The City of Coral Gables recently finalized a short-term lease agreement for an 850 square foot space located at 290 Miracle Mile. Ben & Giules Concept Store brings artisanal, hand-made, and sustainable home décor, jewelry, and clothing to the heart of the city’s main street -- Miracle Mile. This is the first time Coral Gables signs a pop-up tenant to a space that it owns and manages. This lease is the first in an incubator program developed by its Economic Development Department focused on increasing retail establishments on the Mile.

“Coral Gables is a hub for unique, small businesses. We are working to find the right mix of retailers and restaurants for Miracle Mile,” said Julian Perez, Director of Economic Development. “The goal of our program is to give new businesses the opportunity to build their business and eventually move into a permanent space in the City Beautiful.”

Home furnishings is a key retail category the city has identified to enhance the downtown experience. Miracle Mile and the Central Business District are undergoing a renaissance with the opening of multiple restaurants and stores despite the pandemic. In 2021 there were more than 3.5 million pedestrians, an increase of more than 455% from 2020. (Based on the Urban Analytics platform on the City’s Smart City Hub www.coralgables.com/smartcity).

“I am thrilled to be a part of the city’s first pop up incubator program,” said Elena Stele, owner of Ben & Giules. “Downtown Coral Gables is the perfect setting for my store. I’m looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community.”

Miracle Mile offers visitors an award-winning streetscape design with wide sidewalks, ideal to stroll in a socially distanced and safe manner. Persons interested in learning more about the city’s incubator program should contact the Economic Development Department at 305-460-5311, or business@coralgables.com.