Allen Morris Company Spearheads Private / Public Partnership with City of Coral Gables To Upgrade Ponce Circle Park

Allen Morris Co., a diversified Southeast real estate development firm developing Ponce Park Coral Gables and Ziggurat Coconut Grove, has revealed a public-private partnership with the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings, owner of The Plaza Coral Gables, for the redesign and cultural reactivation of Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park.

The $10+ million project is funded through a three-way public/private partnership among the Allen Morris Company, the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings. Allen Morris Company is also guaranteeing any cost overruns beyond the committed amounts, underscoring its commitment to delivering the project as designed.

“World-class cities are defined by their parks and public spaces,” said Mayor Vince Lago. “The transformation of Ponce Circle Park is another step in our commitment to creating exceptional open spaces that strengthen our downtown and enhance the quality of life for generations to come.”

"Every great city is remembered by its public spaces. They become the places where people gather, celebrate, reflect, and create memories across generations. Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park sits at the heart of Coral Gables, surrounded by many of the city's most important destinations, and we have a rare opportunity to help create a park that truly belongs to the community. Working alongside the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings, our goal is to create a place of lasting beauty—one that enriches daily life, reflects the character of Coral Gables, and serves as a source of pride for generations to come," said W.A. Spencer Morris, President of Allen Morris Co.

The initiative reflects Coral Gables’ long-standing tradition of public-private collaboration, where civic ambition and private investment combine to shape enduring public spaces.

"I am incredibly proud that Allen Morris Co. and the City of Coral Gables shared the transformative vision to reimagine Ponce Circle as a functional, timeless, and elegant public park. Chic, sophisticated, inviting, and European in spirit, the park reflects the magic that happens when great minds, thoughtful planning, and exceptional design come together to create a lasting legacy for residents, visitors, and everyone who lives, works, and gathers in our city," said Maricris Longo, Coral Gables resident, real estate investor, and community advocate.

Public art centerpiece

A defining feature of the renewed park will be Puffed and Inverted Star II, a monumental polished aluminum sculpture by Frank Stella, installed in a reflecting pool at the north end of the park. The sculpture was acquired by the City of Coral Gables following the recommendation of the Cultural Development Board. Stella passed away in May 2024 at the age of 87, making this a posthumous public installation of one of his final large-scale works. The sculpture will become an instant landmark, a defining visual element of downtown Coral Gables, and a destination.

A historic civic space reimagined

Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park, located at 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, has been a civic gathering place since the early development of Coral Gables in the 1920s under founder George Merrick. Originally designed by landscape architect William Lyman Phillips, the park has long served as a central point within the city’s historic urban fabric. This project marks the most comprehensive reimagining of the park in its history, positioning it for its next century as a civic and cultural anchor for the community.

Design team and ecological approach

The architectural and landscape vision for the park is led by Maria de la Guardia of de la Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists, a Coral Gables-based firm known for its context-sensitive approach rooted in classical architecture and urbanism, in collaboration with Andres Arcila of Naturalficial. Planting design is developed in coordination with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, ensuring a resilient, biodiverse, and regionally appropriate landscape strategy.

Integrated public realm improvements

In addition to the park redesign, the project includes a coordinated set of streetscape and infrastructure upgrades along Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Almeria Avenue to University Drive. Improvements include enhanced pedestrian crossings, raised crosswalks, speed tables, and a new stormwater drainage system, all designed to improve safety, connectivity, and walkability. Together, the park and streetscape interventions will create a more unified and accessible civic corridor.

The Odeon: a new cultural venue

At the center of the redesigned park will be the Odeon, an open-air performance structure designed to host year-round programming including concerts, theatrical performances, civic events, fitness classes, and cultural gatherings. When not programmed, the Odeon will function as flexible public seating, ensuring continuous activation of the space throughout the day and evening.

Project leadership and timeline

Allen Morris Company is serving as Development Manager for the project, overseeing design, permitting, and construction through completion. The Coral Gables City Commission has unanimously approved the project, and a Development Management Agreement has been executed between all parties. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2028.

