Coral Gables Police and Fire Station facts for kids
Coral Gables Police and Fire Station in Coral Gables, Florida, April 2011
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| Former name | City of Coral Gables Public Safety Building |
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| Established | October 2011 |
| Location | Coral Gables, Florida |
| Type | Local history museum |
| Founder | Wayne "Chip" Withers |
| Public transit access | Metrobus Route 56 & 24 |
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Coral Gables Police and Fire Station
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 Location in Florida
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| Location | Coral Gables, Florida |
| Built | 1939 |
| Architect | Phineas Paist |
| Architectural style | Mediterranean Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000354 |
| Added to NRHP | November 6, 1984 |
The Coral Gables Museum is a cool place in Coral Gables, Florida. It used to be the city's police and fire station! This historic building was finished in 1939. It was built as part of a special government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). A famous architect named Phineas Paist designed it.
In 2003, people decided to save the building and its history. By October 2011, it opened its doors to the public as the Coral Gables Museum.
Contents
History of the Building
From Station to Museum
The building we now know as the Coral Gables Museum has a long and interesting history. It started as a police and fire station. Later, it was transformed into a museum.
The Original Police and Fire Station
The building was designed by Phineas Paist. He was a very important architect in Coral Gables. He also designed other famous buildings in the city. The station was built between 1938 and 1939. It was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program during the Great Depression. It helped people find jobs by building public projects.
The building used special local stone called keystone. This stone is also known as oolitic or coral rock. It made the building look unique. The outside of the building also has cool sculptures. These were made by an artist named Jon Keller.
In 1975, the police and fire departments moved out. The city still owned the building, but it was empty for a while.
Becoming the Coral Gables Museum
In the mid-1990s, a city leader named Wayne "Chip" Withers had an idea. He thought Coral Gables should have its own museum. He talked to artists and architects, and many people liked the idea.
The city government got involved. They decided the old police and fire station would be the perfect spot. The building needed a lot of repair, but it was beautiful and historic.
In 2003, a non-profit group called the Coral Gables Museum Corp. was created. Their job was to run the museum with the city. The city helped get money to fix up the building.
Restoration and Opening
In 2007, big steps were taken. The city and the Museum Corp. agreed to work together. They would restore the old building. The Museum Corp. also started raising money for new parts of the museum. They planned a new gallery space and a public plaza.
Construction began in 2008. It took about a year and a half to finish. Workers carefully restored the old building. They also built the new sections. The museum was fully ready in early 2011. It officially opened to the public in October 2011.
Today, the Coral Gables Museum offers many exhibits and programs. It focuses on the city's history, art, and design. It's a great place to learn about Coral Gables!
See also
In Spanish: Estación de Policía y de Bomberos de Coral Gables para niños
