Revenge of the Projects of Key West

It's time for a new update so that my blog followers who have not been to Key West for several months can track the progress (or slowness) of some of the more interesting projects of Key West.

618 Grinnell Street looks quite attractive with its new yellowish color and the new addition at the rear. A pool has been installed, but it is not finished.  A couple of out buildings were added at the rear, but they are no where near complete either.

618 Grinnell St built 1889, photographed 1965

June 2011

September 2012

September 2012

618 Grinnell Street is being substantially rebuilt. The house was elevated and the old peers removed and replaced by new peers that were drilled and placed at cap rock. The back one-third of the house was removed and was rebuilt. New side porches were added to replace the porches that previously existed. The interiors are being re-purposed as well. A structural wall in the original home was removed by a prior owner. The current owner is putting that wall back where it originally was. The work is supposed to be finished by late November. Perhaps I will be able to share some final interior photos with my readers at that time.

911 Watson Street is probably a place you have never driven by because it is off the beaten path. Its notable neighbor to the north is the Key West Cemetery on Olivia Street. Bare Assets is its most famous neighbor to the south on Truman Avenue.  Few locals and fewer tourists drive down this one block street unless they are there for a specific reason. The original house at 911 Watson had several additions and out buildings most of which were demolished after the property was purchased a couple of years ago.  The main cottage was saved and is the focal point for the redevelopment of this incredible 10,000 sq ft lot. Local architect Matthew Stratton designed this project.

I have not discussed the project with the architect or builder. I think we are seeing three different parts of the new house emerge which will have the old house be the focal point where guests arrive. The formal living area and kitchen and dining will likely be at ground level on one side. Perhaps the family or guest bedrooms will be on the upper level. I suspect the master suite will be in the opposite building. Perhaps there will be a stairway from the master suite that leads down to the pool at the rear.

I think the "weathered" look of the front facade is intentional as the boards are crisp and clean. The sides are crisply painted. I like the juxtaposition if that is the fate of this front porch.

909 Flagler Avenue circa 1965

 The former church at 909 Flagler Avenue in the Casa Marina area was destroyed during Hurricane Wilma.  That building and two smaller wood frame buildings were demolished to create a 10,381 sq ft building lot (98' x 106'). The property is located adjacent to the truly historic Reynolds property next door to the left.

July 3rd - notice the firecracker Royal Poinciana Tree at the rear

 909 Flagler Avenue is another project designed by Matthew Stratton. I think the building on the far right will be the master suite as it is separated by what I think is the main living area in the center.  I'll bet family or guest bedrooms will be located to the rear of the garage.

924 Flagler Avenue circa 1965

The house across the street at 924 Flagler Avenue is a restoration of a beautiful Casa Marina home that was owned by one family until the current owner purchased the property a couple of years ago. The house recently had a new roof installed which is being complemented by new copper gutters and copper trim.  The original wood sash windows are being replaced with custom manufactured mahogany windows with hurricane wind resistant glass. These new windows will qualify this home for maximum windstorm insurance mitigation credits but will still retain the charm of this elegant home.

 You probably can't see it, but the original jalousie windows in the upper photograph are now replaced by custom made French doors made of mahogany with newly crafted paladin windows above. It's my theory, but only my theory, that the original paladin windows were meant to compliment the design of the Casa Marina hotel just one half a block away to the west. I found the photo below of the old dining room.

Slowly, but surely, the windows and doors are being replaced.  The original roof has also been replaced by new age materials that replicate the look of the old roof but that provide windstorm insurance credits the former roof was unable to do. Even the double garage got a new roof and copper gutters that will last this Casa Marina beauty well into the next century.

Another Casa Marina area home located at 817 Waddell Avenue has just been completed and is awaiting clean-up of building materials. This beautiful home was designed by Tom Pope. It is located at the corner of Reynolds Street and Waddell Avenue opposite the grounds of the Casa Marina Resort.  I wrote about the vacant lot when it was for sale a couple of years ago.  Construction has taken about one year if my recollection serves me well. I live a couple of blocks away and have taken progressive photos of the space from vacant lot through the stages of development. Landscaping was recently installed. I assume the interiors are complete as plantation shutters protect the interior from prying eyes and there is a nice chair on the second floor front porch for people watching.

