Board approves freestanding signs for Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum and new Police HQ with conditions

The Historic Preservation Board approved two applications for new detached freestanding ground signs: a smaller temporary sign for the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum at 1022 West Las Olas Boulevard (case UDPHP25010) and a larger double‑sided sign for the new Fort Lauderdale Police Department headquarters at 1300 West Broward Boulevard (case UDPHP25012).

On the fire museum application, staff found the size and placement were acceptable but suggested the design should better relate to the Spanish‑Mediterranean character of the historic fire station. Taylor Beavers, vice president of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Museum, said the proposed sign is intended as a temporary, lower‑cost display until the nonprofit can fund a more historically appropriate, stuccoed base and roofed top. The board approved the COA subject to landscaping around the base and standard building and zoning approvals.

For the police headquarters sign, staff observed the proposed 14‑foot height and wide cabinet are permitted in that commercial corridor but recommended softer illumination: “either push‑through or halo‑lit letters” rather than brighter channel letters. Yanique Virgo, representing the design team from AECOM, said the design team could confirm lighting options with the city project manager. The board approved the sign with conditions requiring halo or push‑through lettering, verification of setback and square footage at permitting, and landscaping at the base.

Both approvals were conditioned on compliance with building, zoning and ULDR requirements; staff said landscape reviewers would specify the required planting at permitting.