In his book The Streets of Key West: A History Through Street Names author J. Willis Burke informs us that "Over the other side of Solares Hill a couple of entries are self-explanatory. Galveston Lane is named for the Texas gulf coastal city that was served by the Mallory Steamship Company, and off Windsor, on Poorhouse Lane, a poorhouse was once tucked away." You may ask yourself why anybody would want to live on a street with such a desperate appellation. Let's try to figure this out.
I searched the Historic Sanborn Fire Maps starting in 1889 through 1912 (pictured above) to determine when the house at 726 Poorhouse Lane was built. The early maps did not give this little lane a name until this map and this particular lot did not have any building on it until after 1912. The map shows the lane was previously named Petronia Lane and that it turned south and ended at Olivia Street. Study the street sign above because that sign is now gone. Some street thug stole it and part of the history of this charming slow lane of Key West. House by house, foot by foot, this little lane is gradually being gentrified and made into a re-imagined neighborhood in Old Town Key West.
726 Poorhouse Lane is a 4800 square foot corner lot (48' X 100') now located across the street from Bill Butler Park to the west. I don't think I have ever seen a kid swing on the swing as this area is now mostly occupied by rich folks with second homes in Key West as opposed to real families. I'm not being negative - I'm just stating a fact.
There is a white picket fence which wraps the lot on two sides. I searched my old shoebox and found a photo of the house taken in 1965. I took a similar photo yesterday which shows a modification of the original roof line after which a rear porch was added. There is a small storage cottage at the southeast corner of the lot. But ultimately it is the location on this picturesque lane that once led to a real poorhouse that makes this small home such an interesting home worthy of serious consideration.
The Monroe County Property Appraiser shows the bungalow style house was built circa 1939. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a nice living room with vaulted ceiling, and retro style kitchen.
For me it is the location and the possibilities that make 726 Poorhouse Lane such an interesting home to consider purchasing. A world famous singer used to live less 100 feet north of Bill Butler Park. There's a stage production about his music on Broadway right now. He's gone but the area itself is being rebuilt. There are two small corner convenience stores located within a couple of blocks. St. Mary's Catholic Church is up on the corner of Windsor Lane at Truman Avenue. And Duval Street is a five to seven minute walk. CLICK HERE to view more photos of 726 Poorhouse Lane and the area.
726 Poorhouse Lane is offered for sale at $920,000. CLICK HERE to view the Key West MLS datasheet and then please call me, Gary Thomas, 305-766-2642, to schedule showing. I am a buyers agent and a full time Realtor at Preferred Properties Key West. Let's sit on the swings, take in the sights, and discuss fulfilling your dream of owning a little place on one of the slow lanes of Key West.
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