Strolling the sun-drenched sidewalks of Coral Gables, the rhythmic rustle of palm fronds and murmur of conversations from sidewalk cafés and storefronts set the scene. The Mediterranean Revival architecture, with its terracotta rooftops and stucco façades, whispers tales of a city meticulously crafted from limestone and an enduring vision.
Coral Gables was born from a blueprint and founder George Merrick’s dream of a master-planned city that fused beauty, function and commerce. At its eastern edge, he envisioned a vibrant business district serving residents’ daily needs and leisure.
The city’s earliest businesses emerged to support its own growth. Locally quarried coral rock fueled a construction boom. Within a year of incorporation, Coral Gables boasted over 4,000 structures, including homes, commercial buildings, schools, hospitals and hotels, and had seen an investment surpassing $150 million.
In 1926, the Miami Biltmore Hotel opened its doors as one of the first businesses to define the city’s skyline, soaring 315 feet. At the time, it was the tallest building in Florida and a symbol of the city’s ambitions to define itself through iconic developments.
But in 1926 the Florida real estate boom collapsed and then, as in most cities, Coral Gables’ momentum stalled in the wake of the Great Depression and World War II.
The tide turned in the 1940s, led by developers George K. Zain and his wife, Rebyl, who envisioned a premier shopping destination. They began acquiring parcels along Coral Way, and by the mid-1940s, they had transformed a four-block stretch between LeJeune Road and Douglas Road into what would become Miracle Mile. Lined with refined retailers, upscale dining and cultural attractions, it quickly became the city’s signature commercial corridor.
By the 1950s, Miracle Mile had blossomed into a luxury shopping haven. Among its anchor tenants was Albert H. Friedman’s high-end clothing store. In 1954, Mr. Friedman and other proprietors helped launch the Miracle Mile Merchants Association, which advocated for the district’s continued success and helped ensure its vitality through decades of change.
Umbrella Sky display brought Giralda 10,000 visitors a day in 2018.
As the commercial fabric of the city expanded, leaders recognized the need for a more organized approach to foster long-term business development. In the 1990s, three pioneering businesswomen, Jeanne Becker, Judith Weissel and Diane Brant, spearheaded the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID).
Going door to door, they rallied support from merchants. With backing from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the BID was officially established in July 1997. Focused on marketing, revitalization and business advocacy, it originally spanned Douglas Road to LeJeune Road and Aragon to Andalusia avenues, later expanding to Giralda Avenue in 2007 to meet rising demand.
As the 21st century dawned, the BID’s groundwork and forward-thinking development fueled he city’s modern-day commercial metamorphosis. The Shops at Merrick Park opened, signaling a new chapter for Coral Gables’ retail scene. Anchored by giants like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, it ushered in a more cosmopolitan clientele and immediately boosted local business activity.
That momentum rippled outward. Entrepreneurs opened restaurants, galleries and boutiques in the surrounding streets, drawn by the influx of high-end shoppers and residents. Coral Gables evolved into a destination for both affluent locals and international visitors, reinforcing its status as a global city while maintaining its deep community roots.
In 2022, the opening of the 242-room Loews Coral Gables Hotel at The Plaza added yet another layer of prestige. More than a luxury property, Loews became an economic catalyst, attracting investors, business travelers and conferences, further enhancing the city’s international profile.
Beyond retail and hospitality, Coral Gables has cultivated a thriving ecosystem of tech startups, creative industries and professional service firms. It’s a dynamic blend of heritage and innovation, where modern entrepreneurs establish roots along streets shaped by a century of legacy.
Today, the city is home to more than 10,000 businesses. Global names like Apple, FIFA and Ryder have joined legacy firms like Bacardi, many of them based in premier developments such as The Plaza, the Colonnade and Alhambra Plaza.
The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce says the city’s appeal lies in its walkability, prime location, proximity to the airport, competitive lease rates, and a vibrant restaurant and retail scene, making it a business-savvy alternative to Brickell or downtown Miami.
As the city celebrates its centennial, its commercial heart beats stronger than ever. The continued success of developments like Merrick Park and the Loews Hotel, coupled with the revitalization of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, illustrates how Coral Gables balances tradition with transformation, honoring the past while shaping the next 100 years of growth.
The post How 10,000 businesses blossomed in Coral Gables appeared first on Miami Today.