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Commission approves War Memorial Auditorium exterior as historic landmark, sets May 22 effective date
Summary
After developer and preservationists sought extra time for final signage plans, the commission approved historic designation for the War Memorial Auditorium exterior and amended the resolution to make the designation effective May 22, 2025.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on Jan. 22 approved a resolution to designate the exterior of the War Memorial Auditorium, at 1000 E. Sunrise Boulevard, as a historic landmark and amended the resolution so the designation will be in effect on May 22, 2025.
Mark Dickerman, a longtime preservation advocate, urged commissioners to “please preserve the outside,” saying the exterior should be kept for future generations. John Millage, speaking for the Panthers (the building’s owner/operator under a comprehensive agreement), said the project team supports the designation but requested a delayed effective date to complete a final, tasteful sponsor signage application for the facade. Millage proposed May 22, 2025 as the effective date to allow staff review and finalize a small, non-illuminated sponsor sign that he said would not detract from the building’s historic character.
A representative of Broward Trust for Historic Preservation told commissioners their organization supports the designation. Staff reported there was a request from legal representatives for Moore Memorial and the Panthers to delay the inaction of the designation for several months to allow the sign application process to conclude.
Vice Mayor Glassman, who said she had long advocated for the designation, called it important to preserve physical manifestations of the city’s history and voted in favor. The amended resolution adopts the exterior historic designation in accordance with section 47-24.11(c)(7) of the City’s Unified Land Development Regulations and states the resolution “shall be in full force and effect on May 22, 2025.” The roll-call vote was Vice Mayor Glassman — yes; Commissioner Beasley Pittman — yes; Commissioner Sorensen — yes; Commissioner Herbst — yes; Mayor Dean J. Trentales — yes.
The record includes the commission’s acknowledgement that the project team will work with staff on a final exterior sponsor sign design and that the designation, as amended, preserves the building’s exterior while allowing limited, reviewed signage to be completed before the effective date.
