City Past
Coral Gables'
unique past is evident today, not only in the preservation of
its architecture and landmarks, but in the spirit of its
residents and the philosophy that guides its government.
George Merrick
drew from the Garden City and City Beautiful movements of the
19th and early 20th century to create in 1925 one of the
nation's first fully-planned communities. Incorporating secluded
residential enclaves and commercial areas inspired by the
architectural style of the Mediterranean, Merrick envisioned a
City that would offer every amenity to its residents and at the
same time would become a center for international business. In
every respect, Merrick's dream has come true.
The same
principles that made Coral Gables a success at its inception
guide the City's current policies. The community's and the
City's emphasis on protecting the residential sectors,
preserving the natural environment and maintaining an
international flavor are all long-standing traditions.
In addition, in
1973 Coral Gables was one of the first cities in Florida to
adopt a Historical Resources Ordinance, creating a Historical
Resources Board and establishing a procedure for local landmark
designations. Since then, the past has also been preserved in
the form of buildings — significant either because of their
architecture or because of the historic events or important
figures associated with them.
Today, Coral Gables boasts one of only three
National Landmarks in Miami-Dade County: The Biltmore Hotel,
designated in 1996. There are also nine properties listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, including Coral Gables
Merrick House, Venetian Pool and Coral Gables City Hall, as well
as more than 300 locally designated properties.
City
Present
In the past
three decades, the City has experienced healthy growth, which
has bolstered the economic base. Today, Coral Gables is home to
150 multinationals, 21 consulates and trade offices and a number
of fine art galleries. It is also known as the Fine Dining
Capital of South Florida and has the highest concentration of
live theater in Miami-Dade County. Growth in the commercial
sector has brought a wealth of new activities for residents,
including nighttime entertainment, live music, casual and fine
dining, and new retail options. It has also helped maintain low
property taxes. At the same time, the residential areas have
remained protected from commercial intrusion.
The City
supports both the residential and business sectors with
excellent City services, having attained the highest possible
standards in every field. In fact, Coral Gables is the only City
in the State of Florida and one of only two cities nationwide to
have a Class 1 Fire Department, a fully-accredited Police
Department, the highest awarded Building and Zoning Department
rating, and "AAA" bond ratings from Moody's and Standard and
Poor's. In addition, Coral Gables has been named a "Tree City
USA" for 13 consecutive years and offers one of the most
comprehensive Parks and Recreation programs in the state.
City
Future
As Coral Gables looks to the future, it will
continue to strive for innovation and growth while remaining
true to its founder's original intention: to create a
first-class City providing the highest quality of life for
residents and visitors.
The City will
seek to continually enhance community life, both on a city-wide
and neighborhood level. Ongoing goals include the creation and
renovation of neighborhood parks, the enhancement of special
events, and the protection of essential neighborhood services.
Another important objective will be the use of emerging
technology to ensure two-way communication between residents and
government in order to identify and address issues of concern.
In addition, the
City will continue to work with the private sector to bring
exciting new developments to Coral Gables. The next few years
will see the completion of projects that will help revitalize
the City's commercial districts, bringing new retail and
entertainment options to residents and creating new housing
options for a wider range of demographics. Public/private
partnerships will also add to the tax base, easing the burden on
the City's residents and ensuring the City's ability to continue
delivering the highest level of services.
And as the City
evolves, it will be mindful of the past, preserving its
traditions, its monuments and its spirit.
"The Building of
Coral Gables has not been a thing of the moment, but a wonderful
monument that will as solidly endure as does the everlasting
coral upon which it is founded." George Merrick, 1926
