Changes are coming to Coral Gables

Next year several remodeling projects for the city will be carried out. Coral Gable's future comes with towers pushing up against the limits of the city's famously stringent zoning rules, new hotels, hundreds of condos, apartment units, an array of offices, restaurants, public art and pedestrian-friendly developments.

The discussion about the renovation of Miracle Mile lasted for about three decades. Recently, the approval of local residents made the difference to go through with the modernization project. Within this project is also the renovation of neighboring Giralda Avenue.

Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue streetscape project aimed to give a new face to the streets. An expansion of the sidewalks width will be made, making the streets a lively pedestrian-friendly area capable of luring new and diverse businesses, provide more space for bicycles by slightly narrowing auto travel lanes, and replacing angled street parking with parallel parking. Retractable bollards will make it easy to close the street for special events such as the popular Giralda Under the Stars. The development of this project will be done quickly and without interfering with normal business life since it will not be done all at once but gradually after the holiday season.

Among other projects is the Mediterranean Village at Ponce Circle, a project of more than 6 acres. In one of its areas it will have a greater height than the Biltmore Hotel, which has been the limit for the last 90 years. It is expected to result in an urbanistically cohesive, well-designed set of buildings; including a five-star hotel, a class A office building, two condo towers, 15 townhomes, a rooftop restaurant, public plazas and streets that will bring fresh commercial and pedestrian life to what has been a dead zone for too long.

Under the Mediterranean Village development, the city is also installing new bike lane routes and expanding its popular trolley-bus system.

Also, among new developments redefining Coral Gables is this project that involves replacing the old Holiday Inn with two towers; a 13-story residential building and a 10-story hotel. The project would feature shops and restaurants on the ground floor and a pedestrian passage connecting to the adjoining neighborhood.  It will activate the corner of U.S. 1 and Caballero with transit-oriented development, which includes the green space that the 0.5-acre Paseo will provide.

This is not even the beginning; there are still many projects in the city develoment pipeline. However, not all the contemplated projects will actually get built or go as big as proposed, since they must meet the strict zoning rules of the city. 

Top New Construction Listings in Coral Gables

Coral Gables real estate is experiencing an uptick in sales and construction.  Luxury home builders are in the process of buying lots and older homes only to destroy them and build lavish estate-style properties.  Several of the top new construction listings in Coral Gables are in established neighborhoods that have sections undergoing major overhauls to make it possible for luxury home owners to live in the heart of the Gables.  Here are several new properties that are under construction or newly built.

10101 Lakeside Drive, Snapper Creek Lakes, List Price:  $7,490,000

Under construction by Hollub Homes in Snapper Creek Lakes, this is an unbelievable home with six bedrooms and seven baths under almost 12,000 square feet.  The plans call for a very contemporary architectural style with beautiful and tropical landscaping.  Everything expected in a modern-built home is in this home.   In addition to being Smart home ready, there is a custom club room with a bar and custom theater as well as a three-car garage.  The gourmet kitchen is large and features high-end appliances, luxury counter tops and custom cabinetry.  Windows in each room are positioned to allow wonderful views of the resort-style pool.  This home has it all and is perfect for any discriminating buyer who insists on the best of everything.  Snapper Creek Lakes is one of Coral Gables most exclusive neighborhoods.  It features a 24-hour guarded gate at the entrance and is ideal for those wanting the utmost security.   Homes listed in Snapper Creek feature list prices starting at over $4 million and climbing to about $10 million.  It offers residents the privacy that the neighborhood residents long to have.   

6400 San Vicente Street, Coral Gables Rivera, List Price:  $3,500,000

This is a beautiful French Country home in Coral Gables Riviera that is under construction (as of October 7, 2013) and expected to be completed by the beginning of 2015.  The plans call for a 5,900+ square foot Mediterranean architectural design surrounded by tropical landscaping that blends well with the already established trees that line the streets in the neighborhood.  Inside, expect to find five bedrooms and six and a half baths in addition to details like built-ins, vaulted ceilings, an elevator, walk-in closets, wood and marble flooring, and so much more.  The large kitchen will have everything a chef wants including high-end cabinets, counter tops and appliances.  Because construction has just now started, the home owners have the ability to customize as they would like as well as buy this amazing property at a pre-construction price.  As construction progresses, the list price will more than likely increase.  Located in an established neighborhood of Coral Gables, the streets are quiet and lined with mature trees. Gables Riviera is filled with older homes that have tons of character and details that are not typically found in new developments.  New construction homes like this one include the intricate details of what we call “old Florida” along with modern conveniences and fixtures.

