What You Need to Know About North Gables
Although “neglected” is not often a word used to describe Coral Gables, that’s exactly how city officials have long described the northern part of Coral Gables. Although, that may change in the years to come.
City commissioners unanimously passed three ordinances aimed at encouraging development in that area, per Miami Today. Here’s what you need to know about North Gables, now and in the future.
Regency on the Park
The ordinances expanded the north Ponce de Leon Boulevard mixed-use district to 100, 114, and 126 Calabria Ave. and 912 and 918 E Ponce de Leon Blvd. They also paved the way for development of Regency on the Park, a 12-story, 130-foot tall building with 151 residential units, including eight live-work units. Plans also call for 16,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, 231 parking spaces, and 21,246 square feet of landscaped open space. The project will be constructed on vacant land. City commissioners, who have championed the project, have paid particular attention to the amount of public space in the project. Plans call for it to have four times more open space than existing regulations require, which officials say will help make the project an asset to the area.
Location, Location, Location
Not only is the area located close to Downtown Miami, it’s also very close to Miami International Airport. It’s about a 20- to 30-minute drive to Downtown via the Tamiami Trail (depending on traffic) and about a 20-minute drive to the airport via NW 37th Avenue. It’s also not far from the Dolphin Expressway or Interstate 95.
It Has History
Coral Gables is known for its preservation of historic structures. These structures can be seen throughout the neighborhood, and they’re considered a cherished aspect of the community. North Gables is home to Douglas Entrance, the only business park in Coral Gables and a city landmark, known for its iconic entry arch and bell tower. Douglas Entrance was once considered the gateway to Coral Gables, and it’s one of 12 properties within Coral Gables listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Great Cuban Food Is Within Walking Distance
If you need your morning fix of Cuban coffee, or you have a late night craving for a Cuban sandwich, there are several great restaurants literally within walking distance. La Casita offers casual dining and occasionally live music, while La Carreta is known for its homestyle Cuban cooking. If you don’t mind braving tourists or crowds, the Versailles Restaurant is also close by. Other restaurants in the neighborhood include Eating House Miami, which features farm-to-table fare, and Cava, which has Spanish food and flamenco nights.
It’s Not Far from Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho, or 8th Street, is considered the center of Little Havana, and some say visiting there is like stepping back into old-world Cuba. There, you can find hand-rolled Cuban cigars, visit authentic Cuban coffee shops, and a participate in a host of other activities. Each year in March, the Calle Ocho Festival is held. More than 1 million people from around the world come to this single-day event to enjoy dancing, eating, partying, costumes, street performers, and performances from the biggest Latin stars.
It’s Close to the Venetian Pool
About a 10-minute drive away is the historic Venetian Pool, created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry. The 820,000-gallon pool is fed with spring water from an underground aquifer. In the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily. As one of Coral Gables’ main tourist attractions, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but it’s also a favorite of locals. There are two waterfalls that provide a scenic backdrop as well as the cave-like grottos which provide a fun experience for swimmers.
Shopping Is Nearby
Several large shopping venues are also close by, including The Mall of the Americas, an enclosed shopping mall located at 7795 West Flagler St. and Shops at Merrick Park, an outdoor shopping mall at 358 San Lorenzo Ave. Both malls feature hundreds of stores, along with restaurants. Shops at Merrick Park also features a farmers’ market on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.