With more than 15 new restaurants, merchants and cultural venues debuting in Downtown Coral Gables in the coming months, Miracle Mile is abuzz with action.
Dining is the talk of the town with celebrity chef Norman Van Aken making his highly anticipated return to the Gables and the Ale House introducing its casual brand of fun to the area. Additionally, J. Del Olmo bridal salon and Reminiscence antiques and accessories have relocated to accommodate a 300-seat Seasons 52. The healthy grill and wine bar will take over six storefronts on the north side of the 300 block of Miracle Mile between Salzedo Street and LeJeune Road.
“There’s a lot of excitement in the air this spring, notably in the 300 block,” said Mari Gallet, executive director of the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables. “While we, like other major retail districts, saw some storefronts go dark during the height of the recession, a considerable amount of development has been underway since late last year, and we are looking forward to what the second half of 2010 will bring.
“As of Apr. 15, we had 93 percent of all of the storefronts on Miracle Mile leased, which is one of the lowest commercial vacancy rates in Miami-Dade County.” Cultural projects nearing completion include the Coral Gables Cinemateque and the Coral Gables Museum, which has announced an opening date of Oct. 10. Women’s apparel, home furnishings, bridal accessories and salons round out the list of newcomers.
New and relocated businesses include: Now open Abrabanel Rugs, Fine handmade Persian and Oriental carpets, 349 Miracle Mile; Agonagona, Women’s apparel for all occasions, 252 Miracle Mile; Anton Acero Beauty Studio, Beauty salon, 380 Miracle Mile; Avante-Garde, Sushi, salads and sandwiches, 30 Giralda Ave., and Twinkle Twinkle, Bridal accessory studio, 40 Miracle Mile.
Coming soon
Ale House, Casual dining food and drink chain, 101 Miracle Mile; Bellobaby Rooms, Bedding, décor and accessories, 347 Miracle; Mile Coral Gables Cinemateque, Art cinema offering international programming for all age groups, 260 Aragon Ave.; Coral Gables Museum, Focusing on the history, art and architecture of the local area, 285 Aragon Ave.; Iron Sushi, Casual dining Japanese restaurant, 70 Aragon Ave.; La Estrada, Furniture, 257 Miracle Mile; Norman’s 180, Casual dining restaurant by Chef Norman Van Aken, the “founding father of New World cuisine,” 180 Aragon Ave.; Panera Bread, Bakery-café restaurant offering breads, sandwiches, soups, salads and bakery items, 137 Miracle Mile; Seasons 52, Fresh grill and wine bar, 335 Miracle Mile; Studio 61, Beauty salon, 61 Miracle Mile, and Wine Fashion Florence Café, High fashion retail showroom selling Tuscan fashion and food, 220 Aragon Ave. Relocations J. Del Olmo, Bridal salon, 324 Miracle Mile, and Reminiscence, Antiques and accessories, 357 Miracle Mile.
Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood infused with a chic European feel.
Decorated with tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues. With more than 160 retailers and more than 70 restaurants, Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile is a sophisticated destination to shop, live, play and work.
For more information and a directory, visit online at < www.shopcoralgables.com >.
