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Coral Gables is a small town of less than 50,000 -- within a large metropolitan area of several million in South Florida.

This proud city stands apart from others in large part due to the insightful talents of city founder George Edgar Merrick. His eclectic vision for the perfect community was inspired by classic art forms carefully integrated into the natural beauty of South Florida.

Today the city exuberantly reflects his Mediterranean style and grace with luxurious homes and gardens, beautiful parks and modern recreational facilities. Coral Gables is known as the cultural capital of South Florida with more live theater performances, art galleries and fine restaurants than any other city.

A vibrant downtown business sector is home to hundreds of large international companies and thousands of quality merchants. Within this concentrated commercial corridor along Ponce de Leon Boulevard, an astonishing array of goods and services are available within free and easy access via the Coral Gables Trolley.

It is the trolley and the modern Metro Transit system which allow pedestrians to move freely and easily through the bustling commercial districts.

This concentration of high quality artistic and commercial venues is earning Coral Gables a reputation far and wide as a center for the fine arts and a community that embraces international cultures and business opportunities.

A Short History of Coral Gables
Inspired by masters of fine art and noble architecture and encouraged by the city beautiful movement with eclectic planning and lavish landscaping, George Merrick sold the first lots in Coral Gables in November 1921. Merrick's dream-come-true was wildly successful and before 1929 he reinvested hundreds of millions in grand projects like inland waterways, majestic streets, wide boulevards and fountains, elegant entrances to the city, golf courses and country clubs. His first-class hotels and fabulous homes were conceived by the greatest architects of the era. He envisioned an international University in this natural setting and saw Coral Gables as a kindred gateway between old Europe and the developing Americas.

Merrick was a talented promoter as well as city planner. His sales force of 3,000 were lead by super-salesman Doc Dammer. He placed the nation's first real estate ads in magazines. Prestigious publications wrote stories about his idyllic community, bringing the rich and famous to Coral Gables from far and wide.

The city's chief proponent in the 1920s was William Jennings Bryan, a three-time Democratic nominee for president. The esteemed orator, while promoting Miami's Master Suburb from a platform in Venetian Pool proclaimed, ''You can wake up in the morning and tell the biggest lie you can think of about the future of Coral Gables, and before you go to bed at night be ashamed of your modesty.''

Fleets of buses and trains delivered prospective buyers to Coral Gables. In 1925, the peak year for the boom, Merrick’s salesmen sold approximately $100 million in property. Building permits for construction surpassed $24 million. By 1925, the grand subdivision of Coral Gables was rising quickly, while gaining a national reputation for composition of outstanding elements. The innovative community carefully planned its distinctive quarters, thematic architecture and villages, advertising, and marketing.

Merrick's dream ended with the Great Depression, but the City Beautiful still reflects his passion for fine art, culture and excellence today.