Current Projects

Mallory Square is the most iconic historic waterfront space in Key West, where visitors and locals have gathered for decades for a "sunset celebration." 

Located on the island's northwest side, significant historic buildings surround Mallory Square that narrates the history of the mercantile and maritime activities that once drove the island's economy. 

The City and community desire to augment this waterfront area by utilizing the assistance of qualified landscape architecture and architectural teams to attract visitors and locals beyond sunset hours.  The City of Key West released a Request from Qualifications for the Sunset Celebration/Mallory Square Master Plan to further that goal. Seven firms responded to the RFQ.  The City Commission selected the renowned Sasaki architecture & planning firm out of Boston to develop the plan for Mallory Square. 

City staff began this project in the spring of 2021 with a public outreach effort to establish a "Community Vision Plan" for Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.  The team suggested four main areas for improvement: lighting, seating, shade, and signage.  To receive input, staff conducted public workshops and met with tenants of Mallory Square area properties to establish existing challenges and assets and understand community members' vision for Mallory Square.  Landscaping, zoning, connectivity, and programming were designated as other topics for discussion.  Public outreach included four workshops, one of which was held via Zoom, from March 11 to April 15.  Sixty residents participated in the workshops.

Simultaneously with the workshops, the City created an online survey, which was open from March 19 to April 30.  The report entitled "Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square: A Community Vision Plan" summarizes findings reflecting the aforementioned public outreach process.

The City Planning and Engineering Departments are currently working with Sasaki to finalize the scope of work.  We look forward to the improvements made to this iconic destination.

Brighten the Square!

We want your input on enhancing Key West's most iconic public square. 

Mallory Square is beloved for its nightly Sunset Celebration, an iconic event that brings together the best of the Keys' natural beauty and unique culture.  This is just one of the many roles this public square has played in its history, from anti-piracy outpost to auction house, shipbreaking yard, and fishing pier.  The City of Key West is asking how we can realize the full potential of Mallory Square to support the Keys' culture, commerce, and community. 

Click here to join the planning process!  Help write the next chapter in Mallory Square's story.

From September 2022 to May 2023, the City of Key West will conduct a collaborative master planning process to guide future improvements to the square.  The planning process will be community-centered, relying on input from both residents and visitors at all stages of development.