If You Build It, They Will Come!

The photo above is of workers cleaning up after the great hurricane of 1935 that killed hundreds and that left much of the Florida Keys in ruins. Bridges to Key West were wiped out and Henry Flagler's railroad that ended in Key West just ended. Forever.

Ever since the Civil War, Key West was a strategic location for the United States Navy. The United States was in the middle of the Great Depression when the hurricane decimated the Florida Keys and money was scarce - everywhere. The bridges to Key West had to be rebuilt. And they were. The above photo shows the first of the new bridges that re-connected Key West to the mainland. A few short years later Japan attacked the United States and brought us into World War II. Key West emerged as a critical base for Navy operations.

Key West - 1943

Written on the back of the above photo: WAR BOOMS KEY WEST. Wartime installations in Key West are so big that a third of the town has been slowly swallowed by the Navy. It is now, perhaps, the most important spot on the map of the Caribbean area. Key West repairs and supplies and berths ships from the Seven Seas. New War housing pops up on all sides. 780 dwelling units in low cost housing project, 900 more in two War housing groups, and 350 little frame homes that are selling for $3,500 and bought before they are finished. Key West had only 12,000 persons before the war. It now has 40,000. Here is a view down a street in one of the two new war housing projects. 17 March 1943.

It looks like it was a good thing that the bridges to Key West were re-built when they were. Even greater projects like the TVA and Hoover Dam were built during the Great Depression. Both projects were massive undertakings and terribly expensive - especially when money was so scarce. During the Depression these projects employed thousands of workers which in turn helped get the economy to grow. They gave provided water and electricity a few short years later when World War II tested our national metal. The projects were trans-formative as played a major role in the development of the new south and the expansion in the west in the years that followed.

The recent photo above was taken at the end of one of the bridges destroyed during the 1935 hurricane. The sentiment spray painted on the bridge is recent and reflects the huge schism in modern day America.

Like so many teen's in the early 1960's, I was inspired by John F. Kennedy. Kennedy challenged my generation to be better and to achieve more. His vision of the New Frontier thrust America into outer space arguably was the most trans-formative force in American history. We went to the moon. Then we helped build the international space station and began making routine commutes up there. It is how we got there that changed how we live today. The Internet in all of its forms and incarnations, telecommunication, medicine, transportation (cars, planes, trains, and even bikes) are all beneficiaries of new technologies and new materials developed as part of the space race that improved our lives. Like the Hoover Dam, the TVA, and the reconstruction of bridges to Key West, investments in space exploration proved so valuable for decades that followed.

Univac

Sole phone

"Univac" and telephone rolled into one simple, lightweight device that is changing our world

Who would have imagined how much different our world would be fifty years after Kennedy challenged us to go to the moon? Science fiction became science fact - on steroids. Who now can argue that the money spent then was a waste, a boondoggle? I guess some could argue that computers, digital communication and miniaturization would inevitably would have happened. Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the investment made in the 1960s assuredly is still reaping benefits five decades later just as the investment in the Hoover Dam, the TVA, and the bridges to Key West continue to make our common lives better.

There is no present discussion of any big ideas or any grand projects in our national dialogue. Instead the discussion is about our looming national debt and how we are going to pay for government in the future and to pay for programs and entitlement payments that occurred in the past. Past unfunded obligations include two major wars, bank bailouts, and tax breaks for the rich.

It riles me to no end that we are spending our national treasure to "rebuild" Afghanistan when we need to spend that money at home rebuilding our own villages, towns, and cities. We need to spend money on big trans-formative projects like the Hoover Dam or the TVA and smaller projects like rebuilding bridges to places like Key West. Those big projects and those little bridges keep people employed and create the opportunity for business growth and development for decades.

The roads and bridges to Key West destroyed by the great hurricane of 1935 were re-built. People have been coming to the Keys for decades from far and wide for business and pleasure like this couple from Kansas in the 1950's .

912 Windsor Lane - Old Town - Key West - Bank Owned

The new listing at 912 Windsor Lane will be under contract within a couple of days because it has so many of the features many second home buyers look for in a potential Key West property including three bedrooms, two baths plus a half bath, vaulted ceiling in the living area, a private pool, and off street parking. You would never guess this house would have a pool or parking if you view it from the street. But it and the other similar old Conch cottages on Windsor Lane share a common entrance off Olivia Street where owners enter their homes from the rear instead of from Windsor Lane.


