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City Hall in Coral Gables in Miami-Dade County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
 

George E. Merrick

1886-1942

 
 
George E. Merrick Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, August 4, 2014
1. George E. Merrick Marker
Inscription. "I have given my life to the development of our city and to the working out of an ideal."
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & CommerceSettlements & Settlers.
 
Location. 25° 44.954′ N, 80° 15.808′ W. Marker is in Coral Gables, Florida, in Miami-Dade County. It is in City Hall. Marker is on Biltmore Way, on the right when traveling west. The marker is at the base of the statue of George Merrick in front of Coral Gables City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 Biltmore Way, Miami FL 33134, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Edgar Merrick (within shouting distance of this marker); Coral Gables Miracle Mile (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Police and Fire Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Packing House of Coral Gables Plantation (approx. half a mile away); City of Coral Gables (approx. half a mile away); Coral Gables Merrick House (approx. 0.6 miles away); U of M Opened Here (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Historic 1926 White Way Lights (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Coral Gables.
 
Additional commentary.
1. George E. Merrick
Excerpt
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from Coral Gables - City Beautiful by the Historical Museum of Southern Florida http://www.historical-museum.org/exhibits/gables/gables2.htm

George Merrick was a dreamer as well as a man with a deep practical streak. His father had had the idea to sell lots to retired clergy; George Merrick expanded that idea into a dream for the development of a planned community on and beyond the family's property.

Merrick "eased" his way into this project, serving as a member of the Dade County Commission in 1914, and entering, around the same time, the real estate business. Merrick became a highly successful real estate salesman, selling land at the western edge of Miami, such as at Twelfth Street Manors.

He married Eunice Isabella Peacock, the granddaughter of two of Cocoanut Grove's most prominent pioneers, in 1916. Merrick built a home for his bride, called Poinciana Place, just west of the Coral Gables Merrick House, and began to plan his dream city.

Merrick studied the architectural styles of Spain and other Mediterranean countries. He recruited talented architects, such as Phineas Paist and H. George Fink (his cousin); talented artist Denman Fink (his uncle); and landscape architect Frank Button, who had a national reputation for his work. Together, they planned a Mediterranean-inspired city that would be distinctive for its beauty, appealing architecture,
George E. Merrick Monument and Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, August 4, 2014
2. George E. Merrick Monument and Marker
The marker is at the base of the monument, located in front of Coral Gables City Hall.
and amenities.
    — Submitted August 4, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida.
 
George E. Merrick Monument Marker donated by the Coral Gables Garden Club image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, August 4, 2014
3. George E. Merrick Monument Marker donated by the Coral Gables Garden Club
Presented to the City of Coral Gables, May 2006, by the Coral Gables Garden Club. A 1921 quote by George Merrick appears on the marker: "Coral Gables is not a thing of the moment, of the year, or even of the passing period, but a wonderful monument to the achievement of worthwhile perserverance in the creation of beauty and the bringing true of dreams that will as solidly endure, and as beautifully and bountifully age, as does the everlasting coral upon which this master development is founded."
George E. Merrick Monument image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Marsha A. Matson, August 4, 2014
4. George E. Merrick Monument
Merrick statue facing downtown Coral Gables with Garden Club marker between statute and street scene.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on January 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. This page has been viewed 641 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 4, 2014, by Marsha A. Matson of Palmetto Bay, Florida. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024