5817 Riviera Avenue, Coral Gables Riviera, List Price:  $2,689,000

Another brand new construction property is situated on prestigious Riviera Drive. Surrounded by other luxury estate properties, this French colonial home features everything from an elegant, gated entry to high ceilings and perfect lush landscaping.  Most importantly, there are five bedrooms and five and a half baths under almost 5,000 square feet of living space.  One of the best highlights is the truly extraordinary gourmet kitchen.  It features everything from high-end counter tops, custom cabinetry and stainless steel appliances to a state-of-the-art wine cooler and a huge island with even more cabinet space and a large work area.  The home has so many elegant fixtures and finishes that there are too many to mention.  Some of our favorites are the custom details on the staircase, the marble flooring throughout the home, the arched entryways into each room and, of course, the walk-in closets and French doors leading out to balconies and an elegant backyard.  This is a spectacular home in an even more spectacular part of Coral Gables.  It has so much character and a warm atmosphere for everyone calls Gables Riviera home. 

515 Caligula Avenue, Coral Gables Riviera, List Price:  $2,250,000

Here is yet another new construction home in Gables Riviera (see what we mean?).  It is situated on a quiet tree-lined street in one of George Merrick’s historic villages and combines the best combination of traditional and contemporary architecture.  It has a beautiful French Country design with straight lines to give it a modern edge.  The finishes include stone and wood floors throughout the interior along with vaulted ceilings, elegant balconies, a large kitchen with island and high-end appliances and counter tops, over-sized gathering areas and so much more.  This 4,600+ square foot home has five bedrooms, five and a half baths and is smart home ready.  Outside, home owners get the best of Florida with the tropical landscaping that surrounds the pool and poolside gazebo. With an estimated completion date of the first of the year, this is one of the most exquisite homes in the Gables.

Tons of Potential

With so many opportunities to build, rebuild or even remodel, Coral Gables is full of wonderful properties with tons of potential.  Along with newly developed areas and vacant lots in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods along the waterways, there are also older homes on large mature lots in established neighborhoods that can be demolished to build new estates.  

The Top Five New Construction Homes in Coral Gables

With the real estate market rebounding in Miami-Dade County and home sales increasing over 10 percent in the last year, new home construction is also on the rise.  In terms of Coral Gables real estate, there are several properties in gated communities that include detailed plans by renowned Miami architects.  Whether a Mediterranean or more contemporary style home, the one common element is that each home is grand in its design and situated on large, mature lots. The following are the top five new construction homes in Coral Gables.

325 Leucadendra Drive, Gables Estates, List Price:  $10,900,000

This is a huge opportunity to build a beautiful Rafael Portuondo designed home on a prime waterfront lot in exclusive Gables Estates.  Known for designing some of the grandest homes in Coral Gables and Miami, the plans for this home include nine bedrooms of which two are master bedrooms; nine full baths; two half baths; a large gourmet kitchen; four-car garage; and, resort style pool surrounded by tropical landscaping and facing a private dock on a deep canal with direct access to Biscayne Bay.  For interested buyers, plans and more detailed information are available upon request.

10101 Sabal Palm Avenue, Snapper Creek Lakes, List Price:  $9,900,000

Built in 2012 and designed by Jorge L. Hernandez, this Mediterranean estate with a modern flair is situated on a corner lot with the ideal combination of indoor and outdoor living.  Homeowners will enjoy living in such a tropical paradise with mature trees and vegetation surrounding their home.  The newly built home features open rooms, high-end fixtures and finishes as well as an enormous outdoor living area with terraces and patios.  With almost 12,000 square feet of living space, this Snapper Creek Lakes home is luxury living at its finest. 

10101 Lakeside Drive, Snapper Creek Lakes, List Price: $7,250,000

Luxury home builder, Hollub Homes has designed this modern estate in guard-gated Snapper Creek Lakes.  Under construction, the plans show an inviting appeal with a natural flow throughout the entire home.  The 9,000+ square foot home set on 1.25 acres features six bedrooms and seven and a half baths; smart technology; beautiful and large gourmet kitchen and family room; a game room; three-car garage; and, elaborate pool area.  Buyers have the opportunity to put the finishing touches on the home to add their own personality.

340 Leucadendra Drive, Gables Estates, List Price:  $7,200,000

Another unbelievable home is ready for construction in gated Gables Estates.  The plans, designed by renowned architect, Ramon Pacheco, call for an enormous 16,000+ square foot estate with contemporary design and large open rooms, floor to ceiling windows, balconies, sundecks and a large pool.  Additionally, the backyard faces a private dock with direct access to Biscayne Bay.  Because the plans are completed and all permits have been handled, the construction is ready to get underway.

6825 Veronese Street, Coral Gables Riviera, List Price:  $2,400,000

This beautiful European-style estate, Villa Veronese, features plans that show a 4,900+ square foot home with five-bedrooms and five and a half baths.  The details are superb with open rooms, terraces, loggias and so much more.  High end finishes and fixtures will give this unbelievable estate that joy de vivre to make it one of the most exclusive in Coral Gables Riviera. 

More Opportunities to Build

In addition to these beautiful homes on the horizon, there are more opportunities to build a Coral Gables luxury home on one of several multi-million dollar Coral Gables vacant lots just waiting for buyers.  With the renowned area architects who have designed some of Miami-Dade’s most exclusive homes, building a dream home is as easy as 1-2-3!