The house is a comfortable 1342 sq ft of living space that sits on a 26' x 100' lot. A previous listing of this property described the house this way: "Totally private Key West indoor/outdoor living space behind a historic facade. Open kitchen/great room with French doors opening to a deck with both sun and shade."

Pool photos from prior mls listing

As I recall this place will need some fix-up. And I am confident the pool and property do not look as good today as they did when the above photos of the pool and rear yard were taken. Pools and yards can be cleaned. Repairs can be made and broken things can be fixed or replaced. Having a pool in place and parking in such a great location is worthy of serious consideration.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located up at the corner of Windsor Lane at Truman Avenue. Duval Street is just a four three block walk walk to the west. There are numerous gyms, yoga studios, and neighborhood shops and services within a few blocks of this location. But it is the nearness to all of the Old Town area that makes this location so very appealing.

912 Windsor Lane is Bank Owned and offered for sale at the asking price of $299,900. If you are interested in seeing this property or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

Pied-à-Terre por Vous? - Bank Owned - Key West

526 William William Street - Old Town - Key West

The term "Pied-à-terre" comes to mind when you first see 526 William Street Unit #3. What you don't expect is to read the words "Bank Owned" immediately thereafter. When you do, read on. This sharp 2 bedroom 1 and 1/2 bath two story unit is located on the second and third floors of the chic Delancey Hall Condominium. The living room and kitchen share the second floor space with a half bath. An interior stairway leads to the third floor bedrooms and bath. The front second floor balcony is shared with the unit across the hall. Other units in the building have their own private outdoor spaces.

There are only five units in this building that was very tastefully renovated in 2001. The facade just oozes class. Architecturally speaking, I think this building is one of the most handsome in all of Old Town. It just looks important. The side gate provides entry to the shared pool and bricked courtyard area at he rear. There is no off street parking. Since most of the surrounding properties are single family homes, street parking is not an issue.

Unit #3 is now BANK OWNED and offered for sale at $315,000. It is located on the north side second floor front of the building. I co-listed this unit in 2004-2005. I held several open houses at this property. Everybody loved it and the location. The only issue raised was the height of the bathroom ceiling. It is tucked into the roof and a tall person (someone over 6') will have to bend the neck to the side while taking a shower. Tall people tell me they often have to bend to fit in many places. Other than that the two bedrooms and bath are comfortably sized. This unit would make an excellent getaway place or one could live here full time.

Delancey Hall is one of the very best renovations I have seen in Key West. The quality of the workmanship and the superior interior finishes look as good today as they did ten years ago when the original renovation was completed. Buyers that work with me know that I am quick to point out shoddy construction and poor workmanship. Nobody should pay good money for unprofessional construction. Each Delancey Hall unit was built to high quality standards.

The Monroe County Property Appraiser shows this unit as having 955 sq ft of living space. The listing agent varies and relies on an appraisal that shows 657 sq ft. All previous listings (including the original developer's agent) showed the unit as having 955 sq ft.

This unit ought to sell this week. Seriously. This is a great building and this unit has all of the features second home (and many primary) homeowners want. You cannot beat the location; the building is both solid and beautiful; the price is affordable.

(Interior photos are from 2004)

Locals and frequent visitors know the value of a good location, and 526 William Street is located in the very heart of the Historic District. The Key West Seaport is three blocks to the north. There are lots of great restaurants and water based activities there. Duval Street is just a five minute walk to the west. Mangia Mangia is a block to the east at the corner of Margaret and Southard. Five Brothers is located one block further to the east where you can get your morning gossip and cafe con leche at the same time. Fausto's Food Palace is three blocks west on Fleming. Fausto's has a great wine selection plus one of the best real butcher markets in Key West. And Fausto's always has fresh sushi. One-half block off the corner of Duval and Eaton you will find the Tropic Cinema, a hangout for the elite of Key West. The point is you can eat and greet and meet just about anywhere in Old Town within a few minutes walk of bike ride.

If you would like to see this unit or get more information, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. Do not wait until it is too late!

Key West Beach Club - Sunrise to Sunset Waterfront Living

Key West Beach Club at Sunrise

Shorty after sunrise at the west pool - Key West Beach Club

Do you do laps? You can here.