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MIKA by Six Michelin Starred Chef Michael White Reveals Its New Interiors At The Plaza Coral Gables

MIKA by six Michelin-starred chef Michael White has revealed its lavish new interiors by Bishop Design at The Plaza Coral Gables. White's first standalone venture in Miami, in partnership with Alex Pirez and Matt Safchik, MIKA highlights his classic approach to coastal flavors, blending the bounty of Italy, France, and beyond with South Florida’s exceptional seafood and produce. The menu features delicate crudos, house-made pastas, and expertly grilled proteins, paired with classic cocktails and an extensive wine selection from a striking 1,700-bottle cellar.

For Chef Michael White’s devoted followers, MIKA offers a chance to revisit his signature dishes—like lobster burrata and fusilli with bone marrow—while also discovering new creations crafted for the South Florida palate, such as spaghetti with blue crab and caviar. Emphasizing local, high-quality ingredients and uncomplicated elegance, the menu showcases his latest culinary creations. As White himself puts it, MIKA is “truffles in blue jeans”—where refined flavors meet effortless sophistication, all tied together by the hospitality of home.

Located at The Plaza Coral Gables and designed by Bishop Design, the space reflects timeless Mediterranean elegance with natural stone, warm textures, and handcrafted lighting. MIKA aims to be a neighborhood staple, offering a welcoming ambiance for everything from casual dinners to business gatherings and stylish evenings out.

MIKA By Michelin-Starred Chef Michael White Opens In The Plaza Coral Gables

Chef Michael White, recognized for six Michelin stars and a James Beard Award, among other prestigious accolades, has opened his first standalone Florida restaurant – MIKA – on Thursday, Dec. 12. Celebrating the bounty of the Mediterranean Riviera, White draws inspiration from the coasts of Italy, France and beyond to unite his signature style of cooking with South Florida’s exceptional seafood and produce in this new dining concept, located in The Plaza Coral Gables.

Envisioned as a staple neighborhood restaurant, guests will experience a fresh iteration of White’s remarkable culinary journey, which is most notably marked by him having earned a coveted two-star Michelin rating as the creator and founding chef New York City’s esteemed Italian establishment Marea. MIKA combines chic sophistication with a relaxed, welcoming ambiance, offering the perfect setting for anything from a casual dinner with friends to a business gathering or a stylish evening out. It is a place where guests are family, invited to enjoy authentic food in a setting that honors the hospitality of home.

Last Wednesday, a slew of celebrities attended a soiree to celebrate MIKA’s grand opening with A-listers in attendance included Derek Jeter and his wife Hannah, NBA player John Wall, DJ Cedric Gervais, of Real Housewives fame Nicole Martin, Mayor Francis Suarez, Mayor Vince Lago, Byredo-Founder Ben Gorham and model Devon Windsor, as well as some of the top names in hospitality, entertainment, and real estate including Dave Grutman, Shareef Malnick, Chris Paciello, Steve Boucher, Colin Cowie, David Martin, and Nitin Motwani.

The menu at MIKA blends delicate crudos, house made pastas, and perfectly grilled proteins, all prepared to showcase the seasonality and quality of each ingredient. Signature dishes, such as langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and bistecca alla fiorentina will be featured alongside new creations tailored for Miami’s palate. Complementing the plates are classic cocktails, such as spritz-style libations and craft Italian beers, along with an impressive wine collection housed in a striking 1,700-bottle cellar, featuring Italian, French, and American selections.

Alongside White are owner-partners Alex Pirez and Matt Safchik. Pirez is a prominent partner with two of Miami’s leading hospitality groups – Groot Hospitality and Major Food Group – known for his collaborations at renowned venues like Komodo, Swan, Gecko, and the Goodtime Hotel, and responsible for Major Food Group’s expansion in Miami from New York. Safchik is a seasoned food and beverage operator and former Vice President of Food & Beverage Development for Wynn Resorts. The partnership trio chose Coral Gables because it was an opportunity to serve a truly local audience and contribute to this burgeoning pocket of the local food culture.

“Having both my home and business in Coral Gables, I’ve always dreamed of creating a place the community could call its own,” said Pirez, who was heavily involved in the design. “It’s a privilege to partner with Chef White and bring his legendary coastal-Riviera dishes to this special part of Miami that is near and dear to my heart.”

