Hemingway’s Key West House and Cats Survive Yet Another Hurricane

Almost two weeks ago Hurricane Irma came ashore in Key West.  Everyone on the island had been ordered to leave, and did.  However, an exception was made for the 10 member staff of the Hemingway Museum and its 54 six-toed cats. They made it through the storm without any damage. Not even the basement flooded.  The house was built in 1851 by a marine architect. Its walls are 18 inch thick solid limestone obtained on the site which is the second highest on the island, only 16 feet above sea level.

With the massive devastation caused by Harvey, Irma, and now Maria, and the rebuilding that will result, innovative ways to help structures survive these terrible storms will be considered, and it seems clear that the design of this house at the far end of the Florida Keys might be a good place to start the discussion. - Dr. Tom

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