2007-26573 ResoRESOLUTION NO. 2007-26573
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
FLORIDA, STRONGLY ENCOURAGING MACY'S
SOUTH BEACH TO RETAIN AND INCORPORATE THE
ORIGINAL FIRST FLOOR CEILING MURAL, KNOWN AS
THE "GULF STREAM," INTO THE CURRENT
RENOVATION PLANS FOR THE STORE'S INTERIOR.
WHEREAS, the Macy's South Beach store (originally known as Burdines), located
at 1675 Meridian Avenue, was designed in 1953 by esteemed local architect, Robert
Law Weed, who was well recognized for custom tailoring his designs to their unique
locations; and
WHEREAS, the store's original interior planners, Raymond Loewy Associates,
conducted an intensive study to determine this store's relationship with the Miami Beach
community; and
WHEREAS, this study concluded that the interiors should express the "vacation-in-
the-sun" spirit of the customer; and
WHEREAS, it was determined that this "vacation begins at the Meridian Avenue
entrance, where the major design feature is revealed - a winsome Gulf Stream on the
ceiling;" and
WHEREAS, this unique ceiling mural borrows colors from sun, sea and sand,
incorporating floating mermaids at play as well as other whimsical Gulf Stream motifs;
and
WHEREAS, the design was highly acclaimed in the 1954-1955 edition of Florida
Architecture; and
WHEREAS, wall and ceiling murals are an integral part of the special decorative
design history of Miami Beach and are highly revered today; and
WHEREAS, the "Gulf Stream" ceiling mural has been carefully preserved and
retained as a part of the retail shopping experience at this store since its original
opening; and
WHEREAS, Macy's has consciously named this store "Macy's South Beach" to
celebrate its unique "Beach" location; and
WHEREAS, the store is located immediately adjacent to Lincoln Road and the
local Flamingo Park Historic District as well as the National Register Architectural
District; and
WHEREAS, numerous retail establishments on Lincoln Road as well as elsewhere
throughout Miami Beach have retained and preserved significant original interior design
features, incorporating them into their modern operations, much to the benefit of Miami
Beach's unique artistic and retail legacy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that Macy's South Beach
is strongly encouraged to retain and incorporate the original f' st floor ceiling mural,
known as the "Gulf Stream", into the current renovation plans f~lt e stoy~'s interior.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 6th day of
A EST:
~'~~
CITY CLERK
Robert Parcher
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LAN AG
&~R EX U ON
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ti 6 ~ ~7
ey ~ ate
~A'AYOR
David Dermer
T:WGENDA\2007\jun0607\Consent\CC Resolution - Macy's Ceiling Mural rev.doc
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m MIAMIBEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
FROM: Commissioner Matti H. Bower ~,, ~/~32!%a'Y1U~ yl'~
DATE: June 4, 2007 -~-'-
SUBJECT: Agenda Item - Macy's South Beach Store - "Under-Water Seascape"
Ceiling Mural
Please place on June 6, 2007 Commission Agenda an item for discussion and referral
to the Historic Preservation Board, to retain the above mentioned hand painted ceiling
mural in Macy's South Beach Store, due to its historical significance and its uniqueness
to Miami Beach's retail heritage.
I thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions please do not
hesitate to contact me or my Aide, Yvonne at extension 6091.
M H B/yws
Agenda Item ~~ ~'
V1-e cr;e ca,rzmitred !c prcwidina excel?ent public se.ndce and sa~ciy .e ail vvfto live, ~.vork, and play in our Date ~- ~ _0 [