December 2010 from Reynolds Street

Changed colors more than twice

817 Waddell Avenue - Key West

The one thing that puzzles me about the property above is why the side yard has not been fenced in.  You can see a new fence being installed about five feet from the pool house at the right rear. The adjacent side yard is probably too small to sell off to some other buyer.  It will be interesting to see how the vacant space is used once the construction has totally ended.

Another new house is the property being built at 615 Thomas Street in Bahama Village, just opposite to the parking entrance to the Shipyard Condominiums in Truman Annex.  An old relic of a falling down house used to sit at this location. Today a substantial new two story home is being constructed where the former cottage once stood. Instead of old school carpentry, this new house is using many modern day building features that will make this home a notable addition to the area.

 

Frequent readers will recall my former listing at 630 Elizabeth Street (below). The house sits at the very top of Solares Hill - the highest point on the Island of Key West. Passers-by could not help notice how badly she looked. The big old girl is getting a major face lift as well as new dentures, a tummy tuck, hip replacement, intestinal bypass, and breast augmentation. I kid you not (well just a little).

630 Elizabeth Street built circa 1887, photographed in 1965

This big old building was traditionally a two unit. In the very old days the downstairs unit was a neighborhood store. Presumably the owner lived on the second floor. Judging from the interiors when I had this property listed for sale, I would guess the interiors were updated in the 1970s. The downstairs was partitioned into several bedrooms with one shared bath and kitchen in the rear. A separate entrance on the left provided access to the second floor apartment which had two bedrooms, one bath and an open living-kitchen area. The front porch on the second level was unsafe and it was removed.  The main level had some noticeable foundation issues and it was the probably the cost of fixing the foundation more than any other issue that deterred most of the potential buyers who looked and lusted after this old house.

The new owner hired an experienced contractor and work has begun on the restoration.  The ground level floor was removed and new foundation built in place. The second level floor and some of the super structure were removed as well. New headers were placed around much of what will re-emerge as the second floor. I included a couple of photos below that permit you to see this great example of balloon framing where the exterior shell is built first. The second floor is then added. And finally interior framing and part ions are added at the end.  In this instance, the second floor balcony will get replaced and new and the old columns either replaced or repaired.  I am eager to see how this turns out. Anticipation!

Early photo showing balloon framing

Something akin to intestinal bypass

517 Elizabeth Street half a century ago

A block to the north the house at 517 Elizabeth Street is being given a new lease on life. Note the fake brick veneer and clam shell awnings that were added to modernize the original house decades ago.

517 Elizabeth Street looked like this in late March 2012 when this house sold in just a couple of weeks. The new owners engaged architect Tom Pope who worked with the new owners to develop a plan to update the house and to provide living spaces that we expect in contemporary Key West homes.

The "new" facade is beginning to appear. Specimen palms have been planted in front. The old garage and part of the rear will be demolished to make way for improvements at the back side and the addition of a pool.

 A couple of years ago I wrote a blog about the then "bank owned" house at 1030 Fleming Street. There was a flurry of interest in that property because of the size, location, and relatively cheap price.  One buyer got a really good deal and started the renovation which has taken nearly two years to get to its present status which appears to be nearly done. 

1030 Fleming before it became bank owned

Before it became bank owned

Renovation in progress December 2011

September 2012 renovation nearly complete

The house at 1030 Fleming Street sold for $530,000 in March 2010. I had a cash buyer who offered just a bit less. My buyer's wife was "iffy" on the project and wasn't committed to spending that much money on a bank owned house. My buyer drew a line in the sand and refused to go higher when presented with a 'best and final' opportunity. I have no idea how much the new owner will have spent on this property to redo the place, but I can guarantee you every dollar spent will have been worth it. The place looks great.  This is the kind of place you drive by and remember that you could have had it if only...

909 Pohalski Lane in late 2010

 I sold the little doll house shown above on Pohalski Lane in early 2011. A few months later most of the house was nearly destroyed by a fire. The owner and I learned the lessons of build back after damage.  HARC and the City of Key West Planning Department have rules regarding how a house damaged by fire or storm can be rebuilt.  The owner engaged noted local architect Tom Pope who designed a new house to fit into the space occupied by the former building. The front facade and part of the front roof were saved. Everything else will be brand spanking new. I will share more details when this house is completed. Until then look at the fire damage below (that section of the house was razed), and look at the front facade and part of the newly built two story house to the rear.

