Coral Gables was foreseen and developed by George Merrick, whom first arrived in Miami in 1898. Coral Gables began as the Merrick family plantation, a successful grapefruit plantation and eventually became a tourist attraction known for its lovely groves. The family plantation began as a 160 acre lot and increased to a 1600-acre lot. Merrick began drawing up blueprints to convert the plantation into a suburban development to be named “Coral Gables”. The name “Coral Gables” was derived from the house his father built with a coral colored gabled roof to replace their original residence. Merrick envisioned a city that offered every amenity to its residence at the same time becoming a center for international business.
The first lot sales were made in 1921 and within four years of its conception became incorporated in 1925. Coral Gables saw the biggest real-estate boom with sales reaching $150 million. Merrick planned for the city to have a Spanish and Mediterranean feel with amenities such as a private beach, special themed villages, and separate residential and commercial areas. Coral Gables became a model city, other new developments tried to mimic the ideals or compete for sales, but none were able to match the splendor of the city. Merrick and his planners not only intended for Coral Gables to be a pleasant residential area, but the best resort in the world. Coral Gables has half a dozen sister cities worldwide including Granada, Spain; Cartagena, Columbia; and Province of Pisa, Italy. Today Coral Gables offers many attractions for domestic and international tourist including Vizcaya, The Biltmore Hotel, and The Venetian Pool.
Coral Gables is one of the larger municipalities in Miami-Dade County. The municipality is one of the most affordable in Miami-Dade as well as one of the most diverse. Half of its residents possess a college degree and a quarter possesses a graduate or professional degree. Nationally acclaimed establishments such as The Biltmore Hotel and The University of Miami make their home in this model city. The city coined itself the “City Beautiful” to describe its beautiful historical landmarks and scenic green spaces. 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 sate.
Since its inception, the cities current policies are still utilized to protect the residential sectors, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining international flavor. Coral Gables is among the most livable communities in the United States, providing its residents and visitors first-rate municipal services in culturally rich and diverse environments. Coral Gables is the only city in Florida, and only one of two nationwide to have a Class 1 Fire Department, a fully accredited Police Department, the highest awarded building and zoning department, and “AAA” bond ratings from Moody’s and Poor and Standards.
Metropolitan Dade County & Office of Community and Economics Development. “From Wilderness to Metropolis: The history and architecture of Dade County (1825-1940). 1982. P 93-100 Portes, Alejandro and Stepick, Alex. “City on the edge, the transformation of Miami. University of California Press. 1993. p (74-75)
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