South Florida's New European Piazza opens September 15

Coral Gables, Florida, Sept. 01, 2017 --

The City of Coral Gables is proud to unveil a reimagined avenue that captures the warmth and charm of a European piazza featuring al fresco dining, seasonal entertainment, and the unique élan of a pedestrian-only destination. Giralda Avenue, known as “Restaurant Row,” is now Giralda Plaza – and there is no other place like it in all of South Florida.

Rendering of Giralda Plaza

Gone are the sidewalks and curbs. Now, beautifully-crafted and hand-laid stone pavers define a public space framed with majestic Date Palms and Bridalveil trees and illuminated by suspended cable lights.  Giralda Plaza is a seamless experience from indoor to al fresco dining. 

“We are incredibly excited to be part of this Coral Gables Renaissance,” said Nick Sharp, owner of Threefold Café located at 141 Giralda. “There are some great new restaurants that have recently opened that will add to the array of dining options for residents and visitors.  Giralda has always been one of the premier dining locations in South Florida.  Today, it’s THE destination everyone will want to experience.”

The transformation of Giralda Avenue to Giralda Plaza was a complex undertaking that included the replacement of a decades-old drainage system.  The restaurateurs and merchants who helped shape the vision for Giralda Plaza are now preparing for this much-anticipated opening.  This past spring, the Coral Gables City Commission approved the closing of Giralda Plaza to vehicular traffic as a pilot project for a two-year period, at the request of businesses and property owners on the street.

The City is working with Giralda merchants and the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables (BID) to celebrate the grand opening of Giralda Plaza on Friday, September 15, beginning at 7 p.m.  The event will showcase live music from bands Spam All-Stars, The Sh-Booms, and Jacob Jeffries, and an official ribbon cutting.  It is free and open to the public.

Giralda Plaza is part of the Streetscape Project, a $21.6 million investment that also includes transforming Miracle Mile into a pedestrian-friendly experience with garden areas, outdoor dining, way finding, and aesthetic lighting.  Construction updates and project progress photos of the project can be found at www.GablesStreetscape.com.

This June, Coral Gables partnered with Freebee to help customers get around the construction zone with door-to-door rides. This free service is being offered from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week to lure more visitors to the Downtown area.  Visitors can hail a ride by downloading the app at www.RideFreebee.com.

The City of Coral Gables is thankful to all local merchants and business partners for their commitment to helping make Coral Gables the jewel in the crown of South Florida.

 If You Go:

Giralda Plaza Celebration

Giralda Plaza between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street

Friday, September 15

Celebration: 7 p.m. - midnight

Free and open to the public

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/de19775e-9333-4f6e-911a-e5e7bea6d4ae

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7075f70-6a6b-422b-b704-2ff4a0fcdd50

Maria Rosa Higgins Fallon, Public Affairs Manager
City of Coral Gables
305-460-5205
[email protected]