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Historic board approves relocation and installation of Jack Stewart —Apollo— mosaic at new fire station
Summary
The board unanimously approved installation of a restored Jack Stewart mosaic (the "Apollo" mural) on the west façade of a new fire station; the mural will be mounted on a perforated aluminum screen with backlighting and access for maintenance, funded by the Versailles/Amman developer as proffered support for an earlier demolition approval.
The Historic Preservation Board on July 11 unanimously approved a proposal to install the restored Jack Stewart "Apollo Driving His Chariot Across the Sky" mosaic on the west façade of Miami Beach's new fire station on Sixth Street.
Board staff described the item as fulfilling a proffer from the Versailles Hotel redevelopment: the developer agreed to fund conservation and relocation of the mural, which was removed from a 1955 addition to the Versailles and placed in storage. Staff recommended approval and said the fire station façade offered a dimensionally suitable location that honors the mural's scale and orientation.
Jeff McDowell of Wanamaker Jensen Architects presented the engineering and attachment strategy: the mosaic will be supported on an 18-inch substructure behind a perforated, powder-coated aluminum screen; a maintenance access corridor and outriggers will be provided so conservators can reach the mural without interfering with fire station operations. McDowell said the mosaic is an aluminum backing with glass tiles and that engineers are proposing coatings and routine maintenance to protect it from exhaust and environmental wear.
Mitch Novick, who led local advocacy to save the mosaic, spoke in support and thanked the Versailles owners and city staff for their role. "The prospect of having these murals returned to Miami Beach is very exciting," Novick said. Representatives of the Flamingo Park Neighborhood Association and national museum curators also spoke in favor.
Board members praised the conservation effort and the site selection; the board voted unanimously to approve the installation. The motion calls for final details (lighting timer and maintenance plan) to be coordinated with staff.
Votes at a glance: installation approved by roll-call; recorded votes show unanimous approval.
