Harbor House

Harbor House, at 423 Front St., ravaged by fire twice in it’s history, is a two story brick building with a long Key West history. Built in 1885 by George Lewis and George Allen, this structure was home of the Bank of Key West, which the two men had started in 1884. The bricks for the building had to be brought to Key West from the north in sailing ships., The beautiful new building did not last. A big fire in 1886 destroyed all but the two foot thick outer walls, and the rest of the structure was rebuilt. The bank failed in 1891 ending Lewis and Allen’s dreams., R. Alfred Monsalvatge and Jeremiah Fogarty saw the possibilities of the Harbor House as an important Key West building and established the Union Bank there in 1892 where it remained until 1898 when it was liquidated., During the next several years the brick building was home to varied establishments the Monsalvatge and Reed Store. Sabastian Gabrera bought the building in about 1920 and established a wholesale grocery in it., Broadway producer Walter Starke bought the building in 1960 when it was the original Key West hand print fabrics. The structure underwent restoration shortly thereafter and in 1969 became an arcade and in 1970 opened a number of small shops there. Soon after they moved out, famous restaurant Chez Emile took location there., The building changed hands again in 1980, but in 1984 a huge fire struck, destroying the entire second floor and roof. The building was condemned by the city., A few years later the building was bought privately once again and held boutiques specializing in Key West souvenirs and high style clothing., The Harbor House has endured several hardships in the course of its existence and though its two foot thick walls may not stand forever it’s spirit and prestige will exist eternally.