By Coral Gables Gazette staff

From an aerial view, Coral Gables is easy to recognize—its lush tree canopy sets it apart from neighboring cities, said Economic Development Director Belkys Perez. “When you are looking from above, [the city is full] of trees,” Perez told the Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Council during a July 17 presentation. But when you’re driving through or into the city, she explained, it’s more difficult.

That challenge—making Coral Gables’ identity as visually distinct on the ground as it is from the air—has prompted a new initiative: enhancing the city’s borders with prominent visual markers. The project aims to reinforce the city’s brand, create a stronger sense of place, and remind visitors and residents alike that they are entering one of South Florida’s most distinctive municipalities.

U.S. 1 to get first visual upgrades

The city’s plan is to begin with U.S. 1, which cuts diagonally through Coral Gables and sees some of the highest traffic volume in the region. While that makes it an ideal candidate for upgraded signage and features, Perez noted that US1 presents design challenges.

“There is nothing there right now,” Perez said. “We’re working with the Public Works Department. We have to hire an engineer. We want them to look very similar to the coral entrance features that are iconic to the city, but they might have to be a little different—[US1] has very narrow medians.”

Those “coral entrance features”—historic stone markers throughout the city—are among Coral Gables’ most recognizable architectural elements. Replicating their aesthetic on a modern roadway will require a careful balance of tradition, scale, and safety.

Still, city leaders see the effort as essential to maintaining Coral Gables’ brand integrity. “It’s really important to set ourselves apart from other cities,” Perez said. Sergio Leymarie, chair of the council, agreed. “It’s advertising for the city and creates a sense of belonging,” he said. “And a sense of pride,” Perez added.

More locations under consideration

Other key corridors are also being studied. According to Perez, LeJeune Road is a priority due to its role as a main artery for travelers arriving from Miami International Airport and the Merrick Park area. Southern entrances to the city are also under review.

The border signage project aligns with the priorities previously identified by the advisory council. At the same meeting, the group formally adopted its two-year priority agenda, which includes improving walkability, enhancing the north Gables through beautification projects, and promoting a new high-tech vision for the city’s future.

An ambitious idea: A Coral Gables satellite?

One of the more surprising items on the council’s agenda is a proposal for Coral Gables to become the first city in the world to launch its own satellite. Council member Rudford Hamon gave a presentation on the initiative, which he said grew out of a challenge issued by Mayor Vince Lago to think big—without being constrained by budget concerns.

Still, Hamon said the initial proposal comes with an estimated cost of under $1 million and would involve collaboration with Coral Gables Senior High School, the University of Miami, SpaceX, NASA, and other partners. A proposed launch date of 2027 was included in the presentation.

The satellite concept, while ambitious, reflects a broader push by the city to position itself at the intersection of technology and civic innovation. Coral Gables has previously been recognized for its smart city infrastructure, including the use of sensors and data platforms to manage traffic, sustainability, and public services.

Cryptocurrency, sidewalks and civic pride

At the end of the meeting, another council member proposed adding cryptocurrency as an accepted form of city payment to the group’s priority list. He was tasked with presenting a detailed proposal at the next council meeting.

Meanwhile, the council reaffirmed its support for more traditional infrastructure improvements. Better sidewalks and walkability remain high on the priority list, especially in older neighborhoods and areas near commercial corridors. Perez noted that these efforts also support economic development by encouraging foot traffic and small business activity.

Building identity through design

Ultimately, the border signage initiative is about more than wayfinding—it’s about identity. Coral Gables has long prided itself on careful planning, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and a cohesive civic aesthetic. Enhancing the city’s entrances reinforces that identity at a time when surrounding areas are growing rapidly and visually blending together.

“We want people to know when they’ve arrived in Coral Gables,” Perez said. “Not just because of a street sign—but because they feel it.”