The Keystone Hotel – a historic treasure lost

We celebrate so many beautifully preserved historic buildings on Amelia Island, but one that many still remember was lost — the Keystone Hotel. It once stood proudly on the corner of Centre Street and Eighth, where Pineland Bank now sits. Then, almost unbelievably, it was torn down overnight. The shock of that loss sparked immediate concern about what other historic buildings might be at risk.

The Keystone was built in the early 1900s by a group of forward-thinking citizens who believed Fernandina needed a proper hotel to attract visitors and organized groups. After the historic Egmont Hotel was demolished in 1901, there was a clear void — and a desire to bring back the kind of travelers who had once made the island a winter destination.

Stock was sold, plans were drawn, and a three-story Mediterranean Revival hotel was built for the then-considerable sum of $50,000. It quickly became the social and cultural hub of the community.

In its prime, the Keystone was a beauty — terra-cotta hollow-tile construction with a white stucco exterior. Fernandina bustled in those days, and the hotel was at the center of it all — banquets, gatherings, celebrations. If something important was happening, chances are it was happening at the Keystone.

It was also known for its excellent food, making it the place for special occasions. Its reputation extended far beyond the island, attracting notable guests like movie producer Samuel Goldwyn and comedian Joe E. Brown. Major League Baseball teams, including the Minnesota Twins and the Washington Senators, even made it their winter home.

As travelers’ expectations changed, the Keystone struggled to keep pace. Of its 31 rooms, only one had a private bath. The rest shared a common bathroom. The kitchen, located in the basement, relied on a dumbwaiter to send meals upstairs.

In 1954, a fire destroyed much of the third floor, and water damage impacted the rest. Business declined, and by 1966, the Keystone closed its doors for good.

There was hope that a new use could be found for the building. Some envisioned it as a city hall. Others suggested a convalescent home. The property was listed at $83,000 — but no one stepped forward.

The Keystone was demolished the day before Halloween — fueling every ghost story island children could imagine. In just one hour and 40 minutes, a landmark that had stood for decades disappeared. There was talk of building a museum on the site, but the land proved too valuable.

The destruction of the Keystone in 1970 became a turning point in the community. It galvanized a group of local leaders and citizens to act, forming the Fernandina Restoration Foundation. Their mission was clear: protect, preserve, and honor the island’s historic character.

That momentum led to real change. In 1975, Fernandina Beach established its historic preservation ordinance, defining and protecting the historic district. Today, the Historic District Council continues that work, ensuring that the important historic buildings are preserved.

The Keystone Hotel is only a memory, but Amelia Island can be thankful that its loss created a determination to ensure that another such dramatic loss will not happen again.