An oddly shaped parcel appeared on every development plan pertaining to the property we now know as Truman Waterfront Park.
For nearly 30 years, officials dithered over the design and amenities. At one point the waterfront was on the verge of becoming a mega-yacht marina. Eventually, the park’s features took shape all around the outlined parcel. Excruciating public debates ultimately led to the now-familiar amphitheater, art installations, splash pad, playground, soccer field and fitness trail.
But that Rorschach-shaped section of land remained untouched because it could only be used for one thing. In handing the city 19 or so acres of prime waterfront real estate in the late ’90s, the US Navy insisted the city use part of it for affordable housing.
But housing is hard. It’s expensive. Complicated. Controversial. So the parcel sat empty through several city commission elections.
But that all changed the morning of Oct. 30.
Current and former city officials, nonprofit partners, development companies and residents celebrated the completion and grand opening of a residential neighborhood at Truman Waterfront.
The Lofts at Bahama Village, located at Truman Waterfront Park, includes 98 affordable rentals and 28 affordable homeownership condominiums. It’s been a joint effort among the city, AH Monroe and VestCor developers. The city of Key West deeded the 3.2-acre parcel to VestCor, which partnered with AH Monroe as a sponsor.
“Today, we gather not just to open a new housing development, but to celebrate a promise kept, a dream realized and a future strengthened,” Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez said. “The Lofts at Bahama Village are more than buildings; they are an opportunity. This development gives our local workforce, our families and our young people a chance to live, work and thrive right here at home.”
The housing is the crowning glory of the redevelopment of the old Navy property. The Truman Waterfront Park, with its completed soccer field, green space, waterfront promenade and amphitheater, is the crown jewel of Key West.
“I want to thank the previous city commissioners, the Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee, the Key West Housing Authority, the Vestcor team, the state of Florida, AH, Toppino’s and every partner who played a role in bringing this project to life,” Henriquez added. “Most importantly, I want to thank the residents, the people of Bahama Village, who made their voices heard and helped shape what this project would become. Your input, your pride and your love for this community guided us every step of the way.”
The mayor and every other speaker at the ribbon-cutting ceremony ended their comments with an enthusiastic refrain of “Welcome home.”
