Old Island Restoration Foundation House Tour

January 13th & 14th, 2017, 4pm – 8pm

“Green” Before it was a “Thing”

Living on a small island far from the mainland, residents could not be wasteful with what they had. Structures, building materials and furnishings were used and reused long before the creation of the historic district.  Many current denizens are still inspired by those frugal predecessors.  Even in these days of on-line shopping, overnight delivery and aspiring to luxury, many choose to cherish the old.  And, of course, yard sales and trash day treasure trolling are hobbies practiced by some Key folk of all economic means.  Homes featured on the January tour can be viewed as recycling outside the bin.

The tour is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 13 and 14, from 4pm to 8pm.  Tickets are $30 in advance; $35 on tour days.  Homes may be seen in any order and viewings may be split over two evenings.   The route is suitable for bikes – remember lights are required after sunset. If you want to tour “green”, reserve a seat on the propane-fueled Conch Train that boards at the Oldest House, 322 Duval St.  Tour tickets with transport are sold in advance at $35.

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:

920 Fleming Street:  A grand c. 1907 vernacular Queen Anne retains its original spindlework and gingerbread outside; high wood walls and fluted woodwork trim inside. Back in 1987 when this house earned its “Ceramic Star”, every stick that could be salvaged was.  Interior walls were kept and extant trim boards refinished.  Antique furnishings fit nicely in this setting.  A Hibiscus Lane cottage has been retooled as its cozy, well-equipped guests’ quarters.

5 Hunts Lane:  The laborers who lived along a footpath c. 1904 would not find it too hard to recognize their humble abodes – at least, not on the outside.  But this one grew an extra floor around WWII.  Nevertheless, most of the cozy old cottage is intact and its continued existence represents the handiwork of its resourceful owners. Even the exterior siding was carefully removed, refinished and reinstalled.  (Pedestrians & bikes only on this “lane”!)

1401 Albury Street:  Craftsman bungalow was the “new” style when this house was built. It is another early renovation from the 1980’s that saved the old rather than reproducing it.  Although its face and interior finish remain the same, the main living space was opened to a poolside garden.  A garage that dates from when the lot held a corner store and gas station was refitted as a bedroom suite.  Locally collected vintage furnishings and art add to its homey character.

1219 Pearl Street:  Sometime around 1915, this vernacular Gothic cottage was erected on what still was considered the edge of town.  The biggest exterior alteration since then was enclosing one side of the wrap-around porch to add bathrooms.  Its long-time owner has refurbished and rearranged her living space without major reconstruction, then furnished it with many antiques and salvaged collectibles, as well as local art.

1306 Laird Street: Land itself has long been in limited supply.  This lot was wetlands before WWII.  Dredge spoils reused as fill added acreage for modest housing.  The site has been reused for this colorful Mediterranean-style home that recycled stylistic elements from the Casa Marina district. It proudly displays its ceramic star awarded in 2014 by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation.

Mark your calendar for future OIRF Events:

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

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

Also:  Saturday, March 4th 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 volunteers and nomination of tour houses for our annual events.  Visit www.oirf.org to volunteer or for more information.

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