Coral Gables Tutors

About Coral Gables

Coral Gables, Florida was one of the first planned communities in the United States, founded in 1925. Coral Gables was nicknamed “the City Beautiful,” based on the City Beautiful movement of American architecture in the early 20th century. Due to the rapid growth of American cities in the late 1800s, the City Beautiful movement emerged as a response to the lack of aesthetic appeal these old cities had, as well as the search for a uniquely American style. The movement was characterized by beauty for the sake of both form and function. Baroque-style buildings, monuments, fountains, and sprawling parks were meant to be not only visually pleasing, but also to give an overall sense of harmony and functionality to the city.

The planner and builder of Coral Gables, George Merrick, pulled these elements from the City Beautiful movement along with Mediterranean-style architecture to create the style that the city still has today. Many of the beautiful buildings around the city are historical places that are popular among visitors. One such place is the famous Biltmore Hotel, built in 1926.This historic hotel went through many changes since its inception, including serving as a hospital during World War II and the campus for the University of Miami’s School of Medicine. It wasn’t until 1973 that the city of Coral Gables took ownership of the Biltmore and undertook a full restoration to be reopened to the public in 1987. Visitors can enjoy a state-of-the-art golf course, spa, fitness center, and the Venetian pool, which has also been designated a historical landmark and is the largest freshwater pool in the country.

The Coral Gables Museum is another historic site where visitors can learn about the history of the city. Guests can visit the Old Police and Fire Station to see the jail cells and the city’s first courtroom, or attend one of the many events held in the 5,000 square foot museum plaza. The Coral Gables Museum also offers tours and lectures where visitors can view various exhibitions that explore different aspects of the city’s architecture and urban planning.

Along with being the hub of many beautiful and historical landmarks, Coral Gables also prides itself on being a multicultural city bonded with “sister cities” around the world. Sister Cities International, a nonprofit created by President Eisenhower in 1956, allows for the exchange of cultures between members of different communities. Through this organization, Coral Gables has formed relationships with six different sister cities in France, Italy, Spain, Colombia, Guatemala, and Ecuador. These international bonds contribute to the thriving culture and economy of Coral Gables that has endured over so many decades.