City of Coral Gables

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by Hal Feldman — updated October 14, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

The city was developed by George Merrick during the Florida land boom of the 1920s. Coral Gables was one of the first planned communities, and its planning was based on the popular early twentieth century City Beautiful Movement. It is infamous for its strict zoning regulations, carefully design pedestrian-friendly street and as a family-friendly place to live. Among the landmarks in Coral Gables are the Venetian Pool, Douglas Entrance, Fairchild Tropical Gardens and the Miami Biltmore Hotel. The “City Beautiful” also has excellent schools, including the University of Miami.

  • Population: 49,714

  • Median Household Income: $118,203

  • Median Home Price: $1.19M

  • Homes For Sale in Coral Gables, FL: click here

As a Coral Gables real estate agent, I often am driving customers in and around this beautiful suburb of Miami. It is an incredible place to shop and the nightlife is lively and refined. You’d love living here!

WHERE IS CORAL GABLES?

Coral Gables has an odd shape, but is essentially the area East of 57th Avenue, West of 37th Avenue, South of SW 8th Street and North of SW 152nd Street (Click to enlarge)

The City of Coral Gables is nestled in the southeastern section of Miami-Dade County, Florida. It’s odd shape runs in a long north-to-south orientation, with the southern half comprising of valuable Biscayne Bay shoreline. The northern half contains the University of Miami. It offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle while still providing convenient access to urban amenities. It's a short 10-minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA) and about 20 minutes from the Port of Miami. Downtown Miami is roughly a 15-20-minute drive, depending on traffic. Residents also enjoy proximity to popular destinations like Key Biscayne (20 minutes).

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PARKS

The City of Coral Gables has 70 parks and designed outdoor spaces inside its borders. Some of these are quite small, yet still beautiful and functional. Others are large, traditional parks. To contain the scope of this guide, I have provided important details and background information only for the larger parks.

Coral Gables Entrance Park is a historic site in Coral Gables, Florida. Located at the junction of Douglas Road and Tamiami Trail (US 41), It is a favorite spot for photographers. The architect was Phineas Paist and it was completed in 1924. On September 22, 1972, it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

  • Cartagena Park, 401 Sunset Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33143 — More famously known as Cocoplum Circle, since the gated entrance to the Cocoplum development connects here. A connecting pedestrian bridge leads to Ingraham Park.

  • City of Coral Gables Biltmore Golf Course, 1210 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — This is a well-rated Par 71, 18-hole championship golf course, located alongside the Biltmore Hotel. If golf is not your thing, you’ll love the annual fireworks display that happens here for the 4th of July My family loves it!

  • Coral Gables Golf & Country Club - 997 N. Greenway Dr., Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Now just a green space (no golf!) and a building, The Coral Gables Golf and Country Club is a historic venue located in the heart of Coral Gables adjacent to the Granada Golf Course. Built in 1922, this iconic landmark was the first public facility built in Coral Gables designed to entertain prospective buyers from its distinctive tower while large crowds gathered and danced to music of renowned band leaders.

  • Granada Golf Course, 2001 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134 — The 1922-built par 36 nine-hole Granada Golf Course offers memberships, tournaments and lessons. Granada’s local flavor, association support and private club atmosphere make it quite unique. Many claim it is the perfect course for veterans and beginners alike. Granada Golf Course has a fully-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, handcart rental, golf cart rental and restaurant.

  • Ingraham Park, 4751 West Ingraham Terr., Coral Gables, FL 33133 — A small park featuring shaded benches, a playground, scenic water views & a walking path. It has a connecting pedestrian bridge to Cartagena Park (a.k.a. Cocoplum Circle).

  • Jaycee Park, 1230 Hardee Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33146 — Great park for the kids to play with a tennis court, basketball court, a sprinkler in the playground, and a fenced in area so little ones can ride a bicycle or scooter all the way around the perimeter.

  • Lamar Louise Curry Park, 2665 De Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — A tiny beautifully landscaped park across from Venetian Pool that allows for peaceful reflection.

