Coral Gables City Hall to undergo full restoration
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Coral Gables City Hall. Photo: Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images
Coral Gables City Hall will soon be closed for renovations, though work on the building won't begin for another three to four months, the Miami Herald reported.
Why it matters: It's the first time the historic building will undergo a complete restoration since opening in the late 1920s.
- The city is working with historic preservation specialist Richard Heisenbottle to restore the building to its original features, per the outlet.
Between the lines: The city's mayor, vice mayor and commissioners will relocate offices for the duration of the project, as will the city manager, clerk, attorney and their staffs.
- City commission meetings will be in the public safety building at 2151 Salzedo St.
State of play: The total scope of the project, including timelines and final costs, remains unknown, but initial estimates suggest it could take up to three years and up to $30 million, the Herald reported.
The intrigue: The original plans, which the renovation team has, were designed by Phineas Paist, whose resume includes the Venetian Pool.
Zoom in: One significant task is returning the City Commission chamber to its historic style and configuration.
- The commission dais will be moved to its original position, window curtains will replace the blinds and the flooring — now covered in cork — should be "stone or simulated stone," Heisenbottle told the Herald.
- The reno also adds seating, improves acoustics and includes access for disabled people.
Meanwhile, another big engineering and design challenge, Heisenbottle said, will be removing the ductwork and dropped ceilings and hiding the system.
Zoom out: Other updates include:
- Restoring an entrance garden and courtyard that had been paved over,
- Replacing the four exterior columns and installing storm-resistant windows,
- And restoring and reinstalling the clock tower.
What we're watching: A building analysis is set to be conducted once the building is fully cleared.
- Experts will be looking for any asbestos that will need to be properly removed, which could impact the project's timeline.