Wouldn't the world be better off if we all did that? And keep out noses out of other peoples business (or what they do with their houses).

I have two old movies that really inspired me over the years. They both focus on giving new life to old and abandoned buildings - which in turn gives meaning to the lives of the people involved in the change and their progeny for years to come. 

The first is Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream House. I have blogged about this movie a couple of times. It is as inspirational as almost any world War II movie. You must watch - thee are so many sub plots.

The second is The Egg and I. It is the forerunner of Green Acres only with real stars, real humor, real sense of family, and areal sense of accomplishment.

Enough talking. I want to sell you 317 Whitehead Street, Key West. I have often written here that houses are just boxes. I think about those boxes when watching movies or TV shows and even more so when I see new homes or buildings in real life. I sometimes marvel at the genius of artisans who create wonderful boxes in their minds and the craftsmen who turn dreams into realities.  

Some people who have looked at 317 Whitehead Street can't figure out what to do with it. They ask me the price and cringe when they hear it. $2,000,000. I show them all the info, discuss the lot, and so on. They think I am daft or that my Seller is Mad Greedy or all of the above. I am not nor is my Seller. 

Consider 317 Whitehead Street as a box. The owner has obtained permission from our Historic Architectural Review Commission tear down the large concrete block appendage on the south and to build a new structure there. That is a big deal in itself. That does not mean a buyer must do that or anything. It means a new can take down that hideous building and must renovate the wood building.

I know the building looks like hell right now. It won't when it is renovated. And it won't cost an Arm and a Leg to do the renovation I am suggesting. 

 

This is the concrete block building after it was constructed. It had a wood clapboard facade added. 

I say take it down. Focus on the actual small wood cottage that measures 38 feet by 25 feet. It has 10 foot ceilings and can be made into a really wonderful two bedroom house with pool and parking on a lot that measures 67 feet by 100 feet. 

This is a post card from a hundred years ago showing the houses across the street. They are still there and look like - let's say more than a few million dollars today. Imagine how much they will be worth in ten or twenty years. Imagine what 317 Whitehead will be worth.

 "Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were, and say why not."

If you think I am nuts, you should see what some recent buyers are spending for houses all over Key West. They are the nut jobs. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet for 317 Whitehead Street, Key West. Then click on the DOCUMENTS tab which includes the HARC approved plans, Survey, Flood Elevation Certificate, and Warranty Deed which includes permissible residential and commercial zoning uses for this site. The tab does not work on Zillow or Realtordotcom. Give me, Gary Thomas, Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West a call. Have a Dream. 

317 Whitehead Street, Key West - Bring Your Imagination

 

Just Listed 317 Whitehead Street, Key West. The building at the top left is an historic structure and cannot be taken down. The building on the right is actually concrete block construction and has been approved from demolition by the City of Key West Historic Architectural Approval Commission. The plans provide for the construction of a similar new Conch Style building plus second floor addition that extends far to the rear. The photo just above show the approximate location of where a new pool and sundeck area could be located. The area woul have a new fence and garden and would not be like anything visible today. 

I remember walking up and down Duval Street many times on my first visit to Key West. I ventured east and west on some of the side streets which then were a bit "sketchy:. But that was nearly forty years ago. So much has changed. The once forlorn streetscape it now mostly renovated. Not all, but mostly. Prices were relatively "cheap: then. Not so now. Key West has grown up in so many ways. A town built by pirates and thieves is now managed by politicians with MBA and Legal degrees. 

As much as I jest, Key West is still the best. It is BOOM TOWN right now. There is a lot of money coming here. I know more than I can say. I was awed by the hotels that were purchased prior to Covid. More is on the way in short order and at higher prices than before. More money is flowing into Key West. 

CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and CLICK the DOCUMENTS tab. There you can view the most recent Survey of the property as well as the HARC Approved Demolition and Renovation Plans. A new buyer could seek amend the plans to suit a new owners needs. Or a new owner could keep the existing buildings and renovate them. Options are open. Offered at $2,000,000.

I am the Listing Agent.Text me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to sec up a private showing.i am a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Bring your imagination.And Proof of Funds.