Take an early look at the new Miracle Mile

The New York-based design firm brought on to revitalize Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile has released new renderings of what the four-block stretch will look like when completed.

Cooper, Robertson & Partners was hired by Coral Gables to bring its long discussed $20 million streetscape improvement plan to life. City commissioners approved an upgrade plan in August that called for more green spaces and improved pedestrian areas, such as wider sidewalks, outdoor dining areas and mid-block parks and plazas.

The design firm held an open house last month to show residents their vision for a new Miracle Mile. The plan for the famed four-block stretch of Coral Way is transformative.

Parking on the street will be entirely parallel, doing away with the 45-degree-angled spots for more sidewalk space. Giralda Avenue will become curbless, with the option of closing the road off to vehicles for special events. These tweaks are geared to create a more pedestrian-centric area with outdoor furniture for cafes and restaurants. The firm said everything down to the trash cans is being designed with art in mind.

The city plans to break ground on certain parts of the plan, yet unannounced, by this fall. —  Sean Stewart-Muniz