Live-work-play growth spurt for Coral Gables

Coral Gables is in the midst of a growth spurt of mixed-use residential projects.

Apartments, hotels, restaurants and more are being planned that will make “the city more active,” said Ramon Trias, the city’s Planning and Zoning director.

One is at the doorstep of the Metrorail, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Another will be outfitted with generators, thinking ahead to hurricane season.

Many of the mixed-use projects are in “areas that in the past used to be mostly commercial,” he said. “It’s high-quality growth.”

Among the projects, according to the city or developers, are:

Giralda Place, a ninestory, mixed-use project of 33 condos on top of retail space.

It’s adjacent to a ninestory tower of Class A office space.

Closings will begin this month on the condos at 255-275 Giralda Ave. Building amenities include 24-hour concierge service and electric vehicle charging stations.

Prices start from the $900,000s. Units range from one to three bedrooms and have custom Italian cabinetry by Snaidero.

The Plaza Coral Gables ,a 16-story project that is under construction.

The 7-acre project will have 150 rental apartments, a 220-room hotel, 161,000 square feet of retail space and restaurants, and 465,000 square feet of office space.

Gables Station ,a 499-unit rental apartment project that is under construction.

The building, on Federal Highway from Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Le Jeune/Grand Avenue, will rise 14 stories tall and include commercial and office space. It will be 30 feet from a Metrorail station.

Paseo de la Riviera , an 11-story project that is under construction.

It will feature a 249-room hotel, 211 apartments, retail space, and a large public open space in the form of a classically designed “paseo” (which is the Spanish word both for a leisurely walk and a walkway).

Merrick Manor, a 10-story building at 301 Altara Ave. that is expected to be completed by year’s end.

The project, by the Astor Cos., will have 227 condominiums, ranging from one- to four-bedroom units. Prices will range from $374,900 to $2.5 million. The project will also include 19,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurants.

It is next to Merrick Park, which is an upscale shopping mall.

“This area needs good condominium housing,” said developer Henry Torres, of the Astor Cos.

Among the perks: emergency generators for the amenities floor, which includes the fitness center area.

THE ASTOR COMPANIES/COURTESY PHOTOS Merrick Manor, at 301 Altara Ave., is a 10-story building of 227 condominiums. The units range from one to four bedrooms and will be atop 19,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. Prices range from $374,900 to $2.5 million.

The Astor Companies is scheduled to complete the project by the end of this year.