David Wolkowsky's guest appearances

David Wolkowsky

Today in Key West History

Tennessee Williams

Grace Jones

Jimmy Hoffa

Herbert Hoover

Ulysses S. Grant

Calvin Coolidge

Harry S. Truman

Jimmy Buffet

Henry Faulkner

Joseph Norman

Josè Marti

Jennie Bethel DeBoer

Norman Sherwood

Fernando Joaquin Moreno

Charles Parra

OwlTail

David Wolkowsky became Mr. Key West. So much of the island charm and uniqueness has been preserved because of the actions of developer David Wolkowsky.  Born in Key West, he later moved to Miami when times got tough in the Keys. He returned to Key West when his father died and immediately began turn this island village into a respectable tourist destination. So many buildings around town still bear the mark of his influence, and his forethought has preserved Key West from becoming overtaken with sky scrapers and mega-developments. Nothing over 40 feet tall was his mandate! Wolkowsky built the Pier House Motel in 1967 and quickly turned it into a quirky retreat for writers, artists and creatives. He entertained the likes of Truman Capote and Jimmy Buffet. In fact, Jimmy Buffet says Wolkowsky was the first person to ever hire him. Jimmy played at the famous Chart Room Bar for awhile. It was today, Feb. 20, 1967 that David Wolkowsky began construction on the Pier House Motel. The Motel later opened in 1969. And that's what happened Today in Key West history. Today in Key West History is brought to you by 43 Keys Media. You can find us at http://43Keys.com. Photo Credit: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders for L’Uomo Vogue. Content courtesy of wikipedia.org.

David Wolkowsky became Mr. Key West. So much of the island charm and uniqueness has been preserved because of the actions of developer David Wolkowsky.  Born in Key West, he later moved to Miami when times got tough in the Keys. He returned to Key West when his father died and immediately began turn this island village into a respectable tourist destination. So many buildings around town still bear the mark of his influence, and his forethought has preserved Key West from becoming overtaken with sky scrapers and mega-developments. Nothing over 40 feet tall was his mandate! Wolkowsky built the Pier House Motel in 1967 and quickly turned it into a quirky retreat for writers, artists and creatives. He entertained the likes of Truman Capote and Jimmy Buffet. In fact, Jimmy Buffet says Wolkowsky was the first person to ever hire him. Jimmy played at the famous Chart Room Bar for awhile. It was today, Feb. 20, 1967 that David Wolkowsky began construction on the Pier House Motel. The Motel later opened in 1969. And that's what happened Today in Key West history. Today in Key West History is brought to you by 43 Keys Media. You can find us at <a href="http://43Keys.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://43Keys.com</a>. Photo Credit: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders for L’Uomo Vogue. Content courtesy of <a href="http://wikipedia.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wikipedia.org</a>.

Mr. Key West (David Wolkowsky) Begins Construction of the Pier House Motel in Key West - Feb. 20, 1967