Founded in the 1920s, Coral Gables is a notable beauty with Mediterranean-style architecture located just southwest of downtown Miami. The Gables is a well known area of Miami with classic Old Spanish homes originally constructed in the 1920s and 1930s. The Gables keeps its nickname “The City Beautiful” because local authorities enforce rules on homeowners to keep their community looking its best. The streets are lined with trees and there are small parks featuring carved coral rock fountains and entryways.
One of the historical landmarks is the Biltmore Hotel. Situated on 150 tropical acres, the grand Biltmore Hotel was built in 1926. Land developer George Merrick was joined by John McEntee Bowman at the height of the Florida land boom to build a vast hotel to be the center of sports and fashion, and to create Merrick’s vision of “The City Beautiful”. The 18-hole golf course was designed by Donald Ross and debuted in January 1925 along with a magnificent inaugural ceremony that was the social event of the year. During the Jazz Age from 1926 to 1942, the Biltmore was one of the most fashionable resorts in the entire country. Thousands of spectators would turn out on the weekends to watch synchronized swimmers and other popular aquatic shows at the Biltmore pool. During WWII, The Biltmore was converted into a huge hospital and was known as the Army Air Forces Regional Hospital. The hotel was closed for some time and reopened again in 1983 after being fully restored to its former glory. Today, guests can enjoy the many amenities The Biltmore has to offer, as well as its grand architectural elements and lush South Florida landscape.
The Venetian Pool, another historical landmark in the heart of the Gables, is an aquatic facility unlike any other in the nation. In 1923, artist Denman Fink and architect Phineas Paist created a paradise with the efforts of George Merrick. The Venetian Pool is formed from a coral rock quarry and holds 820,000 gallons of water. Originally, the Venetian pool was opened as the “Venetian Casino” in 1924. The casino was a destination for many socialites and celebrities and the pool was emptied for concert performances. The Venetian Pool is still one of the main tourist attractions open to the public in Coral Gables, offering a unique and relaxing swimming experience.
The community of Coral Gables offers other attractions, such as the Coral Gables Museum, Montgomery Botanical Center, Casa Bacardi, and Coral Gables Merrick House and Gardens. The Merrick House was home to George Merrick, located on 907 Coral Way, and became a historic site in 1977 that offers tours today.
Coral Gables is an ideal location for shopping and fine living. Stylish shops and high end boutiques, art galleries, five star restaurants, a cinema, and live theater are situated along Coral Way, also recognized as Miracle Mile. Village of Merrick Park is an upscale shopping center featuring over 100 retail stores including several restaurants. The Gables also hosts community events for everyone to enjoy, such as the Farmers Markets, live music, art exhibitions, and holiday events.
Coral Gables is also a family oriented community known for its high rated schools. Coral Gables Preparatory Academy, an A-rated historic public school in the Gables, includes grades Pre-K through 8th grade and is a controlled choice school. Controlled choice allows school districts to make student school assignments using parents’ indicated favored school choice. Should a student not be placed at the favored school, they will be placed on a waiting list. Coral Gables Senior High School is also a public school with grades 9 through12th. Other public schools in Coral Gables include David Fairchild Elementary, George Washington Carver Elementary, George Washington Carver Middle, Henry S. West Laboratory, International Studies Preparatory Academy, Ponce de Leon Middle, and Sunset Elementary. Private schools in the Gables include Gulliver Academy, Riviera Day School, Saint Philip’s Episcopal School, Saint Theresa Catholic School and Saint Thomas Episcopal Parish School.
The University of Miami is also located in Coral Gables, offering over 200 majors and programs. Rated the No. 1 School in Florida, the University of Miami, also known as “UM”, teaches students from around the world and has private research facilities for the school of medicine, marine science, engineering, education, psychology and more.
The diverse community of Coral Gables continues to be a charming historic beauty and an attraction for tourists and corporate travelers, as well as growing families. As a greatly desirable place to live, work and play, The Gables offers a high quality of life with access to all types of public services.
If you have any interest living in The Gables, give us a call and we will help you out!
