A new book on Coral Gables architecture, "Coral Gables" by author-illustrator and former University of Miami School of Architecture Dean José Gelabert-Navia, will debut at a free public event on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will feature a presentation by Gelabert-Navia and a book signing. The Villagers, a group that has championed historic preservation in Miami-Dade since 1966, supported the project, highlighting the enduring influence of George Merrick's architectural team. For more information on The Villagers' efforts, visit https://thevillagersinc.org/.

Book Information

A practicing architect with the firm Perkins + Will, Gelabert-Navia is a professor and former Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Miami. His teaching focus has been in the areas of architectural design and the related history of colonialism and globalization. 

“The Villagers are delighted to be instrumental in bringing this book to the public,” said Susan Medina, Past President of The Villagers. “Professor Gelabert-Navia’s work will help immortalize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of George Merrick’s architectural team who began building Coral Gables 100 years ago.” 

According to Professor Gelabert-Navia, most of the illustrations included “are the original monuments Merrick did in his time.” A resident of Coral Gables for more than 30 years, he selected the sites he felt were more iconic. 

For more information about The Villagers, membership, and upcoming events including the popular Holiday House Tour set for Saturday, December 9, visit: https://thevillagersinc.org/