  • Matheson Hammock Park, 9610 Old Cutler Road Miami, FL 33156 — Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre scenic park featuring a man-made atoll pool, which is flooded naturally with the tidal action of adjacent Biscayne Bay. The beach sea breeze is popular among families. The park operates a snack bar and a restaurant built into an historic coral stone building, picnic pavilions and nature trails. Matheson Hammock has many boat slips, launches, a restaurant (NOMA Beach at Redfish) and a man made beach (really a lagoon-like lake). In conjunction with the park, the County runs an on-site marina accommodating vessels of up to 50 feet. Other facilities include a fishing tackle shop, boat launch ramps and wet slips. Matheson Hammock opened in 1930 as the first county park of Dade County, a gift of 80 acres to the county from William J. Matheson. Originally administered by the county's first director of public parks, A. D. Barnes, and designed by the landscape architect William Lyman Phillips, today it is owned and managed by Miami-Dade County. Matheson wanted the land to be used as a park "to preserve the wild and natural beauty." It grew with further donations by the Matheson heirs, purchases by county commissioner Charles Crandon, and other donations.

  • Venetian Pool, 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Opened in 1924 as Venetian Casino, it was created from a 4-acre coral rock quarry, abandoned in 1921. The pool occupies a shallow quarry displacing some 820,000 gallons of fresh water daily from artesian wells, making it the largest freshwater pool in the United States. The pool ranges in depth from four feet to depths of over eight feet near the grand waterfall, with a two-foot kiddy pool near the lifeguard station. Aside from the facts abou this pool, I can personally tell you this is a unique experience that I highly recommend. My family loves headed here on hot summer days in Miami.

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SCHOOLS & LIBRARY

Coral Gables is known for its history as one of the best bedroom communities in South Florida with its educational resources and focus.

Public Schools

  • Somerset Gables Academy (CJC Campus) 624 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 / 305-442-8626 — Somerset Academy promotes a transformational culture that maximizes student achievement and the development of accountable, global learners in a safe and enriching environment that fosters high-quality education. It has 473 students in grades K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 77% of students are at least proficient in math and 83% in reading.

  • Sunset Elementary School 5120 SW 72nd Street, Miami, FL 33143 / 305-661-8527 — While just outside the Coral Gables perimeter, in the Ponce-Davis area, most people would tell you this is a Coral Gables school. It has 1,196 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. According to state test scores, 90% of students are at least proficient in math and 94% in reading.

  • George W. Carver Elementary School 238 Grand Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33133 / 305-443-5286 — G.W. Carver Elementary School, situated on the northwest perimeter of Coconut Grove in Coral Gables, holds historical significance as it originally catered to a predominantly Bahamian population. Today, ‘Little Carver’ embraces a diverse student body, with 90% hailing from various minority backgrounds. The school fosters an innovative, multilingual program with a challenging and rigorous curriculum, aiming to ensure student success and personal growth in a global society. It has 566 students in grades PK, K-5 with a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. According to state test scores, 87% of students are at least proficient in math and 78% in reading.

  • George Washington Carver Middle School 4901 Lincoln Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33133 / 305-444-7388 — George Washington Carver Middle School is a highly rated, public, magnet school. It has 971 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 20-to-1. According to state test scores, 92% of students are at least proficient in math and 91% in reading.

  • Ponce de Leon Middle School 5801 Augusto St, Coral Gables, FL 33146 / 305-661-1611 — Located across from The University of Miami, Ponce de Leon Middle School provides its students with a safe, academically challenging, and culturally diverse learning environment which fosters the development of a strong character and intellect. It has 888 students in grades 6-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 50% of students are at least proficient in math and 54% in reading.

  • Coral Gables Preparatory Academy (Pre-K thru 8) 105 Minorca Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 / 305-448-1731 — Was formerly Coral Gables Elementary School, with two campuses, including a historic campus located on Ponce de Leon Boulevard. It has 862 students in grades PK, K-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. According to state test scores, 74% of students are at least proficient in math and 76% in reading.

  • Coral Gables Senior High School 450 Bird Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146 / 305-443-4871 — Opening its doors in 1950, Coral Gables Senior High School has welcomed thousands of eager students ready for an educational path unlike any other. With an eight-period schedule, students have the ability to explore their interests by choosing from a wide variety of electives while still taking core curriculum courses. Today, Gables has a total of two magnet programs and five academies to choose from, preparing students for their post-secondary success. It has 2,824 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 24-to-1. According to state test scores, 42% of students are at least proficient in math and 53% in reading.

