Old Coral Gables Fire Station
What’s old will not only be new again but if all goes right, green and LEED certified! The Coral Gables Museum will be housed in the city’s original police and fire station located at 285 Aragon Avenue. The building was constructed in 1939 by architect Phineas Paist, one of the original designers of the City of Coral Gables who was responsible for the Mediterranean look and feel of the city. The building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This original structure is currently being restored. In addition, a new 3,000 square foot gallery and a 5,000 square foot public plaza will be incorporated into the Museum complex.
“The Museum’s ‘green’ initiatives represent an institution taking the lead to be an example for the community,” says Director of Operations Christine Rupp. “From construction to programming to operations, the Museum will continue to exemplify civic and social responsibility.”
In 2005, Jorge L. Hernandez Architects were contracted to design the project. Creating a structure that was environmentally sustainable was a main concern from the start and certain steps needed to be taken in order to obtain LEED certification.
“Many credits have to do with the building’s location in the urban environment and proximity to hubs of transportation, restaurants and other facilities,” says lead architect Jorge L. Hernandez. “We are re-using an existing building [which is] the greenest choice for construction. We are fortunate that the Museum is located in the heart of Coral Gables.”
The Coral Gables Museum is set to open in 2010. Upon its completion, it will not only display Coral Gables history, but the building itself will also make history if it achieves LEED certification as planned.
“This will be the first National Register civic building to be LEED certified in this region,” says Hernandez. “As the green movement continues to grow, we will become increasingly sophisticated in dealing with our building stock and the energy implication of producing and maintaining them in a sustainable manner. This project represents an important step in what will be a reformative cultural and environmental movement.”
For more information regarding the Coral Gables Museum, call 305-910-3996.
Posted by Peyton White Lumpkin, Esq., LEED AP
The Lumpkin Law Firm P.A.
Rendering of New Coral Gables Museum
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