On Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables commemorated the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking with a special ceremony at its front entrance fountain. The event featured the dedication of a centennial time capsule, intended to be unearthed in 100 years, symbolizing the hotel’s rich history and its enduring legacy in the community.

The Biltmore Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, has been an iconic presence in Coral Gables since its opening in January 1926, just 10 months after its groundbreaking. Designed in a Mediterranean Revival style, the hotel has hosted numerous celebrities, dignitaries, and events over the past century, cementing its status as a cultural and architectural gem.

Its rich history also includes time as a military and veterans’ hospital, and over a decade being abandoned, leading to a crucial 3-2 vote of the City Commission under the leadership of Coral Gables’ only female Mayor, Dorothy Thomson, to restore this city treasure.

Today’s ceremony was attended by Members of the South Florida Congressional delegation, the County Mayor, County Commissioners, local municipal officials, the Coral Gables Commission, and dozens of residents. All gathered to honor the vision of city founder George E. Merrick, who, alongside hotel magnate John McEntee Bowman, envisioned the Biltmore as a centerpiece of luxury and sophistication during the Florida land boom of the early 20th century.

The time capsule, filled with contemporary artifacts and messages from current residents, and is meant to serve as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future of Coral Gables. Its contents aim to provide future generations with a glimpse into life in 2025, reflecting the community’s values, achievements, and aspirations.

This event is part of a series of centennial celebrations honoring Coral Gables’ rich history and cultural heritage. Additional festivities include exhibitions, concerts, and community gatherings planned throughout the year, all paying tribute to the city’s unique legacy and its contributions to South Florida’s development.

The centennial time capsule ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel not only celebrated a significant milestone but also reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving its history while looking forward to a vibrant future.