|
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 600 locally designated
properties.
|
In the past
three
decades, the
City has
experienced
healthy
growth,
which has
bolstered
the economic
base. Today,
Coral Gables
is home to
175
multinationals,
26
consulates
and trade
offices and
more than 30
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,
and the
highest
awarded
Building and
Zoning
Department
rating. In
addition,
Coral Gables
has been
named a "Tree
City USA"
for 14
consecutive
years, it
has an
award-winning
Communications
Division and
offers one
of the most
comprehensive
Parks and
Recreation
programs in
the state |
|
|
|
|
