Post #311152 by icebaer69 on Tue, Jun 5, 2007 4:29 PM

not directly tiki (?),
but sad enough:

PRESERVATION ALERT!

Wednesday 06 June
4:40 pm

An important preservation item has been placed on the Miami Beach City Commission's agenda for its June meeting on Wednesday 06 June, with an agenda time of 4:40 pm.

At issue is the fate of a ceiling mural located in the Macy's store on 17th Street and Meridian Avenue.
When Burdine's opened a new Miami Beach store at that location in late 1953 (Robert Law Weed, architect), the Raymond Loewy interior was dominated by an elaborate ceiling mural designed to bring the beach and ocean ambiance indoors.
The mural features starfish, seahorses, sea turtles, mermaids, and even a "mer-poodle," all in a whimsical style that perfectly captured the style and sophistication of post-war Miami Beach.

Macy's Florida has embarked on a renovation of the store, and while their stated goal is a "Macy's South Beach" store that captures the unique characteristics of Miami Beach, this glorious mural has been consigned to the trash bin. Store officals had originally committed to retaining the mural, so their subsequent decision to destroy it is disappointing, especially since the mural creates a retail environment unlike any other in the world.

We would like to ask for your attendance at the Commission meeting to voice support for the retention and restoration of the mural.
The agenda item has been scheduled for this Wednesday at 4:40 pm in the City Commission Chambers.

Location: City Commission Chambers (third floor)
Miami Beach City Hall,
1700 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach
Information: 305-672-2014