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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Constellation Group and The Boschetti Group Break Ground on Cora Merrick Park, Coral Gables' First Wellness-Focused Luxury Residences

Constellation Group and The Boschetti Group celebrated the groundbreaking of CORA Merrick Park today, a boutique residential condominium centered on wellness in Coral Gables. Located at 4241 Aurora Street in the heart of the exclusive Merrick Park neighborhood, CORA will deliver 74 thoughtfully designed residences that reflect a modern, wellness-oriented approach to living.

Local municipal leaders as well as key members of the design and construction team who spoke to guests at the event included Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago; Constellation Group Managing Principal Eduardo Otaola; Jay Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region, and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida; and Arquitectonica Vice President Ray Fort.

Priced from the $900,000s to over $4 million for penthouse suites, Cora Merrick Park is designed by acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica with interiors by Urban Robot. It is among the first condos in Miami to seek certification through the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) WELL for residential program, an evidence-based, third-party certification aimed at creating healthier, more resilient homes.

The project is directly across from Shops at Merrick Park — Coral Gables’ world-class shopping and dining destination — and within walking distance of downtown Coral Gables and the Metrorail, offering easy access to Coconut Grove, the University of Miami, and Downtown Miami/Brickell. It is also just one block from 4225 Ponce, a newly delivered Class A, boutique office property anchored by wealth management firm UBS, also developed by Constellation Group and The Boschetti Group.

“Cora Merrick Park is the first residential community in Coral Gables designed to integrate wellness into everyday living,” said Eduardo Otaola, Managing Principal at Constellation Group. “It also meets pent-up demand for new luxury product and offers a compelling alternative to the single-family home market. Cora Merrick Park is in an irreplaceable location that gives buyers the chance to own a piece of Merrick Park, delivering walkability, community, and the quality-of-life benefits that Coral Gables is known for — all in a finished turnkey project with world-class amenities.”

"South Florida continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and families relocating from across the country and around the world, and Coral Gables is one of the most exclusive and coveted addresses in the U.S.," said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Brokerage, Florida Region, and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. "Cora Merrick Park speaks directly to the buyer who has experienced the best in New York, London, or São Paulo and wants a home in Miami that matches that high standard. Cora Merrick Park offers an exceptional location in a family-friendly city with historic charm that is close to the region’s best country clubs, schools, retail, and office centers.”

Spanish wellness firm Lamarca Well — best known for creating the first wellness hub in Madrid, Spain — is overseeing Cora’s wellness programming. The building’s amenities center on biohacking and longevity, featuring advanced air and water purification systems, noise-reducing acoustic design, non-toxic building and cleaning materials, a fitness center with a dedicated recovery zone, and a spa with infrared sauna, steam room, contrast hydrotherapy pools, and red-light therapy panels. Residents will also enjoy a resort-style rooftop pool deck, yoga and meditation area, lobby tearoom, and the first rooftop padel court in Coral Gables.

Cora Merrick Park offers 13 unique floor plans, from one-bedroom to expansive three-bedroom-plus-den residences, each featuring 10-foot ceilings, Italkraft kitchens, Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, designer stone countertops, custom porcelain flooring, and walk-in closets. Select residences include expansive private lanais.

The design offers a modern reinterpretation of the Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic, pairing coralina stone and marble with dark-stained oak — a nod to Coral Gables’ signature oak canopy. Textured columns, organic stone forms, and chevron-patterned porcelain tile from Spain’s Living Ceramics create a refined, wellness-focused interior environment. Outside, an original sculpture by celebrated Catalan artist Jaume Plensa anchors a lush 5,000-square-foot park.

The Berkadia Miami team of Scott Wadler, Mitch Sinberg, Matt Robbins and Brad Williamson arranged a construction loan which will be announced this month.

Winmar Construction is the general contractor for Cora Merrick Park.

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Constellation Group and The Boschetti Group Officially Open Cora Merrick Park Sales Gallery in Coral Gables

The new sales gallery for Cora Merrick Park – the first wellness-oriented residences in Coral Gables – is now officially open at 4200 Laguna Street in Coral Gables. On Tuesday, Sept. 30, developers Constellation Group and The Boschetti Group celebrated the grand opening of the gallery with Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, inaugurating the space and giving the community a sneak peek of the luxurious details and wellness features that make this project unique. Guests enjoyed live music, sipped adaptogenic cocktails and wellness elixirs, and participated in immersive demonstrations of red-light therapy panels and lymphatic compression treatments, curated by Centner Wellness. Inside the gallery, guests explored Cora’s signature finishes – natural stone, wood, and tile imported from Europe and around the world.

Designed by Arquitectonica with interiors by Urban Robot, Cora Merrick Park is delivering 74 refined residences priced from the $900,000s to over $4 million to Merrick Park – Coral Gables’ world-class shopping and dining destination. The project is directly across the street from Shops at Merrick Park, and walking distance to downtown Coral Gables and the Metrorail, and just minutes from Coconut Grove, University of Miami and Downtown Miami/Brickell.

“Cora Merrick Park is the first residential community in Coral Gables designed to integrate wellness into everyday living,” said Eduardo Otaola, Managing Principal at Constellation Group. “At the same time, it meets pent-up demand for new luxury product in Coral Gables. Cora offers a compelling alternative to the single-family home market in an irreplaceable location that delivers walkability, community, and the quality-of-life benefits that Coral Gables is known for – all in a finished turnkey-project with world-class amenities.”

