MG Developer Adds New 'Coral Carpet' Public Art Installation To Balboa Plaza in Coral Gables

Balboa Plaza, one of the most original parks in Coral Gables, where the stone bench named “A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is located, has a new decorative Coral Carpet, which now completes the “living room” setting at the popular outdoor park.

In 2018, MG Developer celebrated the first installation of the original stone bench at Balboa Plaza for an inaugural dedication event for the City’s Art in Public Places, Public Art in Private Development program.

This new installation of art furthers MG Developer’s commitment to creating enclaves that reflect the city's tradition of being the most desired living destination in South Florida and reigniting George Merrick’s vision of Building Beautiful in the city.

Now, the new inlaid, terrazzo piece at Midnight Summer’s Dream that has been installed complements the stone sofa and the lush green landscaping throughout the park. The predominant coral color of the carpet also pays homage to the City’s traditional European vibrant charm that can be found throughout the Gables while the pattern in the carpet features a flower pattern that appears to be blooming, pulsating, or dancing through a coral field of flowers that represent the city’s people and rich culture.

The 30 foot long sofa and carpet act as an extension of a home at the park, together with the giant banyan tree that overlooks the living space, which creates an enormous amount of shade for those that want to lounge on the bench, also reflects the canopy-lined streets of Coral Gables. Additionally, two statuesque lamps that stand on each side of the sofa, frame and illuminate the living area at Balboa Plaza every night. Created by artists Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.

ArquitectonicaGEO's Wynwood Streetscape Master Plan Presented To Wynwood Business Improvement District

The ArquitectonicaGEO Wynwood Streetscape Master Plan is moving closer to fruition after ArquitectonicaGEO’s Michelle Cintron and John Hutchens presented the proposal at a meeting of the Wynwood Business Improvement District in later February 2019. The proposal calls for transforming Wynwood into a pedestrian-oriented streetscape with public spaces and more tree canopy for shade. The Wynwood BID expects to have the final plans, of which they are considering the public’s input, completed by Summer 2019. The initially proposed plans were first introduced in December 2018. The Wynwood BID has not yet identified a source of funding for the master plan.

FPL To Build Solar Ring In Downtown's Bayfront Park

Miami commissioners have awarded Florida Power & Light a no-bid contract to build a solar ring which consists of solar panels with a retractable Amphitheater roof in Downtown Miami's Bayfront Park. The entire cost of construction will be shouldered by FPL with operation and maintenance costs covered by the public Bayfront Park Management Trust budged at $40,000 annually. FPL will pay the city a $10 annual license fee but the power generated via the solar panels will go to FPL's grid. Completion is expected by 2020. 

“The installation of the [solar ring] will pique the curiosity of the City’s residents and visitors of all ages, encouraging discussion about sustainability and inspiring them to learn more about the benefits of solar energy,” Annie Perez, Procurement Director, City of Miami.

Inside PROFILEmiami's Art in Public Places Panel Event Featuring Leaders from City of Miami, A+E District, Design District and Wynwood

Real estate news platform PROFILEmiami hosted a thought-provoking symposium about Miami’s Art in Public Places program. The special panel event, which took place in downtown Miami’s Arts + Entertainment District in the CANVAS condominium tower, being developed NR Investments, put a spotlight on future development in the city and explored best practices for the ongoing incorporation of works of art in real estate projects. 

Moderated by PROFILEmiami publisher Demetri Demascus, the event featured a display of autos by Prestige Imports.  Panelists included Jeremy Calleros Gauger, Deputy Director of the Planning Department for the City of Miami; Dacra COO Steven Gretenstein; Wynwood BID Board Member and Chairman of the Planning & Transportation Committee David Polinsky; TILIA Companies Principal Gary Ressler; and NR Investments Principal and A+E co-founder Nir Shoshani. 

Guests, who were treated to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres by PROFILEmiami, additionally had a question-and-answer session with the panelists, getting the opportunity to delve into important topics and gain insights regarding unique initiatives unfolding within the city.  Before the panel began, CANVAS and NR Investments also hosted hardhat tours of the property, showcasing several of the condominium building’s 170-foot interior wall murals – all of which are being painted by urban contemporary artists from around the world.