Coral Gables founder wanted an ‘extra’ for his city. It’s been here since 1923

When George Merrick set out to promote his dream city of Coral Gables, he knew he would need something more than just the area’s beauty to lure prospective buyers to settle there. One of the “extras” he had in store for his customers was the Coral Gables Country Club, which for a time became the place to socialize in the Gables.

The Country Club, 997 N. Greenway Dr., was built in 1923, predating other Gables attractions such as the Venetian Pool and the Biltmore Hotel. Made out of coral rock and plenty of Spanish tiles, the Mediterranean-style building featured a loggia that overlooked the Granada Golf Course and a three-story tower that marked the club’s main entrance.

The building’s interior featured wrought-iron wagon-wheel chandeliers, waxed wood floors and elaborate murals. The club was located in the center of the city’s residential area. Merrick later built his own home directly across the street.

The club was an instant success. Just a year after its opening, a two-story addition was built. The new building featured a kitchen and several dining rooms, doubling the country club’s original size.

For the next few years, the Country Club was the main social institution of the new city. Big bands entertained big crowds at fancy parties. Civic clubs and organizations also used the club as a meeting place.

When the 1926 hurricane hit South Florida, the end of the Florida land boom began. With the stock market crash in 1929, all construction on the clubhouse stopped, and the doors were closed. Between 1929 and 1935, two restaurant owners tried to reopen the club in vain.

Then in 1935 a group of Coral Gables residents leased the property from the city to use as a private club. The city agreed and signed a lease that called for the club to pay 3% of its gross income to the city. With the addition of tennis courts, a swimming pool, air conditioning and other amenities, the club once again became a popular social hangout.

On July 11, 1983, a fire gutted the Country Club, destroying the original building where most of the Gables’ earliest residents played. Although the building’s oldest section, including the tower, was lost, club members rallied and raised the necessary funds for repairs.

The club underwent an extensive restoration and remained open. Today, the Coral Gables Country Club remains a part of the community.