They’re wind- and flood-resistant. They fit a person or two. And more than anything, they’re an affordable and unique housing option that’s becoming more prevalent in the Keys.
While the tiny home trend has been gaining momentum across the nation for a decade or so, the idea really took root after Hurricane Irma that wiped out the Keys’ defacto affordable housing — aging trailers. In 2018, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners agreed to research and purchase some tiny home options as a pilot project on county-owned lots.
The first completed project by the county is located at 41 Judy Place in Key Largo. Situated on the lot is a tiny home constructed by Cornerstone Tiny Homes, out of Longwood, Florida. Before the tenant moved in, a public open house garnered the attention of many throughout the island chain.
The Cornerstone tiny home in Key Largo is about 400 square feet and starts at $85,000. Add in landscaping, driveway and a foundation, and the total cost for the Judy Place house was approximately $110,000.
So, what’s the prototype look like? Expect a porch, kitchen, bathroom and combo/laundry room/bedroom. It also comes with central air conditioning, appliances and a tankless water heater, among other things. These tiny homes aren’t made cookie-cutter style. Rather, they’re customized not only to meet the Keys stringent building (for hurricanes!) code, but also to satisfy the buyer’s wants and needs.
“The word is getting out on the tiny home and its suitability in the Keys,” said Jerry Eisinger, of Cornerstone Tiny Homes. “We recently received a call from someone who’s moving forward on the idea and she was fearful of spending $400,000 or more. We’re trying to provide a decent, affordable option.”
Along with interest from private homeowners, Monroe County continues to pursue opportunities for more tiny homes not only for county employees, but also Keys residents. Christine Hurley, assistant county administrator who oversees the building department, says they’re seeking to purchase another tiny home from a different manufacturer/builder. The county also purchased two small trailer parks, and they’re partnering with the county housing authority to redevelop them with tiny, code-compliant homes.
While the tiny home doesn’t have the spacious walk-in closets or master bathrooms with two sinks, it possesses the essentials and the features for affordable and comfortable living in the Keys. And while they’re not suitable for four people, they’re just right for the one- to two-person households in need of affordable housing.
