Elevator Challenge Grant

The Key West Art and Historical Society (KWAHS) announces the ongoing elevator replacement project at the Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House.  Demolition and structural work, led by Marino Construction, began in August and is nearing completion.  Elevator installation by TK Elevator is scheduled to begin in November.

The museum’s original elevator, installed in the mid-1990s during the landmark restoration efforts overseen by architect Bert Bender of Bender & Associates Architects, P.A., served visitors for nearly three decades before ceasing operation in March 2023.

“The challenge with modernizing and replacing the elevator is that the dimensions of the existing shaft are too small for most commercial elevators,” said Michael F. Gieda, Executive Director for the Society.  “As a result, major modifications within the building are required to accommodate a new system.”

Due to an expanding scope of work and increased material costs driven by tariffs, the total project budget rose to over $545,000.  To date, $525,829 has been raised through generous support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Dogwood Foundation, Mr. Thomas Kenan III, Edward B. Knight and Joan T. Knight Foundation, Fran Sessa and Norman Hunt Charitable Fund, and numerous individual donors.

In October, the heirs of George and Adela Kantor and Arthur and Gladys Mulberg announced a $100,000 challenge grant to honor their families’ long history in Key West.  Funds raised through this challenge will support the elevator project and future building preservation efforts.

“The Society’s highest priority is ensuring the museum is fully ADA accessible,” said Gieda.  “Without an operating elevator, visitors with mobility challenges are limited to the first floor of the building.”