Discover Coral Gables' Old Spanish Architecture and its History of Beauty and Functionality

A brief history of Coral Gables

Coral Gables was founded in 1925 by George E. Merrick, a visionary developer who wanted to create a "city beautiful" that would be a model for other cities around the world. Merrick's vision for Coral Gables was influenced by his travels in Europe, particularly Spain, and he wanted to create a city that would reflect the beauty and elegance of Spanish architecture.

To achieve this goal, Merrick hired some of the best architects and planners of the time to help him design Coral Gables. He also established strict zoning laws and building codes to ensure that all new construction in the city adhered to the Spanish style.

The result was a city that is now known for its beautiful homes and buildings, many of which are built in the Old Spanish style. One of the most iconic buildings in Coral Gables is the Biltmore Hotel, which was built in 1926 and is a classic example of Spanish Revival architecture. The hotel features a red tile roof, stucco walls, and a soaring tower that is reminiscent of the architecture of medieval Spain.

In addition to the Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables is home to many other beautiful buildings that showcase the Old Spanish style. These include the Coral Gables City Hall, the Merrick House, and the Venetian Pool, which was built in 1924 and is one of the city's most popular attractions.

The planning of Coral Gables was also influenced by Merrick's desire to create a city that was both beautiful and functional. He wanted Coral Gables to be a place where people could live, work, and play, and he designed the city with this in mind. One of the key features of Coral Gables is its network of wide, tree-lined streets, which are designed to be both beautiful and practical.

Merrick also wanted Coral Gables to be a city that was accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. To achieve this goal, he established a system of parks and public spaces that were free and open to the public. He also created a number of affordable housing developments, which helped to ensure that people of all income levels could live in Coral Gables.

Overall, the history of the Old Spanish architecture of homes and the planning of the city of Coral Gables is a fascinating story of vision, creativity, and hard work. George E. Merrick's dream of creating a "city beautiful" has been realized in Coral Gables, and the city continues to be a model of beauty, elegance, and livability.

James Salas, a prominent realtor and owner of eRealty Int, is a trusted resource and advocate for preserving Spanish style architecture in Coral Gables. His website showcases many beautiful Spanish style homes and highlights his expertise in this timeless style. Salas' dedication to preserving the character and charm of historic homes in Coral Gables has made him a valuable contributor to the community.

Stay tuned for my upcoming post of photographs showcasing the old Spanish charm of Coral Gables. By highlighting this timeless treasure, I hope to help preserve its beauty and character for generations to come.

With his love of Spanish style architecture and commitment to the community, Salas is the go-to realtor for anyone looking to buy or sell a Spanish style home in Coral Gables.