By Coral Gables Gazette staff

In a split 3–2 vote, the Coral Gables Commission approved a site plan for the long-debated Mobility Hub at its October 28 meeting. The project, slated to replace the existing Parking Garage 1 on Andalusia Avenue between Salzedo Street and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, marks a major step forward after years of delay and division.

Shelved several years ago when the previous commission lost enthusiasm for the concept and its price tag, the Mobility Hub resurfaced this year following the spring elections. With Mayor Vince Lago now joined by ally Commissioner Richard Lara, approval seemed likely as the city looks to expand downtown parking and modernize its public facilities.

While the project’s sleek, nature-inspired “Carved by Nature” design received praise from some commissioners, others maintained that the proposed height – nearly 150 feet -remains excessive for the city’s scale and character.

Height continues to be main sticking point among commissioners

Height dominated much of the discussion, revealing a familiar split among commissioners. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez voted against the project, calling the building “too tall, even if it is within the height that is allowed.” He added, “It doesn’t fall in line with the Miracle Mile side of the building.”

Commissioner Melissa Castro echoed that sentiment, reaffirming her opposition. “From day one, I’ve not supported this,” she said. “This is not what I promised. I agree we need a garage – actually two garages – but not at this scale.”

Both pointed to resident concerns that the project’s 145-foot height towers over nearby structures. Resident Lisa De Tournay said she was “disappointed” the city appeared to be moving forward despite objections of many residents over many years. “This is supposed to be a parking garage,” she said. “The top floor should be for parking, we could reduce it by at least one floor. I don’t like the height, especially compared to the surrounding buildings.”

Still, the mayor defended the design’s scale as necessary given the narrow lot. “The reason why the building has to go vertical is because of the depth of the lot,” he said. “If we had a deeper lot, we could build lower. But this is the only way to fit the needed parking.” 

Lago added that the 145-foot height remains within the MX3 zoning limit of 150 feet and that the city could have gone up to 190 feet if they designed it in a Mediterranean style which qualifies for additional height limits. Even so, the mayor, City Manager Peter Iglesias and others acknowledged that parking garages did not lend themselves to that style of architecture as evidenced by missteps on the other such parking garages in the city.

Lara backed the mayor’s position. “We have zoning and code that establish the maximum permitted height,” he said. “This building falls well within those parameters.” The commissioner added that it was a misstatement for residents or others to qualify the Mobility Hub project as over development or development out of control. 

Castro countered by pointing out that as owner of the property, the city had full control of what is built on the site. “This is our property, do we need to exercise and build as far as we can go?” she asked, adding that she was willing to compromise but not at this scale. “This is in our hands.”

Different uses and design

Architects from M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc presented the latest design, which they described as inspired by Coral Gables’ “lushness and natural beauty.” The “Carved by Nature” concept features a champagne-toned façade with a delicate foliage pattern and extensive landscaping, creating a design intended to help the building blend into its surroundings.

Designers detailed upgrades, including additional art display areas, pedestrian-friendly paseo connections to Miracle Mile, and improved hurricane engineering. “It’s light and airy, with an emphasis on nature,” City Manager Peter Iglesias said.

The rooftop design also evolved in response to the city’s new nearby parks, allowing more flexibility. Instead of a child-focused playground, the roof can now serve as a multifunctional community space for concerts, yoga sessions, movies, and restaurant seating.

Lara called the proposed designs “beautiful and exciting,” adding that it “bodes well for the future of Coral Gables.” Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson agreed, describing the preferred version as “more lacey and flowing.”

Resident interaction

While input from residents at the meeting was limited, those who spoke were divided. Some expressed frustration that the city was pressing ahead with a project they felt lacked adequate public input and objected to the height, while others insisted that the project was needed and would bring life to the downtown area.

Castro insisted that residents had not been able to adequately weigh in on the project. “We are approving this without voter input,” she said. “We’re not really talking to the neighbors.”

Lago countered that the process has been public and transparent and Lara agreed. “We’ve had renderings available, we’ve had public comment, and only a handful of residents have appeared against it. That’s an implicit endorsement in my view.”

The vice mayor added that at a recent Garden Club meeting, “not a single person said they didn’t like the design” and that she hadn’t received any emails against the project.

Despite the differences, commissioners agreed the current garage is in dire need of replacement. “The state of that parking structure is embarrassing,” Lago said. “We can do better.” He emphasized that the new Mobility Hub would not only improve parking availability but also serve as an economic driver for Miracle Mile.