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 special 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 part of a big project called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). A famous architect named Phineas Paist designed it. In 2003, people decided to save the building. By 2011, it opened its doors as the Coral Gables Museum.
Contents
History of the Building
From Station to Museum
The building started as the Coral Gables Police and Fire Station. It was built between 1938 and 1939. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped build it. The WPA was a program during the Great Depression. It helped put people to work on public projects.
Who Designed It?
Phineas Paist designed this important building. He was a very well-known architect in Miami. He designed many famous buildings in Coral Gables. These include the Douglas Entrance and the City Hall. The building shows off a style called Depression Modern sculpture.
Special Features
The station was built using local coral rock. This made it unique compared to other buildings. The WPA also hired an artist named Jon Keller. She created special sculptures for the outside of the building.
In 1975, the police and fire departments moved out. The city still owned the building. It was then used for city offices for a while.
Becoming a 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 about it. Everyone thought it was a great idea!
The Museum Takes Shape
The city government got involved. They decided the old police and fire station was perfect. The building needed a lot of repair. But it had a lot of history and beauty.
In 2003, a group called the Coral Gables Museum Corp. was formed. They partnered with the city. The city helped get over $1.5 million in grants. These funds were for fixing up the old building.
Expanding the Vision
The museum group realized they needed more space. So, they planned a new gallery area. This new space would be about 3,000 square feet. They also planned a large public plaza. This plaza would be about 5,000 square feet. Both new areas were built behind the old station.
In 2007, things moved quickly. The city and the museum group made an agreement. The city would help restore the old building. The museum group would raise money for the new parts. They also hired their first employee.
Opening Day
By 2008, all the money for construction was ready. Work began to restore the old building. They also built the new "Fewell Wing." The construction took about 1.5 years.
The museum officially opened in October 2011. It now has many different exhibits and programs. These programs focus on the "civic arts." This means they celebrate the history, design, and community of Coral Gables.
See also
In Spanish: Estación de Policía y de Bomberos de Coral Gables para niños