  • Palmetto Senior High School (is in Pinecrest but services some of Coral Gables) 7460 SW 118th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-235-1360 — The school’s mission statement is: We demonstrate academic excellence, personal integrity, civic responsibility, and global awareness. The student-teacher ratio at Miami Palmetto Senior High School is 25:1, with 2719 students enrolled. The school ranks with US News and World Report at #118 of 1,800 schools (Top 0.6%). Jeff Bezos attended Palmetto Senior High School, as did U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

  • International Studies Preparatory Academy 1570 Madruga Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33146 / 305-663-7200 — International Studies Preparatory Academy at Gables (ISPA) is a model for international education while creating an educational community where every student becomes responsible citizens, lifelong learners and contributors to a global society. ISPA fosters a sense of communal responsibility and solidarity through the celebration of culture, language and diversity. It has 381 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1. According to state test scores, 72% of students are at least proficient in math and 82% in reading.

Private Schools

Of special note, Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.

LIBRARY

The Coral Gables branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library is located at 3443 Segovia Street. On the second floor, there is a rentable event space. You can find out more by calling 305-442-8706 or clicking here for Library Events.

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MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY

Coral Gables is home to Coral Gables Hospital, a 245-bed acute care hospital. Located at 3100 Douglas Road, their emergency room may be the closest in time of need. Established in 1926, Coral Gables Hospital offers a broad range of services, from primary care to surgery and specialty programs – including Orthopedics, Urology, Comprehensive Diagnostics Services, Emergency, Outpatient Rehabilitation and more. The hospital is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. Currently Coral Gables Hospital has more than 300 physicians on staff, and more than 700 employees.

It also has Baptist Health Doctors Hospital at 5000 University Drive. Doctors Hospital has provided high-quality medical care to the community since 1949. Recognized as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, Doctors Hospital offers general and specialized services, including orthopedics and sports medicine, cardiac care and sports cardiology, general surgery, robotic and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, geriatric medicine and pulmonary care. The emergency department at Doctors Hospital provides a high-tech, high-touch approach to medicine. The facility also boasts a state-of-the-art intensive care unit and provides a wide range of outpatient diagnostic services.

The Lennar Foundation Medical Center at 5555 Ponce de Leon is a University of Miami Health facility. The Lennar Foundation Medical Center is a 200,000-square-foot outpatient center on the University of Miami’s (UM) Coral Gables campus that provides easy health care access to leading physicians for students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. The Lennar Foundation Medical Center delivers specialty care by the renowned Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (ranked the No. 1 eye hospital in the nation for 17 years by U.S. News & World Report), and UM’s Sports Medicine Institute.

There are many urgent care facilities in Coral Gables, including: Baptist Health Urgent Care (10 Giralda Ave Suite 100), UHealth Jackson Urgent Care (3737 SW 8th Street) and MD Now Urgent Care (2750 Coral Way).

For the kids, Pediatric Associates Coral Gables is highly recommended by several of my friends and customers. You also can’t go wrong with Gables Pediatrics.

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TRANSPORTATION

The Coral Gables Trolley has been providing a convenient transportation option for residents and visitors since 2003 and averages over 1 million passengers per year. The service is free Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and provides service on two routes, Ponce de Leon and Grand Avenue.

Coral Gables also has sponsored Freebee service. These are green, on-demand vehicles that pick you up and take you anywhere (door-to-door) within Coral Gables’ boundary, FREE!

Coral Gables has made extensive efforts to make significant portions of the City accessible by bicycle.

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SHOPPING

For grocery shopping in Florida, it’s hard to beat Publix. Thankfully, Coral Gables has a huge Publix located at 2551 S Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Whole Foods is at 6701 Red Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33143 and Milam's Market is at two locations: West - 5767 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155 and East - 3050 SW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33146.

Just east of Coral Gables, located at 2999 Sw 32nd Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 is a Home Depot. Like me, I am sure you’ll be spending plenty of time there to fix up your home just right.

