City Of Coral Gables Historical Structural Repairs, Biltmore Hotel Alterations And Art In Public Places

 

CITY HALL STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
At the October 22, 2024 Commission meeting, there was a vote of 3-2, to approve an intent to reimburse resolution allowing for staff to begin working on design and pre-construction planning for the restoration of City Hall, completion of all remaining sidewalk repairs, roadway repaving and Venetian Pool restoration in Coral Gables. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez stated, “while there are some out there attempting to misrepresent what this actually means, this is a measure taken numerous times by prior Commissions to ensure the City can reimburse itself for this type of work in the eventuality that a bond is taken out in the future. The last time this happened was under the City Commission prior to Commissioner Castro and I being elected, which voted unanimously to approve an intent resolution for the Mobility Hub. Recent articles and messaging from special interest groups have said this will affect our credit rating. In the attached memo, our Finance Director clearly states there is no effect to our credit rating and this resolution does not mean the City will take out a bond to address these critical needs. Further action from the Commission would need to be taken in order to move forward with a bond. This would not take place until design is completed to ensure any project is shovel-ready prior to any bonds being secured.”

 

BILTMORE HOTEL ALTERATIONS
Following the City Hall discussion, Commissioners of Coral Gables addressed ongoing concerns with the unapproved alterations at the Biltmore Hotel. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez stated at the Commission meeting, “there is a process outlined in the operator agreement to ensure that our Historic Biltmore Hotel is protected and that the City can make the ultimate decision on any alterations, on behalf of residents. The item will be discussed at the December 10, 2024 City Commission meeting at a time certain of 1:30PM, at which time staff will present its report on all unapproved alterations and a potential path forward can be discussed.”

 

ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
Commissioners of Coral Gables unanimously approved two new art in public places projects coming to the City of Coral Gables. The first will be a sculpture by Lynda Benglis called Power Tower at Regency Tower and the second will be a mural by Eduardo Kobra at the Plaza near the Loews Hotel’s valet. These new installations will continue to enhance the cultural aesthetic of City Beautiful, Coral Gables.

 

Photos Courtesy Of Commissioner Ariel Fernandez

Date Posted: November 14, 2024