Central to the dining experience are MIKA’s striking interiors by international award-winning Bishop Design. The design of MIKA draws from timeless Mediterranean traditions. Spanning 8,195 square feet, the space features a palette of nature’s tones elevated by a variety of textural layering. A stylish bar and lounge lead to an intimate 100 seat main dining room. Exceptional natural stones, distressed wood, chukum-inspired walls, and burnished metals create a dynamic interplay in the soft light. Leather and velvet accents invite touch, while arched motifs, dome shapes, and tall coffered ceilings offer a timeless nod to classical architecture. Handcrafted lighting pieces lend a bespoke quality, each with unique artisanal patterns. For private gatherings and special occasions, a spacious 36-seat private dining room with a dedicated outdoor lounge is available.

MIKA is located at 3005 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 248, Coral Gables, and is now accepting reservations. MIKA is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday. Lunch and additional dinner services will begin in early 2025.

Images via Daniel Zuliani

Six Michelin-Starred Chef Michael White Set to Open MIKA at The Plaza Coral Gables

Six Michelin-starred Chef Michael White, creator and founding chef of Marea, one of New York City’s most esteemed restaurants, is set to open MIKA, his first standalone restaurant in Florida. Located in Miami’s Coral Gables, the restaurant’s menu will feature his classic Riviera style while celebrating South Florida’s exceptional bounty of local seafood and produce. Nestled within The Plaza Coral Gables, the new placemaking neighborhood destination for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment, MIKA will open its doors later this year.

MIKA will feature White’s classic Riviera style while celebrating South Florida’s exceptional bounty of local seafood and produce. The menu will include innovative carpaccio-style crudos, exceptional handmade pastas, and perfectly grilled proteins paired with some of White’s most legendary dishes like langoustine carpaccio, fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, and rosemary sea salt bistecca alla fiorentina.

While White is known for his fine dining, MIKA will be a fresh concept that unites his skillset with a focus on humble hospitality. As a result, the restaurant will be an inviting and sophisticated neighborhood restaurant offering unapologetic food in a convivial setting.

White has teamed up with partners Alex Pirez -- founder of the luxury design-development firm Mocca Group and a restaurant investor responsible for Major Food Group’s Miami expansion -- and Matt Safchik – a seasoned food and beverage operator from Miami -- to bring this new culinary experience, MIKA, to Coral Gables. The partnership trio chose Coral Gables because it was an opportunity to serve a truly local audience and contribute to this burgeoning pocket of the local food culture.

Chef Michael White is a culinary icon whose journey has earned him six Michelin stars — including a coveted two-star rating at Marea, where he perfected his signature style of coastal cooking informed by nearly a decade spent living and cooking in Italy and studying classic culinary techniques.

A prodigy of his craft and dedicated disciple of Mediterranean coastal cuisine, White is known for his menus that celebrate the bounty of the Mediterranean Riviera drawing inspiration from the coasts of Italy, France and beyond. Awarded almost every significant recognition in the industry, his accolades include: Six Michelin stars, a three-star New York Times review and James Beard Award. Throughout his legendary career, he has helmed the kitchens at some of the most respected restaurants in the country including Spiaggia, Fiamma Osteria, Alto, Convivio, Osteria Morini and Ai Fiori.

Check Out The Newly Revealed Renderings Of The RTKL-Designed Plaza Coral Gables

New renderings have been revealed of Plaza Coral Gables, the largest project to ever be built in Coral Gables, valued at over $600 million. Construction on the project, which was formerly proposed as Mediterranean Village by developer Ralph Sanchez, is currently underway after Phase 1 broke ground in Summer 2018. The Plaza Coral Gables is now being developed by Agave Ponce, LLC., an affiliate of the Cuervo Tequila Company. The Plaza Coral Gables, which was designed by RTKL, will offer over 2.1 million SF of total development spread over roughly 7 acres. When complete the project will offer 174 luxury rental apartments, 242 hotel rooms, 161,000 SF of retail, 447,000 SF of office space spread over 2 towers and 2,400 parking spaces. A completion date for Phase 1 is expected in 2020 before the developer will break ground on Phase 2 and Phase 3.