SPECIAL MENTION

Books & Books 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Mitchell Kaplan opened the first Books & Books in 1982 in a 500-sf space in Coral Gables, Florida just after dropping out of law school at the age of 25. The modest bookstore developed a very strong following for our vast collection of books on art, architecture, and photography; creating a literary movement Miami had never seen before. Mitchell’s vision of building an environment where like-minded people could gather, learn and discuss became a reality and it was clear that we had something special. In the spring of 2001, it relocated to an exquisite 1927 building listed in the Coral Gables Register of Historic Places, across the street from the original store. You often find patrons mingling with authors and poets among the shelves of our store, all with a common purpose: a love for books. Books & Books now has five locations in Miami, FL, with its flagship store located in Coral Gables.

MALLS

  • Giralda Plaza 120 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — In 2017, the 100 block of Giralda Avenue re-opened as Giralda Plaza, a pedestrian walkway lined on each side with numerous high-quality restaurants, bars, and coffee shops with indoor and outdoor seating. You will find a variety of cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Greek, Mediterranean, Peruvian, and more! There are small shops sprinkled in and around this destination.

  • Shops at Merrick Park 358 San Lorenzo Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 — Affluent and wonderfully-walkable outdoor shopping mall featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and 115 other world-class retail shops. Surround yourself with the best fashion has to offer at Shops at Merrick Park. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, this is a luxurious destination for shoppers that welcomes you with upscale brands and beautiful streetscapes offering the perfect place for fun in the sun all year round. There are wonderful restaurants and the upscale Landmark Theaters with 7 screens, laser projection, Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, recliners and reserved seating.

  • Miracle Mile & Downtown Coral Gables 220 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Miracle Mile is a 1/2-mile long section of Coral Way between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road. It is the main east-west road through the city's downtown central business district, consisting of many shops, financial institutions, restaurants and arts institution. The famous Miracle Theater (Actors Playhouse) is there as well. My aunt and uncle own/run it. They host traveling Broadway stage productions and local shows that always get rave reviews. Downtown Coral Gables has a similar vibe. Shop windows line a few of the streets with a great mix of both mom-and-pop and chain stores.

For a more traditional indoor mall you can head nearby to Kendall’s Dadeland Mall located west of Coral Gables by about 20 minutes.

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DINING

Coral Gables certainly has its share of your typical chain restaurants and fast-food spots. As a Coral Gables Realtor® I take pride in supporting locally-owned restaurants and supporting those eateries that have added to the fabric of this community. For this reason, below I present my favorites and the contained links are to stories I have done about their contributions to this wonderful city.

  • The Cafe at Books & Books 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Be seen here! Since 2001, this cafe is a great socialization location. The landmark bookstore operates a fun cafe where you are surrounded by books and great people.

  • Christy’s Restaurant 3101 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Since 1978 Christy's Restaurant has been serving Coral Gables locals. This fine dining experience provides a classic steakhouse experience from their famous Caesar Salad to the Baked Alaska which is flambeed tableside. The intimate dining rooms with classic Cuban artwork set the tone for incredible food and flawless service in the heart of Coral Gables.

  • Graziano's Restaurant 394 Giralda Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — I’ll admit that I am a huge fan of great meats, and this place never disappoints. Named for the family that has owned this restaurant for three generations. This is a proper Argentinian steakhouse experience. In the center is a circular charcoal grill filled with chicken, lamb, and steaks. They’ve got bistecca alla fiorentina, spinalis steaks, and tomahawks—plus ribeyes, sirloins, short ribs, and skirt steaks. The meal always starts with bread and chimichurri, which you should save for your steak.

  • Zucca 162 Alcazar Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (inside the Hotel St. Michel) — An Italian restaurant with class. It’s one of the quietest restaurants in Miami thanks to velvet curtains and hidden soundproofing. I recently went to Zucca and, although pricey, this is a wonderful

Starbucks is in many locations in Coral Gables. One is at 292 Miracle Mile. Another is at 1906 Ponce de Leon. Three others are located on US-1 at 1122 S Dixie Hwy., 8350 S Dixie Hwy. and 475 S Dixie Hwy. A Starbucks can be found on the University of Miami campus as well.