The Gym is snuggled between the two buildings flanked by pools on either side

Workout Watching the "Waves"

Key West Beach Club Condominiums have been one of the most sought after locations for years because there is no other place like it in Key West. Each unit faces the Atlantic Ocean head on. There are only four floors so the views vary from in perspective a bit as the floors rise. The units located on the first floor enjoy the soft sounds of gentle waves as they lap the shore from sunrise to sunset and beyond. It's almost like you could hang your legs over the balcony and wiggle your toes in the sand. You can't, of course, but you get my meaning.

1500 Atlantic (BEACH CLUB) Unit No. A 105 was just listed for sale, but not by me, at the asking price of $832,000. The listing broker describes this unit thus:

"True Oceanfront living in Key West: a two bedroom, two bath end unit with fabulous panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. All of the quiet elegance for which the Key West Beach Club is so well known. A large private balcony overlooking native shoreline with the ocean beyond and the background of gentle lapping water day and night with the lights of White Street Pier in the distance. Amenities include two waterfront swimming pools with outdoor gazebos, tennis court and a fitness center. An unbelievably stunning and serene location."

This 1401 sq ft two bedroom and two bath home features formal entry opening onto the shared living and dining area which has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean through a wall of sliding glass doors that open onto a 344 square foot balcony. The master suite shares the same balcony and enjoys the same ocean views. This home is located at the end of Building A with easy access to garage parking and storage directly underneath via elevator or stairs. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos of this waterfront unit.

White Street Pier in the distance where locals view fireworks on the 4th

Real tanning "beds"...

...Or Cabana Tans with cocktails?

Ocean views change minute by minute and there is nothing like watching the sky and ocean as time passes from sunrise to sunset. In the evening you can watch tiny little boats bobbing up and down and create wonderful stories about what is going on out there. Or you can mind your own business and create your own drama in your oceanfront Beach Club home.

Sunset view from the end of the White Street Pier

If you would like to see Beach Club Unit A 105 please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.

1217 Newton Street - Key West

Traditional front door leads to non-traditional guest quarters with loft bedroom

Sir Isaac Newton's first law of motion states that an object remains at rest unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. The house at 1217 Newton Street in the Meadows Area of Key West is the perfect example of a house at rest, unaffected by the unbalanced world outside the picket fence. All inside is serene, sophisticated, and stylish.The listing Realtor describes this truly one-of-a-kind home this way:

"Elegant and sophisticated historic home located in the highly desirable Meadows neighborhood of Old Town Key West. Exquisite renovation with open floor plan, great room, beautiful kitchen with custom Dade County pine cabinets, built in breakfast area, high ceilings and view of the lush tropical yard. Covered outside living room and inviting pool and spa afford the best of Key West outdoor living. Great sunset views and panoramic views of Key West from third floor sky-deck make for a great location to watch the sunrise or enjoy a famous Key West sunset. Large master bedroom with sitting area en-suite, generous storage and closets and high ceilings make this home glamorous yet comfortable. Truly a Key West Historic Tropical Oasis."

Living room with built-ins everywhere

Covered outdoor living room overlooks the pool and spa

Miniature "cottage" behind the pool secretly houses pool equipment

The main entrance to this home is located mid-way along the west side wall. A high privacy fence separates this home from the place next door. A covered porch protects you from sun or rain at the main entry. As soon as you open the main door you know you are at someplace "special" because most houses in most places don't look like this. The first thing I noticed when I entered was the dark toned walls offset by windows and doors that permit lots of diffuse light to illuminate this cozy space. Cozy, yes, but not small. The rooms have very high ceilings which give the living area a most spacious aura. My eyes were drawn to the French doors that lead to the rear covered living area and the pool and spa beyond. A separate built in seating area is nestled under palms at the rear. This place is just too wonderful for words. Seriously.


A spiral staircase leads to the second level. There is a second office located on the landing. Once inside the master suite I was amazed again. The bedroom area has a large built in TV hidden behind paneled doors when not in use. Underneath you will find a fireplace. How warm is that? Doors on either side of the TV/fireplace wall lead to the separate treetop sitting area that is surrounded on three sides by windows that look out to lush palm foliage. It's like a cabin in the sky. A separate TV with fireplace below invite you to lounge in luxury.

