Downtown Coral Gables' main drag, Miracle Mile, will experience a little miracle of its own now that the City of Coral Gables has approved an $18.8 million streetscape renovation of the downtown strip and its nearby "restaurant row" on Giralda Ave, reports Miami Today. Apparently the project's been in the works for nearly a decade, and commissioners finally settled on a plan that will split the cost of the project 50/50 between the City and property owners (as well as a controversial tax increase for residents of a local condo building).

Improvements will include wider sidewalks (a no-brainer), public art displays, open plazas, improved lighting, landscaping, benches, kiosks, and signage, and improved drainage. New pop-up bollards on Giralda will be used during pedestrian-only activities, such as "Giralda Under the Stars" and other seasonal festivals. The proposal will also look to create safer, more welcoming connections between existing garages, alleyways, and new covered valet stations, though you might want to consider taking the trolley since parking rates could increase by as much as $0.50. Construction is expected to last about 18 months and will be phased by block in an effort to reduce impact to surrounding businesses.—Margina Demmer



· Gables finally getting Downtown remake [Miami Today]