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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

You don’t need a roller coaster to have fun in the great outdoors here. As a Palmetto Bay real estate agent, I like to go to authentic places to see beautiful things and learn about our local history. Here are some places easy to reach near Palmetto Bay.

  • Deering Estate 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 — If you are interested in the early history of Miami, Cutler and the Palmetto Bay area, look no further than the Deering Estate. Charles Deering Estate (also known as Deering Estate at Cutler) was the Florida home of Charles Deering until 1927 when he died at the estate. Deering lived on the 444-acre property for five years, from 1922 to 1927. The property consists of a three-story wooden house built in 1900, known as the Richmond Cottage and a three-story stone mansion. Other buildings were also built on the property to serve as auxiliary buildings to the estate. The grounds include what is thought to be the largest virgin coastal tropical hardwood hammock in the continental United States. Besides hosting events like the annual Seafood Festival, this is a great place to get some culture and stroll the grounds of a unique part of South Florida.

  • Fairchild Tropical Gardens 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 — This is a treasure of South Florida. Fairchild Tropical Gardens is an 83-acre botanic garden with extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees, and vines. Fairchild Tropical Gardens has a lot more than just tropical gardens. It is a great social and cultural center as well. Dale Chihuli’s hand-blown glass art graces many areas of the grounds. Don’t miss the butterfly exhibit!

  • Matheson Hammock 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156 — A park, beach and marina. The park includes vast stretches of Florida mangroves and hardwood forests, as well as planned green spaces designed by landscape architect William Lyman Phillips. Along with Matheson Hammock Park, Phillips designed Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in 1938. This public park gets you close to the water activities you want. Matheson Hammock has many boat slips, launches, a restaurant (NOMA Beach at Redfish) and a man made beach (really a lagoon-like lake).

  • Monkey Jungle 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170 — This is one of the most interesting ‘zoos’ I have ever been to, where essentially you are in the cage and the monkeys roam free! Established in 1933 by Joseph DuMond for the exhibition and study of endangered monkeys in semi-natural habitats after releasing 6 Java Macaques into a subtropical forest, the park is now home to over 300 primates, this attraction is one of the few protected habitats for endangered primates in the United States and the only one that the general public can explore.

  • Pinecrest Gardens 11000 Red Rd, Pinecrest, FL 33156 — Pinecrest Gardens is a lush, botanical garden located in and managed by the Village of Pinecrest dating back to 1936. It is a 14-acre, historic property that originally housed Parrot Jungle, one of the Miami area’s earliest tourist attractions. Pinecrest Gardens is home to numerous cultural events, concerts, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. Seasonal celebrations, holiday festivals, and outdoor evenings add to the charm and appeal for locals and tourists alike. A petting zoo offers an opportunity for children and families to interact with various domestic animals. The garden also features playgrounds, a splash zone play area, picnic areas, and open spaces for leisure activities and gatherings.

  • Venetian Pool 2701 De Soto Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134 — Opened in 1924 as Venetian Casino, it was created from a 4-acre coral rock quarry, abandoned in 1921. The pool occupies a shallow quarry displacing some 820,000 gallons of fresh water daily from artesian wells, making it the largest freshwater pool in the United States. The pool ranges in depth from four feet to depths of over eight feet near the grand waterfall, with a two-foot kiddy pool near the lifeguard station. Aside from the facts abou this pool, I can personally tell you this is a unique experience that I highly recommend. My family loves headed here on hot summer days in Miami.

  • Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129 — The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former villa and estate of businessman James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay in the present-day Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida. The early 20th-century Vizcaya estate also includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens, native woodland landscape, and a historic village outbuildings compound. The landscape and architecture were influenced by Veneto and Tuscan Italian Renaissance models and designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, with Baroque elements. Miami-Dade County now owns the Vizcaya property, as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which is open to the public. The location is served by the Vizcaya Station of the Miami Metrorail.

  • Zoo Miami 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 — Quite simply, this is a tremendous zoo. Zoo Miami offers discounts to families, a monorail option for getting around and hosts 40 endangered species. Since 1948, the zoo has opened its doors to kids and adults from around the world. It is the fifth-largest zoo in the country. It's home to more than 2,500 animals, including koalas, tigers, and elephants, and over 1,000 species of trees, palms, and other plants. Zoo spokesperson and ambassador Ronald Magill is a friend and a great personality. He makes regular television appearances across local South Florida networks and has won five Emmy Awards for his work on the nature documentary programs.