Living room

Dry walling in process

 

Work in Progress

Nearing completion - September 27, 2012

730 Southard St - 1970

730 Southard Street - September 27, 2012

The original house at 730 Southard Street was lived in by the same family for decades. After the matriarch passed a few years ago the property passed to her son who met an untimely demise as well. His widow sold the house in 2010 for $800,000 far short of the original $2,990,000 asking price when first listed in October 2008. The new owners hired Tom Pope as the architect and engaged Todd Kemp as their point person to coordinate the various professionals, contractors, and material men in the renovation of one of Key West's true landmark properties. Maybe someone will write a book about how this house got rebuilt. It is a story worth telling. I'd tell it, but I don't know the facts. I've only heard bits and pieces and watched some of the HARC proceedings on television. The owners deserve a gold medal!

2008

Rear View

 I believe the above photo dates from the 1970s.  Time took its toll on the house at
730 Southard Street. The new owners undertook an ambitious project when they decided to restore this wonderful part of Key West history from the ground up. See the photos below which track a bit of the process.

Original Kitchen being rebuilt from ground up

First and Second story wrap around porches re-engineered and newly built

Insulation under layment for new roof 

 

The restoration at 730 Southard Street has been amazing to watch. I underestimated the time and amount of work that would be necessary to bring
this old gal back to glory. 

The projects of Key West, aren't they something!

3300 Riviera Drive - Key West

The home at 3300 Riviera Drive will appeal to a buyer who wants a house in Key West and on the water. This expansive home with 3402 sq ft of indoor living space was newly built in 1999,  The home is located on the Riviera Canal across from Little Hamaca Park and which has easy boating access to the Atlantic and Gulf. The listing Realtor at Preferred Properties describes the listing this way:

"Situated on three lots with direct water access sits this magnificent two story home with a two car garage and mother-in law suite. As you enter this home, you are greeted by a large living/dining/kitchen space with pocket sliding doors, bringing the outside in. There is a large covered lanai with an outdoor kitchen overlooking the canal and pool which is surrounded by rare tropical plants. On the first level is a bedroom/bath currently being used as an office. On the second level there is en-suite guest room and oversized Master with a very large bathroom complete with jacuzzi,custom fitted walk-in closets, all surrounded by balconies over looking the pool and canal. An electronic lift will hold up to a 12,000 pound boat."

This home is located in the Riviera Shores Subdivision where many of the homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s. This is one of several homes that were built in the last fifteen years on premium waterfront lots in this sought after location. Even though Key West is an island surrounded by water (what else?) there are few single family homes that are actually located on the water. This is one of them.

Foyer

This home has a welcoming foyer that opens into the combined living, dining and kitchen area.  One quite large guest bedroom with en suite bath is located on this level as well. Second guest guest bedroom is located on the second floor on the canal side of the home.  The extra large master suite takes up much of the second floor. This area includes a sumptuous master bath lots of closets. Sets of sliding doors open out to the covered covered second floor porch and first floor veranda.

Master Suite

Wrap around second level porch - Mother in law suite to the right

The two car garage has a second level mother in law suite complete with its own private entrance so she doesn't have to come through the house every time she gets home from yoga classes or writing seminars.

The outdoor living area at this home is wonderful. The covered veranda wraps around the area from the garage all the way to the guest bedroom on the far south side of the home. The outdoor kitchen is shown just above.

The first time I saw any house on the Rivera Canal was at Christmas in 1993. I went on one of the house tours and a canal house was included. I had no idea the canal existed and absolutely no idea who incredibly beautiful and peaceful the mangroves are. Over the years I have shown houses on the Riviera canal and others over in Key Haven. The difference between the two is remarkable. Canal houses on Key Haven usually have neighbors on the opposite side of the canal who can watch you in your pool or on your lanai. Not much privacy in that kind of situation. There are no neighbors with opposing views on the Riviera Canal.

3300 Riviera Drive is offered at $1,999,999. CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and listing photos. If you would like to see this home, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West.  Let me help you find your place in Paradise.

626 Grinnell Street - Old Town - Key West

626 Grinnell Street - Old Town - Key West

The home at 626 Grinnell Street sits on one of the prettiest blocks in Old Town Key West. The home dates back to 1906.  Of course like most of the older homes in Key West, this property has been expanded a bit and updated over the years. The house has 2988 sq ft of living space under air conditioning plus gracious front porch and rear second story balcony off the very large master suite that takes up the back half of the home.

