Discovering the Visionary behind the Beautiful City of Coral Gables: The Legacy of George E. Merrick
Ines Garcia PA
Last update: 2023-01-30
Ines Garcia PA
Last update: 2023-01-30
Miami is a city filled with magic and wonder, with a rich history of growth and development. One name that stands out in the annals of Miami history is that of George E. Merrick, the visionary who transformed a small plot of land into one of the most beautiful cities in the world: Coral Gables.
Merrick was born in Pennsylvania in 1886 and moved to Miami with his family when he was just 13 years old. His father, seeking a fresh start after the loss of a daughter, bought 160 acres of land in what was then a three-year-old city known for its sunny weather. The family named their new home "Coral Gables" and their growing grapefruit groves the "Coral Gables Plantation."
Despite leaving for college and law school, Merrick returned to Miami to manage the family business after his father became ill. By 1920, Merrick had expanded his land holdings to 1,600 acres and had the resources, expertise, and vision to create a city unlike any other.
Merrick assembled a team of talented artists, architects, and engineers to help him create a Mediterranean-inspired city that would be known for its beauty, appealing architecture, and amenities. Coral Gables was built at a meteoric pace between 1921 and 1926 and became the first planned city in the Miami area.
Though Merrick's involvement in Coral Gables was brief, lasting only from 1920 to 1928, his impact on the city was significant. The Great Depression caused a local economic downturn and Merrick was expelled from the board, but he remained an advocate for the working people and was even adored as a human being by most. He went on to serve as a local postmaster and one of his first moves as a postmaster was to give equal pay to women.
George E. Merrick was an entrepreneur, a visionary, and a public servant. His legacy lives on in the beautiful city of Coral Gables, a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for creating something truly special.
Miami-INES GARCIA
HER PROMISE
Working with Inés is not only about her experience, is not only about how much she cares… it is also about passion to keep learning every day in an ever-changing industry; all this along with communication which is key and the cornerstone of every relationship.
A long time South Florida resident with a deep knowledge of the different lifestyles you can enjoy in Miami-The Capital of the Americas.
Positive Impact:
Her goal is to positively impact the people around her transforming the experience when buying and selling real estate in a relationship based on education and enjoyment.
Trust:
What you see is what you get… transparent relationships and a lot of communication.
Congruence:
She follows her heart and her customer’s needs and interests lead the relationship.
The REAL Customer Experience:
She applies her knowledge and experience to simplify the complexities of the real estate process for you.
HER STORY
Born and raised in Venezuela, Ines moved to Miami in the year 2000. She owned a Real Estate Office in Venezuela for the largest network there, for 5 years prior to her moving to the USA.
Having lived in Broward and Dade, and selling in several areas, provides her broad perspective of the South Florida Real Estate Market. Currently a Downtown Coral Gables resident who enjoys everything about the city… especially the ability to walk to restaurants, the super market and around the Granada Golf Course.
Ines has an architecture degree from the Universidad del Zulia in Venezuela and holds an MBA from the University of Miami. Her background provides a strong foundation to share insights that help her customers make informed Real Estate decisions.
Currently a Real estate Advisor with KW Legacy. During her Real Estate career, Ines has worked both in sales and management, being the managing broker for several years with one of the largest companies in South Florida.
Previously participated in the Miami Association of Realtors as a member of the Grievance Committee, and prior to that, served on the Professional Standards Committee at the Fort Lauderdale Association of Realtors.
Ines actively participates in “Fundación Mayacuchas”, that helps organizations in Venezuela providing food and medicines along with used clothing that is distributed among the people who need it most.
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