Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago announced at the September 2026 commission meeting that the city will install a photo-wrapped construction fence around City Hall at 405 Biltmore Way, giving passersby a visual window into the building's past and planned future while a multi-year restoration unfolds around them.

What is happening to Coral Gables City Hall?

The City of Coral Gables is undertaking a full restoration of its City Hall — a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places — led by R.J. Heisenbottle Architects, with the work expected to span two to two-and-a-half years. Mayor Lago described the project as a "once-in-a-lifetime" and "monumental" effort to return the building to its original splendor.

  • R.J. Heisenbottle Architects is heading the restoration design and execution.
  • The project timeline runs approximately 2 to 2.5 years from the start of construction.
  • City Hall's address is 405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables.

Why is the city wrapping the fence in photographs?

The City of Coral Gables is installing the photo-wrap fence specifically to educate and engage members of the public who pass the active construction site during the lengthy restoration period. Rather than leaving a blank hoarding around a historic building, the city chose imagery drawn from the building's history alongside renderings of its anticipated restored appearance.

  • Archival images of the building's past will appear alongside visuals of its planned future.
  • The initiative was announced by Mayor Lago at the September 2026 commission meeting.
  • The approach reflects a growing practice of using construction fencing as public-engagement signage on high-profile civic projects.

Who will be affected inside the building once work is complete?

When the restoration of Coral Gables City Hall is finished, city staff currently housed in the manager's office through the Information Technology (IT) department will be relocated into the renovated floors of the building. The move represents a consolidation of municipal operations back into the city's most prominent civic landmark.

What makes this building significant enough for such attention?

Coral Gables City Hall carries a National Register of Historic Places designation, placing it among the country's formally recognized architecturally and historically significant structures. Mayor Lago's characterization of the restoration as "monumental" underscores the city's view that the project is not routine maintenance but a generational stewardship commitment to one of Miami-Dade County's most recognizable Mediterranean Revival civic buildings.

Original reporting by Miami Today.