Luxury Home Builder in Coral Gables
EZ BH Projects builds luxury custom homes in Coral Gables. Mediterranean Revival preferences, Board of Architects waivers, and estate-sized lots — we navigate every layer of the Gables' unique regulatory environment.
Coral Gables is unique in Florida: a city that actively enforces Mediterranean Revival architecture through its Board of Architects, with design guidelines rooted in the 1920s vision of George Merrick. EZ BH Projects guides clients through the waiver process for contemporary designs — and delivers flawless Mediterranean Revival when that is the vision — on lots ranging from $4M to $30M total project cost.
Lot & Build Economics
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Typical Lot Size | 7,500–25,000+ sq ft |
| Typical Project Size | 5,000–18,000 sq ft |
| Build Cost (Low) | $750 |
| Build Cost (High) | $1700 |
| FEMA Zone | AE (majority) / X (elevated sections) |
Why building in Coral Gables is different
Coral Gables was planned in the 1920s by developer George Merrick as a city with a unified Mediterranean Revival architectural character — and uniquely, the city has largely maintained that vision through active enforcement rather than simply as a historical artifact. The Coral Gables Board of Architects reviews all new construction and significant renovations, with a mandate to evaluate whether proposed designs are compatible with the city's Mediterranean Revival character. Non-traditional designs — modern, contemporary, or transitional — are not automatically rejected, but they require a waiver presentation that demonstrates the design does not detract from the surrounding streetscape.
The city is also architecturally diverse across its many sections. The Country Club Prado and Cocoplum sections have large estate lots; the Gables Estates section on the bay features some of the most expansive waterfront parcels in Miami-Dade; Coral Gables proper near the business district has more compact urban lots. This variety means lot economics vary more dramatically here than in any other neighborhood we serve.
The city's mature tree canopy is another defining characteristic. Coral Gables enforces its own tree ordinance independently of Miami-Dade County, and the city arborist reviews any tree removal or root-zone disturbance on permit applications. Builders unfamiliar with the city's tree regulations encounter delays and fines — we integrate arborist coordination from the earliest site planning stage.
Lot economics
Coral Gables lot sizes vary enormously: typical lots in established neighborhoods run 75×125 feet, while estate sections reach a quarter-acre or more. Gables Estates waterfront lots are among the largest residential parcels in Miami-Dade. Construction runs $750 to $1,700 per square foot. Total project costs typically range from $4M to $30M, with bayfront estate homes occupying the upper end of that range.
Architectural review and permitting
The Coral Gables Board of Architects reviews all new construction before a building permit is issued. The Board applies the city's design guidelines, which express a preference for Mediterranean Revival massing, materials, and detailing — clay tile roofs, stucco or limestone facades, arched openings, and courtyard plans. Clients who want a contemporary or modernist design must present a waiver demonstrating design quality and contextual sensitivity; waiver approvals are granted but require additional hearing preparation. We have extensive experience presenting both traditional Mediterranean Revival and waiver-track contemporary designs before the Board.
Flood, wind, and structural considerations
Most of Coral Gables falls in FEMA AE flood zones, with some elevated sections mapped as Zone X (minimal flood hazard). Bayfront lots in Gables Estates are subject to higher base flood elevations and DERM coastal setback requirements. The city is not on the barrier island, which means wind speeds and salt-air exposure are lower than in oceanfront communities — but Miami-Dade County's high-velocity hurricane zone wind standards still apply throughout. Impact glazing is mandatory countywide. We include flood zone analysis, structural engineering, and elevation certificates where required.
What we typically build here
Our Coral Gables work spans two distinct aesthetics. For clients who love the city's heritage, we deliver authentic Mediterranean Revival — clay tile roofs, coffered ceilings, loggia, hand-applied Venetian plaster, wrought-iron details, and courtyard pools. For clients seeking contemporary architecture, we manage the Board of Architects waiver process and deliver clean, light-filled modernist homes that earn city approval. Both product types are fully custom and built to the same structural and mechanical standards.
Logistics
Coral Gables is served by an arterial road network that accommodates most construction traffic without the causeway constraints of barrier-island neighborhoods. In estate sections, crane picks and large pours are straightforward. The city's tree canopy requires careful equipment routing to avoid root-zone compaction — we use tree protection plans approved by the city arborist before any site work begins.
Recent work nearby
EZ BH Projects has active projects in Coral Gables and has completed custom homes in multiple sections of the city, including both the traditional neighborhood core and the bayfront estate sections. We know the Board of Architects' current preferences and the city's plan review cycle. Client references in the neighborhood are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a modern home in Coral Gables?
Yes. Contemporary and modernist designs require a waiver presentation before the Board of Architects, which evaluates contextual compatibility and design quality. Waivers are granted for well-designed projects. We manage the waiver process in-house.
What does a custom home in Coral Gables cost?
Construction runs $750 to $1,700 per square foot. Total project costs typically range from $4M to $30M, with bayfront estate homes at the upper end.
What is the Board of Architects process?
The Board meets on a regular schedule and reviews architectural elevations, materials, roof design, and massing for all new construction. We prepare full submission packages — rendered elevations, material samples, landscape plans — and appear before the Board on your behalf.
How does Coral Gables handle trees?
The city enforces its own tree ordinance and requires arborist review of any tree removal or root-zone disturbance. We integrate arborist coordination from site planning through construction and include tree protection plans in every permit submission.
What flood zone is Coral Gables in?
Most of Coral Gables is in FEMA AE. Some elevated sections are Zone X (minimal hazard). Bayfront lots in Gables Estates require flood zone-compliant design and may have DERM coastal setback requirements.
What is a typical timeline for a Coral Gables custom home?
From design start to CO, plan on 20 to 28 months: approximately eight to twelve months for design and Board approval, twelve to eighteen months for construction, depending on project scope.
What architectural styles do you build in Coral Gables?
We build both authentic Mediterranean Revival — clay tile, arched openings, loggia, courtyard pools — and contemporary/modernist designs for clients pursuing the waiver track. Both are fully custom and built to the same quality standards.