Future development patterns and standards in downtown Coral

Future development patterns and standards in downtown Coral Gables, Florida, were the subject of a recent week-long charrette led by Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and students of the University of Miami School of Architecture. The Mediterranean- style community founded by George Merrick in the 1920s is still flourishing, but the city and residents have concerns about the direction and quality of development in the commercial center of the community, which is perceived as disconnected from the original vision of Coral Gables. The charrette team produced strategies for traffic calming, parking management, retail development, and for improving the Mediterranean design code, as well as alternative scenarios for specific public places, buildings, and streets. For more information see: www.gables charrette2002.com.