Coral Gables approves $40 million bond agreement with Thornton Construction for City Hall restoration

Coral Gables approved an estimated $40 million bond agreement with Thornton Construction to restore City Hall, the city’s 1928 seat of government at 405 Biltmore Way.

City Manager Peter Iglesias said during last week’s city commission meeting that construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

“The city has done a very extensive job in looking at all costs and all potential savings and moving forward with a bond of $40 million with cash on hand,” Iglesias said. “Thornton is the company that constructed the Minorca Garage, and we had a very good working relationship with them during that project. We expect nothing different this time.”

The city reviewed project costs and potential savings before approving the financing plan.

When construction starts, the city plans to install a fence around the entire property. The fence will show renderings of the restored building so residents and visitors can see the final design while the city builds public interest in the project.

R.J. Heisenbottle Architects is leading the restoration design. In February, the firm presented plans showing where city officials and administrative departments will be located after construction is complete.

The city manager’s and city clerk’s offices will be on the first floor. The second floor will hold elected officials and the City Commission chamber. The Information Technology Department will be on the mezzanine level. The third floor will house the city attorney, the area’s state representative and Capital Improvement Plan offices.

Coral Gables City Hall is a designated historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was constructed in 1928 by P.J. Davis Construction and designed by architects Phineas Paist and Harold Steward at an estimated cost of $200,000.

The three-story structure, located at the western end of Miracle Mile, was built with local limestone and has a stucco exterior, a Corinthian colonnade and a clock tower. Coral Gables founder George Merrick envisioned the building as part of his planned city center.

With financing approved, construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026.