The listing agent describes this property thus:

"Gracious home with large, comfortable living areas hidden behind the facade of a Conch cottage. Currently configured as a two bedroom /three full bath home, this property has the potential and square footage for reconfiguration to a three bedroom home. It is a superb renovation with plenty of spaces to live in and enjoy, located in a great area. Formal living and dining rooms, a master bedroom with private deck and a heated pool and spa in a secluded setting make this a property that should be seen by anyone interested in the Old Town area. Plenty of storage & closet space. Hurricane shutters all around, solar assisted hot water and four zone A/C are among the many convenience and green living feature."

626 Grinnell Street is located one house north of where the street dead ends into the Key West cemetery at Angela Street. Angela Street at that location is a one way street heading west toward Margaret Street. The location is quiet not only because proximity to the cemetery but also because Conch Trains and trolleys don't traverse this street.

One of the darling Key West pocket parks is located across the street. The park is a nice respite for thinking or walking the doggies.

CLICK HERE to view the Key West mls datasheet and to view listing photos of this Victorian era Key West home.  This property is offered by Preferred Properties Key West at $1,225,000 or $418 per sq ft. I don't often discuss houses on a price per sq ft basis because our housing supply is so diverse and that it is difficult to compare the value of an older home like this with its large rooms, features like the ornate tin ceilings and intricate woodwork found in the main level rooms to other properties. I'll make this exception. I just searched our mls and found only ten single family homes in the Old Town area that are 2500 sq ft or large. The average square foot asking price is $754. This property is the lowest priced home on a per sq basis of any of the ten houses.

If you would like to see this home or any other property in Key West, please contact me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642 or send me an email kw1101v@aol.com.  I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. 

Key West Vacation Rental Scam

I got an email a couple of days ago which read "I was reading your information about KEY West housing renovations and I saw 319 Grinnel ST.  Could you tell me if the renovation is complete.  I believe I saw it on a Forcloser list and I  am wondering if it is in liveable condition." 

I had actually walked past that house last week as I was taking photos for an upcoming blog. I wrote about 319 Grinnell Street on September 13. 2011 when it was listed as a bank owned foreclosure.   It sold very quickly. But nothing has happened since the new owner took title. At least nothing noticeable other than a "No Parking" sign that was posted by the driveway. 

I sent the email writer a response and said the house had not been renovated and told him to be weary of any rentals on Craigslist or most other non-realtor websites.  I suggested that he actually call and speak to a live person and not pay any money on anything that he could not verify.

The email writer was in fact doing his own due diligence by contacting me. A day later he sent me a new email with the link to the website which supposedly has 319 Grinnell Street in Key West available for rent.  The web address is:

I went to that link and found addresses, photos, and descriptions of the four properties shown there as available for rent. Just below you can see photos of the actual properties.  If you go to that website, your browser will reacting if you click the photos and search info for too long. So beware.

319 Grinnell Street - 2011

319 Grinnell on 9-26-2012

803 Olivia St on 9-26-2012

The supposed property rental site shows an address of 805 Olivia Street. There is no such address. See the adjacent vacant lot. It belongs to 803 Olivia. The next house to the east is 811 Olivia Street.  Google the address for yourself.

The fake website show interior photos of a Meadows townhome located in the 1500 block of Petronia Street. Our office sold out those properties a couple of years ago. I recognize the interiors. CLICK our website for proof.

510 Frances St on 9-26-2012

510 Frances St actually exists. However, this is not the same property shown on the fake website. If you bother to look at the fake website photo for this property you will see a large rectangular pool. Fraud!  The actual pool is shown immediately below.

Pool at 510 Frances Street

213 Julia St on 9-26-2012

213 Julia Street appears to be a large multi-unit apartment building in the Bahama Village area of Key West. 

I have no idea who the internet frauder is or where he or she is located. It could be some person in Key West, but I doubt it.  The supposed website has a telephone number listed. The email writer told me he has made numerous phone calls none of which get answered.

I recommend people who plan to rent a private home or condo rent through a local property management company with a physical address in Key West such as Rent Key West, Compass Realty, Historic Hideaways, At Home In Key West, Preferred Properties, and others.  Be wary properties you see on Craigslist or other sites.  It's your money and your vacation you are gambling with. Whatever you do, do not send any deposit by Paypal or Western Union.