From Keys News: Musicians group looks to preserve historic Jimmy Buffett studio
A new proposal could lead to an encore for Jimmy Buffett’s former recording studio, Shrimpboat Sound.
This week, The Key West Musicians Collective added another option to the still-unresolved debate over the future of the studio where Jimmy Buffett, George Strait, Alan Jackson, James Slater, Zack Brown, Kenny Chesney, Old Dominion, and Mac McAnally all recorded albums.
Their proposal joins at least two others already under consideration by the Key West Bight Management District Board.
So far, a proposal was submitted by Shrimpboat Sound Key West LLC, which is supported by several nationally known musicians, describing a plan to restore the site as a working studio with tours and charitable proceeds. The other, submitted by Spottswood Management Inc., proposes a frozen drink bar, museum and retail space.
The board postponed a decision in November 2025, urging the two original bidders to explore a possible joint venture. No decision has been made, and the building remains vacant and in need of repairs regardless of which proposal moves forward. (January 13th was the deadline for all proposals to be submitted to the city and considered before the February Bight Board meeting, and more could be unveiled.)
According to Steve Kerver, spokesman for The Key West Musicians Collective, they are offering to take over the city-owned building to preserve it as both a historic landmark and an active recording studio.
Their proposal relies on crowdfunding and community support, and acknowledges that financial backing will determine whether the group can ultimately take on the lease.
Kerver said the proposal grew out of informal community feedback indicating strong support for preserving the structure as a working studio with historic significance.
In the proposal, the group compares the site’s cultural value to Sun Studio in Memphis and Motown Records in Detroit. The musicians collective states that Shrimpboat Sound should remain a living part of Key West’s music culture rather than becoming solely a museum or commercial venue.
The proposal also notes the building’s visibility and symbolism. It outlines their goal to rehabilitate the building back to its historic condition including all ADA compliance requirements and a new roof and a new spalling, “While attempting to keep all the existing blessings, stickers, and well wishes perfectly intact.”
The group describes the studio as one of the most photographed destinations in Key West, second only to the Southernmost Point Buoy, and argues that its future should remain in the hands of musicians, music fans and residents.
Rather than positioning itself solely as a competitor, the musicians collective describes its proposal as an invitation for collaboration, including with the two previously submitted bidders.
In the proposal, the group says it does not intend to disparage other applicants but notes that community feedback showed less support for proposals that would convert the building into a bar-oriented concept or be operated primarily from outside the island. The musicians collective argues that its plan would place decision-making within the local music community and operate as a nonprofit mission.
The group’s stated goal is to preserve what it calls “the musical soul of Buffett’s former studio.”
The proposal also calls for designating the building as a historic monument, described as a shrine to music where visitors could continue to leave messages and tributes.
Financially, the musicians collective proposes that all income generated from the property be earmarked by the city to support cultural preservation and community aid through music. The group says proceeds would be donated to local charities, including organizations serving the homeless and food banks, with allocations guided by discussions with the Key West Bight Management District.
The group is seeking a five-year triple-net lease with renewable five-year terms, no broker fees and occupancy beginning around May 1, 2026, contingent on inspections and successful fundraising. The proposal is tied to an active crowdfunding campaign to finance repairs and startup costs.
Kerver said the group recognizes the risk involved.
If the musicians collective is unable to raise sufficient funds, the proposal states the group would step aside and allow another applicant to proceed, saying it would do so knowing it made a full effort to preserve the site.
A GoFundMe page has been set up at https://gofund.me/c5662542a
For more information: https://themusicianscollective.org/