CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS CONTINUES AT GATO BUILDING; DEPT. OF HEALTH GIVEN OK TO RETURN

KEY WEST, FL – In an abundance of caution, Monroe County closed the Gato Building on Simonton Street in Key West due to detecting a small amount of lead in dust from the spalling repairs on the historic building. Testing determined that the source was an old paint layer from the 1970s or earlier. Construction methods were used to minimize the chance of dust escaping from the work area, and current and ongoing testing in the building has confirmed the building is safe for occupancy. In addition, many employees voluntarily took free lead tests, and no issues were reported.

Spalling work on the first floor in the Monroe County Social Services area is still underway. Social Services is temporarily located at the Lester Building at Jackson Square in Key West until further notice. Other County offices located upstairs are also still temporarily relocated until construction is finished in an effort to complete the work as quickly as possible.

Monroe County and the Florida Dept. of Health in Key West (DOH-KW) have developed a plan to start reopening the Gato Building for limited services. Services are expected to begin:

  • Tuesday, Jan. 21: DOH-Monroe Clinic operations will reopen at the Gato Building and will no longer be located at the Tuga Clinic on the College of the Florida Keys campus on Stock Island. The Tuga Clinic continues to be available for students and staff of CFK and Stock Island residents.
  • Thursday, Jan. 23: DOH-Monroe Vital Statistics will reopen at the Gato Building and will no longer be at the Lester Building.
  • Healthy Start and WIC services will remain at Bernstein Park on Stock Island until the construction work at the Gato Building is complete.

The reopening dates could be changed if unforeseen circumstances arise and will be announced if needed.

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