The Administration is seeking direction regarding two artifacts and one bronze plaque related to Muhammad Ali, as well as three bronze plaques memorializing the renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center,

BACKGROUND

On February 25, 1964, Muhammad Ali won the world heavyweight boxing crown in Miami Beach, Florida. Two artifacts and one bronze plaque related to Muhammad Ali and this event were previously located in the Miami Beach Convention Center and are now in storage at the Spectra storage facility located in Opa-Locka. The two artifacts consist of a scale that was used at the weigh-in during the 1964 world heavyweight boxing crown and a reproduction of a 1964 color photograph by an unknown photographer that was autographed by Muhammad Ali on November 4, 1999. The bronze plaque, dated July 29, 1991, commemorates a dedication ceremony that was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center to honor Muhammad Ali, by naming Hall C after him.

Additionally, there are three bronze plaques memorializing the renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center. One plaque is dated 1974 and two identical plaques are without a date. According to research conducted by the City Clerk’s Office, these plaques could possibly be from the 1989 renovation project.

ANALYSIS

On January 20, 2017, the Tourism, Culture and Economic Development department was notified by Spectra management that the above referenced artifacts and plaques are being stored at the storage facility in Opa-Locka. On January 27, 2017 Art in Public Places staff conducted a site visit and reported that the storage facility contained all of the above referenced objects. Following the site visit, Art in Public Places staff formed the following condition assessments:

Muhammad Ali Weigh In Scale

• The scale was manufactured in Chicago by Continental Scale Workers and the dimensions are 18.0” W x 59.5” H x 21.5” D. The scale features a steel tone analog slider at the top which can measure weight up to 300 pounds and an extendable black vertical bar for measuring height. The finish on the rest of the piece is white except for the black foot plate at the base.  

Muhammad Ali Autographed Color Photograph

• The color photograph of Muhammad Ali was taken in 1964 by unknown photographer. At an unknown date, the photograph was enlarged to 19” W x 29” H, mounted on cardboard and autographed by Muhammad Ali on Nov. 4, 1999. The photograph has been secured to a piece of varnished plywood and covered in Plexiglass, which is mounted to the plywood with exposed screws. The plywood has paint drops at the top and bottom and two empty screw holes on both sides. The photograph is faded.

Bronze Plaques (4)

·   Art in Public Places staff consulted with Historic Preservation staff regarding the significance of the four bronze plaques. According to Historic Preservation staff, the four plaques are of minor historical significance, although they do reference events and renovation projects that took place in the Miami Beach Convention Center.

o   One (1) plaque commemorating the Miami Beach Convention Center Renovation, 1974, 36”W x 36”H.

o   Two (2) plaques commemorating the Miami Beach Convention Center Renovation, date unknown, 24”W x 36”H. According to City Clerk staff the plaques could possibly be from the 1989 renovation.  

o   One (1) plaque commemorating Muhammad Ali Hall of Champions, Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall C, 1991, 24”W x 30”H.   

Attached to this report (Exhibit 1) are photos and condition reports all of the above referenced objects.

On January 11, 2017, a discussion regarding a Miami Beach Hall of Fame was held at the City Commission meeting and was referred to Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee Members for further evaluation. Depending on the outcome of these discussions, the Miami Beach Hall of Fame could an appropriate venue for these items.

CONCLUSION

The Administration seeks general direction on how to proceed with the care and placement of the scale, photograph, and four plaques, as costs are associated with restoring and placing the items for public display.