City: Coral Gables
State/Province: Florida
Country: United States

Alirio Torrealba, CEO, MG Developer:
When we came into Coral Gables, we knew the neighborhood we were building was densely populated in an urban area but lacked an open area to relax and enjoy the natural qualities of the city. That's when we recognized this quaint park with outsized potential that would immediately bring a positive impact and influence the community's character with a space they could make their own, all while honoring the city's beginnings with a large banyan tree that has stood strong over the decades. In order to make sure this materialized, we had to overcome the challenge of how to turn a small space that could be easily overlooked into an inviting one with a spacious feel. That's when the idea of a communal "sofa" made of native stone that reflects its surroundings came up, letting visitors enjoy a hidden gem and create their own "Midsummer Night's Dream."