Spanish wellness firm Lamarca Well, best known for creating the first wellness hub in Madrid, Spain, is overseeing Cora’s wellness programming. Key components include biophilic design, advanced air and water purification systems, noise-reducing acoustic design, non-toxic building and cleaning materials, a fitness center with a dedicated recovery area, and a spa with infrared sauna, steam room, contrast hydrotherapy (hot and cold) pools, and red-light therapy panels. Additional offerings include a resort-style roof deck pool, yoga and meditation area, lobby tearoom, and the first rooftop padel court in Coral Gables.

“At CORA Merrick Park, we believe wellness isn’t just about offering a product or service – it’s about delivering a lifestyle and creating environments that support lasting change,” said Mischka Capriles, Lamarca Well co-founder.

Lamarca and Arquitectonica will also oversee Cora’s enrollment in the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) WELL for residential program – an evidence-based, third-party certification aimed at creating healthier, more resilient homes.

Located at 4241 Aurora Street, Cora Merrick Park offers 13 unique floor plans, from one-bedrooms to expansive three-bedroom plus den residences. Each home has 10-foot ceilings, Italkraft kitchens, Sub-Zero/Wolf appliances, designer stone countertops, custom porcelain flooring, walk-in closets, and private, expansive lanais in select residences.

Cora offers a design-forward reinterpretation of the Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic through a modern, wellness-focused lens. Classic natural materials are used in novel ways to bring natural sophistication to interior spaces. Coralina stone and marble are paired with a dark stained oak – a nod to Coral Gables’ oak canopy – to create a moody, sexy color palette. Textured lime-wash walls and soft, organic stone forms – from the fluted marble lobby column to the rounded edges of the kitchen islands and bathroom vanities – foster calm and evoke a connection to nature. In the residences, a unique chevron-patterned, porcelain-tile floor from Spain’s Living Ceramics puts a contemporary spin on the classic design motif. Floor-to-ceiling windows usher in natural light to create a modern aesthetic rarely seen in the city.

Hospitality-inspired details, including a striking sculptural reception desk in the lobby and custom property fragrance, bring an added touch of European elegance. Outside, an original sculpture by celebrated Catalan visual artist Jaume Plensa anchors a lush 5,000-square-foot park, underscoring Cora’s seamless blend of art, architecture, and wellness.

Images via World Red Eye, Renderings via Cora Merrick Park

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Villa Valencia Tops Off With $7 Million Sold In First 30 Days Of 2021 In Coral Gables

SPONSORED - Villa Valencia has topped off construction of the 13-story luxury condominium development on the heels of closing $7 million in sales within the first 30 days of 2021, an impressive position in the Coral Gables condo market. The project is now 40% sold. Developer Location Ventures celebrated the milestone with an intimate gathering at 515 Valencia Avenue, where the impressive sales gallery is located.

Rishi Kapoor, CEO of Location Ventures, spoke before notable guests and city officials, including City of Coral Gables Vice Mayor Vince Lago, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mark Trowbridge, General Contractor Winmar Construction and the ONE Sotheby’s International Realty sales team.

“We are extremely grateful to reach this landmark achievement in construction while experiencing continued interest and strong sales in January,,” said Kapoor. “Thanks to our dedicated team, Villa Valencia will be delivered later this year with unmatched amenities and offerings, supporting our vision of creating Coral Gables’ most luxurious address by bringing together great design, wellness, nature and forward-thinking technology.”

Buoyed by the surge in single-family home sales, the project experienced a 50% uptick in buyer interest since December. This is in part due to locals seeking to “right-size” their living space, according to Kapoor, as a result of the continued wealth migration to Coral Gables, leading to increased demand for luxury condominiums.

Villa Valencia buyers have also eyed additional onsite amenities for purchase. Elements that make the residences further resemble an estate, such as poolside cabanas and private garages, have recently sold for more than $2 million in total.

Ninety-five percent of the building’s buyer pool is comprised of C-suite executives or business owners who are attracted to Villa Valencia’s career-centric offerings. These include a fully equipped boardroom with innovative video technology and the option of working closely with the developer to customize a home office design within their private residence.

The prime locale is another selling point, with direct access to the Miami International Airport and blocks from Miracle Mile. The Greater Miami Area is a rapidly expanding economic hub, with Coral Gables home to 20 consulates and 140 multinational corporations. It is an ideal community with “Class A” office space, top private and public schools and universities, country clubs, golf courses and world-class culture – all within minutes of the project.

Villa Valencia will include a wellness program that leaves no stone unturned. To promote relaxation and optimal health, core tenements of the brand, a rich spa and extensive fitness offerings will present a hammam, steam room, his-and-her saunas, hydrotherapy plunge pools, as well as a state-of-the-art exercise facility with yoga, Pilates and weight training. For outdoor enjoyment, a 78-foot resort-style pool with a lap lane and waterfall will be complemented by two summer kitchens and spacious sunbeds.

Fostering better health, each residence will feature the Delos DARWIN™ Home Wellness Intelligence network. Villa Valencia is the first condominium project in the U.S. to offer the system in the residences, procured and installed by HEDsouth, a premier technology integration and automation company. DARWIN™ uses tech innovation to bring the best of natural outdoor conditions inside, as it passively monitors for allergens, excess carbon dioxide, and harmful particles, in addition to heavy metals and bacteria in drinking water.

In addition to the DARWIN™ system, each home interior will showcase a private foyer and elevator entry, complete with superior finishes, including European flooring, 10-foot exterior sliding doors, and finished custom closets. Kitchens are equipped with state-of-the-art Subzero and Wolf appliances, a wine cooler, custom cabinetry and quartz countertops. On the outside, the façade displays a modern rendition of Coral Gables’ signature Mediterranean architecture style, designed by Hamed Rodriguez Architects.

Villa Valencia residences start from $1.8 million.

For more information, visit www.villavalencia.com or call (786) 971–6680.

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