A vision and conceptual design for Downtown Coral Gables, set forth in 2009 by the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (BID), is moving forward after the City of Coral Gables Commission approved the multi-million dollar Miracle Mile and Giralda Streetscape Improvement Projects on Aug. 26.
The BID, which has a mission to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables, has supported the combined initiative and made it its top priority for the past seven years.
“This is a historic day in the City of Coral Gables and a major victory for the BID, its property owners, merchants, citizens and everyone who resides, works in and visits Downtown Coral Gables and its unique shops, restaurants and entertainment,” said Burton H. Hersh, AIA, BID president. “We wish to thank the City of Coral Gables mayor, vice mayor, commissioners and city staff for their leadership and vision during this entire process.”
The conceptual design of the Streetscape Project will provide wider sidewalks, public art displays and open plaza areas along Miracle Mile to create a pedestrian friendly area and encourage more foot traffic. During certain times of the day and night, bollards along Giralda Avenue will be raised making it a pedestrian- only zone.
The streets along Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue will feature improved urban lighting, tree grates, benches, kiosks, better signage for businesses and parking garages, more welcoming connections to garages and alleyways and permanent valet stations.
