Category: Gables History

Recent renovations at Coral Gables’ iconic Biltmore Hotel have ignited concern among preservationists and local officials who fear that the changes compromise the historic character of the building. The renovations, which include the removal of original clay tiles, the painting…

By Dr. Karelia Martinez Carbonell, President Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables In 1974, teens helped renovate the 1920s era country club ballroom at the Biltmore Hotel, in time to celebrate their senior prom. One teen, Bob Dallas, wise beyond…

May is National Preservation Month! Celebrate by joining the organization in Miami and Coral Gables, Florida, from May 29 to June 1, 2024, and experience one of the country’s richest collections of mid-century and postmodern architecture. Entitled Streams of Modernity: Postwar…

The City Beautiful Movement was a reform philosophy of North American architecture and urban planning that flourished during the 1890s and 1900s with the intent of introducing beautification and monumental grandeur in cities.   The movement, originally associated mainly with…

In Coral Gables, preserving the architectural heritage of the past while accommodating the needs of modern living presents a unique challenge. It’s a challenge that the new owner of the property at 1104 Malaga Avenue, Nicholas Soane, has embraced with…

The Alfred Browning Parker Foundation for Historic Preservation recently wrote to the City of Coral Gables requesting the involvement of our government in the preservation of the 140 Arvida Pkwy historic property. The email and letter state as follows: Mr. Juan Riesco,…

A recent article mentions Alfred Browning Parker as one of the modernist architects that became famous for his sustainable designs “maximizing shade and airflow and aimed to work with nature.”  The irony is that the story comes at the heels of…

“The Placemaker Poet” is a “dramatic curation” exploring the life and legacy of Coral Gables’ visionary developer, George E. Merrick. About this event Inspired by the acclaimed biography “George E. Merrick: Son of the Southwind” by Arva Moore Parks What…

In 1951, Lucile Neher, won a seat on the Coral Gables Commission as the first female elected official on the dais. Lucile, a native of Ohio, added “Madam Commissioner” to her other titles of wife, mother, and business owner. She served…

The appeal of the Historic designation application for Coral Gables’ Garden of our Lord was heard by the Coral Gables City Commission, at the Tuesday, March 14th City Commission meeting. Commissioner Rhonda Anderson recused herself due to a conflict, which…