Second floor landing leads to master suite or third floor rooftop deck

The master bedroom with TV hidden above fireplace below

Tree top master suite living area with separate fireplace for sophisticated lounging

The spiral staircase finally leads to the top tier which is the third floor sundeck which has a mini outdoor kitchen, an opulent shower, and a deck for dining or sunning or whatever you choose. No prying eyes can see up here. What I did notice, however, was that everything up here (which a lot of people would deem throw away space) was treated just the opposite. Everything is precise and of highest quality. CLICK HERE to view a slide show of photos I took of this amazing home.

Rooftop deck

There are built-ins everywhere. Function is often disguised as art or architecture. It works. There are several small rooms which are designed to create the illusion of much larger spaces. One example is the guest bedroom located just off the living area. Two "bunk" beds are built into the space with a ship ladder providing access to the upper bunk: what a clever use of space. A second example is the first floor off located just off the formal entry. The office turned a small space into an area with a lot of utility.

Because 1217 Newton Street has the separate front guest quarters, this place could work for an absentee owner who might want to rent the main residence as a vacation rental and still keep a nifty getaway retreat for him or her self. You can only do one rental in a situation like that, but it would be permissible.

As wonderful as this home is, it won't work for everyone. The spiral staircase would be a problem for a family with really young kids or old folks who have difficulty with stairs. Otherwise, 1217 Newton Street might just help you put your unbalanced world in order. The house has 1424 sq ft of living space (indoors) divided between the primary residence and the guest suite. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet on this remarkable property. It is offered at $895,000.

If you would like to see this great property or any other house in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email at kw1101v@aol.com. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West. This home is really worth looking at!

1012 Southard Street - Premier Old Town Location - Key West

1012 Southard Street - Old Town - Key West

Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. (that's where I work) is the listing broker for 1012 Southard Street in Old Town Key West.

We all know the Golden Rule of Real Estate: "Location, Location, Location". The home at 1012 Southard Street has a premier location. This particular block has several architecturally or historically significant homes. The house next door at 1020 Southard CLICK HERE for example was the feature home in an Architectural Digest in 2003. Just about everybody recognizes the Gingerbread Man House CLICK HERE house two doors to the east. The simple yet majestic home across the street CLICK HERE dominates the smaller somewhat smaller houses on the rest of the block. If you haven't been to Key West for a year or so you will see that the Haitian Art Gallery has been replaced by Jan George Interior Design but you will be glad to see that Cafe Sole is still where it belongs. Five Brothers Grocery and Sandwich Shop is a block to the west. And the rest of Key West is at your footsteps.

The listing Broker describes 1012 Southard Street this way:

"Super value in a most sought after location in historic old town! This charming property features a 3/2 home that could be a show place w/some updating/renovation plus a move in ready 1/1 guest cottage. Both houses open to the covered lanai and spacious, sunny decked pool area. The large lot features off-street parking. This is a great opportunity!"

Guest Cottage is to the left

Guest Cottage

According to the Monroe County Property Appraiser the house at 1012 Southard Street was built circa 1899. The house has been expanded and updated over the years. There is a really cute guest cottage at the rear that adds to the total square footage of the property. The 1932 sq ft home and cottage have a total of four bedrooms and three baths and sit on a large 50' x 100' lot. (That is a really big lot for Old Town!) There is ample off street parking for two cars.

Look at the photo immediately below that appeared in the 2003 Architectural Digest cover story about the house next door. These two adjacent properties share part of the canopies of the great trees that adorn both of the backyards. I think a clever designer could transform 1012 Southard Street into a similarly secluded but inviting retreat. If you look closely at that photo you won't see gobs of cash having been spent. Instead, you will see simple architectural lines and natural materials that create a living space that blend harmoniously with the incredible backyard space. Don't underestimate the power of simplicity. I think the house and grounds at 1012 Southard Street could be tweaked to create a similar ambiance.

Pool and cottage of adjacent property featured in 2003 Architectural Digest

1012 Southard Street is now offered at just $849,000 or $439 per sq ft. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos.

If you are looking for a single family house in Old Town with a legal separate cottage, off street parking, and a pool for under a million dollars, you really need to see 1012 Southard Street. Please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or by email at kw1101v@aol.com to arrange a showing. I am a buyer's agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Coastal Realty, Inc. in Key West.