Newly discovered historic street lights will shine again in Coral Gables

One hundred years ago, there were 500 lights on the streets of Coral Gables designed by architect Phineas Paist and artist Denman Fink. Beautiful, functional works of art, many were lost over the decades.

But in 1981, finding them, restoring them, and returning them to their places became a labor of love for the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables.

“In 1981, Sarah Anderson, a member of the organization, facilitated the designation of the street lights as a City Historic Landmark Site. At that time, there were close to 80 still standing from the original 500,” said Karelia Martinez Carbonell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables.

The lights had been commissioned by Coral Gables City Founder George Merrick not only to light “The City Beautiful,” but to enhance the newly built roads, she said.

“Originally, 500 ‘White Way’ street lights with distinct decorative bases adorned the boulevards. Today, only about 45 of these originals remain, mostly along the Riviera Drive corridor and University Drive,” said Martinez Carbonell.

The group found a batch of 10 of the streetlights in Fort Lauderdale, and another one was recently found in North Central Florida. Once these are all back in the city, they will be restored and added to the others now standing around town, she said.

“The City of Coral Gables is finalizing the acquisition of the White Way streetlights in Fort Lauderdale by early fall. The remaining batch of about 10 WWL are historically intact and in good shape from the base to the top fixture. They will undergo restoration. I am in contact with the current owner of the lights,” said Martinez Carbonell.

The multiyear historic preservation plan was conducted in phases, she said. The group had the 45 originals still standing restored, and another 30-plus reproductions were added in order to reach the number of streetlights standing in 1981, when the lights were first designated.

“Commendations go to Allen Architectural Metals Inc. for their meticulous work on the restoration and reproductions, the Historic Resources Office for maintaining strict designation guidelines, and to Lis Ferrer, Project Engineer Public Works, for overseeing and managing the logistics of the project’s various phases,” said Martinez Carbonell.

Soon, the City plans to return about 10 original streetlights to the historic Douglas Entrance courtyard.

“Today, ‘The City of Lights’ shines once again, thanks to the many who were determined to see a decades-long restoration project through,” said Martinez Carbonell.

“It is so exciting about returning the original historic lights to the Douglas Entrance.”

GROUP HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED

In July, dozens of students received personalized styling advice, shopped for professional outfits at H&M and participated in workshops focused on college and career readiness.

The annual initiative, called “Best Look Forward,” was hosted by education nonprofit Achieve Miami and Aventura Mall to help prepare Miami-Dade County high school students for success.

“When students have access to the right tools, whether it’s professional clothing or meaningful mentorship, their sense of what’s possible begins to expand,” said Rachel Saiontz Geary, Achieve Miami’s director of philanthropy.

“At its core, this event is about helping students walk into every opportunity feeling confident, capable and like they belong.”

Designed to support college and career readiness for students from underrepresented high schools, the program offers guidance on job skills, interview preparation and how to best dress for professional settings like interviews and college fairs. This year, 80 Achieve Scholars benefitted from the event.

Founded in 2015 by Leslie Miller Saiontz, Achieve Miami empowers the next generation of students and teachers to learn, lead and thrive through mentorship, enrichment and community engagement.

This year, the nonprofit has helped more than 2,000 students across more than 60 schools in Miami-Dade County through impactful programming and resources in under-resourced communities that include Little Haiti, Miami Gardens, Brownsville, Overtown, Liberty City, South Dade and Homestead. Learn more about getting involved at www.achievemiami.org.

WOMAN’S CLUB HONORS MEMBERS

Congratulations to the Coral Gables Woman’s Club for continuing to make a difference. In June, the organization rededicated its board and presented annual awards at a dinner and ceremony. The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC0 FL) Finance Director and former District 11 Chair Elizabeth Fisher officiated.

Ruth Martinez, current District 11 Director and past president of the club, coordinated the night with Club President Arely Ruiz. Two of the most prestigious and oldest awards were announced.

The Barbara Lapsley New Member Award was presented to Lydia Sanchez-Garrett, and the Gloria Burns Leadership Award was presented to Iris Segui.

Three members who have also demonstrated outstanding leadership were honored with the Pink Diamond Award. They are Media Chair Luisaura Alvarez, Arts & Culture Chair Alex Gullen and Environment Chair Jackie de Francisco.

This group has a long history of maintaining its beautiful historic building through rentals, which in turn help support a free clinic for children needing dental work. For more about the clinic or to become a member, visit gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.