The Steamplant Key West
About Steamplant Key West
Nestled in the heart of Old Town and standing proudly against the Key West skyline, the Steamplant is more than a residence—it is a landmark of transformation, resilience, and architectural integrity. What began as a power-generating plant in the 1950s has since evolved into one of the most extraordinary and exclusive residential properties in Key West.
Today, Steamplant represents a rare fusion of industrial history, modern luxury, and preservation, offering a once-in-a-lifetime living experience that honors the past while embracing the future.
Location – A Hidden Gem in the Island City
Perfectly positioned near the historic Key West Seaport, Steamplant offers more than proximity to dining, galleries, and cultural landmarks—it offers a vantage point. With its nearly 70-foot-tall structure, this waterfront address rises above the island’s height restrictions, affording unobstructed views of the ocean, harbor, and Old Town skyline—a privilege few properties in Key West can claim.
Set at the crossroads of natural beauty and architectural heritage, Steamplant offers a rare kind of tranquility—moments from Duval Street, yet a world away.
The History of the Steamplant
Built in 1951 as Key West’s primary power generation facility, the Steamplant emerged during a pivotal time of growth and modernization for the island. Designed in the iconic Art Deco style, its construction was a symbol of post-war progress. With its striking vertical lines, bold geometry, and steel-framed structure, the building was both utilitarian and visionary—serving as the city’s primary power source until 1978.
Even in its earliest days, the Steamplant stood apart. Built on land once occupied by the historic Armour Plant, the site was handpicked by the Utility Board after lengthy debate and negotiation. Its creation was a response to the island’s growing demand for electricity—a beacon of forward-thinking civic investment.
Today, its rebirth into a luxury residential property honors that legacy, preserving both the building’s form and spirit.
And The Legend Continues...
The Gardens
Surrounding the Steamplant is nearly an acre of lush, mature tropical gardens curated by renowned landscape designers Craig Reynolds, Michael Ingram, and Evan Bell. This park-like sanctuary offers winding pathways, art installations, fountains, and shaded retreats designed to mirror the natural richness of Key West.Aenean massa.Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes.
Honoring the Past, Elevating the Future
Steamplant’s architectural rebirth is not a reinvention—it’s a careful preservation of history. From its original Art Deco façade to the incorporation of industrial-scale elements like the water retinage structure, the building’s integrity remains intact.
More than a place to live, Steamplant is a living monument to the ingenuity and ambition that shaped modern-day Key West.
A Living Landmark
The Steamplant stands as a rare example of successful adaptive reuse—transforming an essential part of the island’s industrial heritage into a small, private residential community of enduring beauty and significance. With just 19 units and a deep-rooted sense of place, it offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: the chance to live inside a piece of history, without sacrificing modern comfort, design, or serenity.