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GOVERNMENT & SERVICES

CITY HALL

Coral Gables City Hall is located at 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Coral Gables was formally incorporated as a city on April 29, 1925. It was and remains a planned community based on the popular early twentieth century City Beautiful Movement and is known for its strict zoning regulations. You can reach them at 305-446-6800. You can catch up with Coral Gables’ latest information via their official Village website and their official Facebook and X (Twitter) feeds.

CITY COUNCIL

The commission-manager form of government allows the city's residents to elect a five-member City Commission charged with providing community leadership and developing policies to guide the City Administration's delivery of services. The Commission appoints the City Manager, who serves as chief administrator of the city and ensures that the Commission's policies are properly executed. The Commission also appoints the City Attorney and the City Clerk. Coral Gables' City Commissioners are elected to four-year, staggered terms, and the mayor serves for two years.

CITY POLICE

The Coral Gables Police Department is a Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredited agency. The 191 sworn police officers that make up the department have been recognized as a model of excellence in the delivery of local law enforcement services.

You can call their administrative office during business hours at 305-442-1600. For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency police matters dial 305-4-POLICE.

CITY PERMITTING

Coral Gables is known for strict enforcement of it’s permitting regulations. They have a great online permitting resources to keep everyone on the same page.

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HISTORY

The city was developed by George Merrick, a real estate developer from Pennsylvania, during the Florida land boom of the 1920s. The city's architecture is almost entirely Mediterranean Revival style, mandated in the original plan, with an emphasis on Spanish influence in particular, such as the Coral Gables Congregational Church, donated by Merrick. The domed Catholic Church of the Little Flower was built somewhat later, in a similar Spanish Renaissance style.

Early in the city's planning and development, Merrick shared his vision for Coral Gables as "a most extraordinary opportunity for the building of 'Castles in Spain'," as explored in Coral Gables historian Arva Moore Parks' 2006 book George Merrick's Coral Gables: Where Your 'Castles in Spain' are Made Real. Merrick's success in executing this vision for the city would catch the attention of Spain's King, Alfonso XIII, who awarded Merrick the Order of Isabella the Catholic for his support of Spanish culture in Coral Gables.

By 1926, the city covered 10,000 acres and had netted $150 million in sales, with over $100 million spent on development. That year also saw the opening of the Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course, a major landmark in city.

Merrick meticulously designed the city with distinct zones. For example, he designed the Downtown commercial district to be only four blocks wide and more than 2 miles long. The main artery, now known as Miracle Mile, bisected the business district. Merrick could boast that every business in Coral Gables was less than a two-block walk. The city used to have an electric trolley system, which was ended as a result of the growing usage of automobiles, but now a new free circulator trolley system, initiated in November 2003, runs down Ponce de León Boulevard. Another distinctive and character-defining feature of the city planned by Merrick are the themed Coral Gables Villages that date to the 1920s and were designed to expand the city's architecture beyond Spanish influence to include Italian, French, and Dutch South African among others.

In 1925, roughly simultaneous to the founding of Coral Gables, the University of Miami was constructed on 240 acres of land just west of U.S. Route 1, approximately two miles south of Downtown Coral Gables. By the fall of 1926, the first class of 372 students enrolled at the university. During World War II, many Navy pilots and mechanics were trained and housed in Coral Gables.

Coral Gables has traditionally placed high priority on historic preservation. The city passed its first preservation ordinance in 1973 as many of its founding structures from the 1920s began to reach their 50th anniversaries. Further ordinances were enacted in the 1980s establishing the Historic Preservation Board and in the 1990s establishing the Historic Preservation Department, now called the Historical Resources & Cultural Arts Department.

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MOVE TO CORAL GABLES

This custom link will show you currently available properties for sale in Coral Gables, FL.

My online resources for getting started in South Florida are unequalled. Working directly with me brings my knowledge impact directly to you. I look forward to talking to you soon and sharing more about everything Coral Gables has to offer!

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