Old Island Restoration Foundation House Tour

Old Island Restoration Foundation House Tour

December 27^th & 28^th, 2016, 4pm – 7pm

“New Solutions for Living on an Old Island”

Year after year, houses on our tiny island are refitted or expanded to suit demands of daily living or desired lifestyles of the owners.  Old Island Restoration Foundation begins the 57^th Home Tour season with homes that exemplify different approaches to adapting our cozy abodes for occupancy now and through future New Years.  After all, “renovation” means “renewal”.

The tour is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, December 27 and 28, from 4pm to 7pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  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.

If other Holiday activities interfere, remember you are welcome to split your visits over two days and see the homes in any order.

Featured Houses:

307 Truman Ave.

The front section of this Bahamian house may date back as far as 1870.  Of course, it has gone through several changes and additions over the decades to keep it habitable – the latest just completed within the last year.  Fulfilling the contemporary desire for outdoor living was high on the list for alterations.

1017 Thomas Street

Do you think it impossible to have three bedrooms and three baths in 920 sq. ft.?  The clever, yet minimal and low-maintenance , 2014 renovation of this quaint Conch cottage proves it can be done.  Much has been changed on this home over is more than a century life, but much has stayed the same.

623 Angela Street

A modest Bahamian cottage has perched near the highest point of this Key since c. 1870.  Its compact footprint was unchanged until 2015.  Then, a detached bedroom suite “addition” expanded its living space – and improved its livability – as part of an award-winning total renovation.

805 Virginia Street

Was a 1900’s cigar maker’s house totally reconfigured in the 1930’s after being damaged by a fire?  Its footprint was clearly altered at that point, but old wood was retained.  The two-level front porch and “widow’s walk” roofline look appropriate for an earlier era, but the entire second floor did not exist before a 1996 renovation.

1418 Johnson Street

Post-WWII, sturdy concrete block houses sprung up on newly-created dry land.  This mid-Century modern home’s practical design proved to be a great canvas for a colorful tropical contemporary makeover.  The master bath and pool were “must haves” for our times.  Exuberant holiday decorations add seasonal spice.

Mark your 2017 calendar for these OIRF Events:

January House Tour:  Friday, 13^th & Saturday, 14^th 4pm-8pm.

February House Tour:  Friday, 17^th & Saturday, 18^th 10am-4pm.

March House Tour:  Friday, 17^th & Saturday, 18^th 10am-4pm.

Also:  Saturday, March 4^th at Noon:  Conch Shell Blowing Contest

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 volunteer docents and nomination of houses for our annual events.  Visit www.oirf.org to volunteer or for more information.

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