OIRF House Tours – March 17th & 18th

It’s Not Just History:  Clever Renovations, Expansions and Creative Decor.

We know that not everyone who looks forward to our tours are focused on “History”.  Each of our Key West abodes are an exploration of what can be done in the confines of limit space and restrictive regulations to help us live comfortably and express our individuality.  The March selection of homes reflects that diversity for your enjoyment but, yes, they are being offered with a mandatory dose of history!

The tour is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, from 10am to 4pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  Homes may be seen in any order and viewings may be split over two days – take your time and explore.

For credit card purchase, buy tickets online at www.oirf.org or call 305-294-9501.  Tickets are also available for purchase by check or cash at:  Capital Bank, (Old Town & North Roosevelt Branches in Key West; MM30.4, Big Pine; 2348 Overseas Highway, Marathon); Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roosevelt Blvd.), and the Oldest House (322 Duval Street).  During tour hours, tickets will be sold at the featured houses – cash or check, please.

Featured Homes:

1009 Windsor Lane – This block across from the church was just being developed c. 1900 when twin houses were constructed.  Greek Revival may have been passé in major cities, but it was still a favored, tried and true design here.  Like many others, in leaner times it was cut into apartment.  The entire interior was rehabilitated in 1989.  The poolside guest house constructed during that renovation is a perfect replica of a small ‘eyebrow” house.

806 Virginia Street –  During the Great Depression, a young mason from the mainland joined the Civilian Conservation Corp and ended up marrying a local girl in Key West.  He used his skills to house his family in a unique concrete cottage – even casting rusticated “stones” himself. During the last decade, his son returned this his Island home. Renovation restored and improved upon its originality.

1122 Seminary Street –The 1909 hurricane destroyed a cigar factory and other early structures in this neighborhood.  But a period of real estate speculation still moved forward and this was erected c. 1915.  Nine decades later, during our last real estate boom, it was transformed by a complete, sumptuous renovation.  Don’t be fooled by its vernacular “foursquare” appearance; the latest in luxury fittings and finishes are found within.

815 White Street – Cigar-roller houses once lined this street, but the factory burned down.  As WWII ended, demand for new housing rose.  A local successful grocer invested in the land and erected a cozy wooden cabin.  In recent decades, the cottage was doubled in size with a master suite and cathedral ceilinged living room.  Its latest redecorating left an inviting front porch and clapboard camouflage but gave the interior a contrasting modern look.

2213 Harris Avenue – During post-WWII prosperity, younger members of old Conch families and recent arrivals wanted new houses with all modern amenities and a yard for the children.  Few were interested in inheriting their grandparents’ old wooden houses.  “Suburbs” sprouted on land that, often, did not exist a decade earlier.  This 1953 “ranch house” on a deep lot was typical.   It has received a recent facelift, but the furnishings are the feature here:  everything was found at local estate and moving sales.  The salvage tradition continues!

OIRF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of architectural treasures in the City of Key West and the celebration, honor, and recognition of the historical achievements of the Island.  Funds raised from the tours will be used to maintain the Oldest House, for the Foundation’s grants program, scholarships and other endeavors furthering our preservation goals.

OIRF welcomes new volunteers and nomination of tour houses for our annual events.  Visit www.oirf.org to volunteer or for more information.  Check for out next season which will begin in December.

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