When Coral Gables learned the H. George Fink Studio at 2506 Ponce de Leon Blvd. was in danger of being gutted, it acted decisively and—in less than 30 days—bought the birthplace of “Mediterranean Style.”
A new architectural style is born.
Fueled by a romantic spirit and the artistic influence of his mother and uncle, City founder George Merrick and his hand-selected design team set out to create a truly remarkable community. But Merrick had only “traveled” to Europe through books, so his earliest vision for Coral Gables reflected the Spanish architecture in Washington Irving’s 1832 Tales of the Alhambra. That vision evolved when his cousin H. George Fink, the team’s only trained architect, explored Europe for two months in 1924. Fink returned and created a new style of architecture, “Mediterranean Style”: a magical blend of Moorish, Italian, Persian, Gothic, and Spanish influences. He built his studio in this style on a 5000 square foot lot in the center of town, a showpiece that would allow everyone to understand what would become the City’s signature— and its own chapter in architectural books.
Every detail was thoughtfully developed— the scale and siting with varied heights and setbacks, ironwork, the mystical weathervane, and well-placed gargoyles. Just as important was the interior. The reception room, replete with “Granada Shops” furniture designed especially for Gables homes, had an oversized mantle and high Italian-style ceiling with a Tunisian frieze. It looked more like a living room than a lobby. The interior walls paired green with red, orange with purple, and brown with vermillion. Heavy, hand-carved doors were adorned with Spanish galleons and sayings. The exquisite details continued even beneath one’s feet: the tiled staircase is said to be a faithful copy of the stairway at El Greco’s Toledo residence and floors throughout are inlaid with Spanish crests. Ever the architect, Fink even made late nights at the office artful: he included a beautifully-tiled shower for when he had to meet deadlines.
The City is fortunate that, even after Fink left the studio, these elements were preserved. The late and treasured Arva Moore Parks viewed it as one of only two historic commercial structures with fully intact historic interiors in the City and remains the City’s finest example of Fink’s Mediterranean Style.
A Saturday morning email puts a rescue plan in motion.
I received a troubling email one Saturday morning in 2015. I was City Manager and Dona Spain, then-Historical Resources & Cultural Arts Director, advised me that she met the day before with a buyer’s representative intending to acquire the studio, gut the interiors, and remove the tall, leaded glass windows. We had not known it was on the market. Because local historic regulations only govern exterior facades and not interiors, I immediately emailed then-Economic Development Director Javier Betancourt and then-Asset Manager Leonard Roberts, requesting information including potential tax benefits for selling to the City, seller’s broker contact and TDRs remaining. To prevent this masterpiece from being dismantled, there was only one thing for the City to do – buy it. We briefed the 2016 City Commission on the matter and its urgency and they allowed the drafting of a general letter of intent. Preliminary inspections by licensed City staff and an MAI real estate appraisal (though we knew its architectural and historic value would far exceed commercial value) were expedited. Meanwhile, commercial interest mounted, with offers reaching the asking price. The City was prepared to pay the full asking price ($2.6 million and closing costs) for “as-is” condition but with all historic furnishings included. Thankfully the Dabby family, responsible historic property owners and City residents, did not force a bidding war. They knew the beloved building they owned for 40 years was a core part of the City’s story.
The 2016 Commission acted quickly and decisively, thanks to a pile of delinquent trash bills and an enthusiastic community.
As a significant unanticipated expenditure, City staff needed to present the case for acquisition to the Commission and identify a reliable funding source. The City’s 90th birthday, the historic significance of the studio and its beauty, the potential public and nonprofit uses, and the Commission’s respect for Merrick’s vision made a compelling case.
Community excitement propelled it forward. Respected preservation experts like Jorge Hernandez and Arva Moore Parks spoke passionately during the Commission’s emergency pocket item about the exceptional contribution Fink and the studio made to Coral Gables’ aesthetic formation and the extraordinary opportunity acquisition presented. Organizations like the Villagers, the Garden Club, Dade Heritage Trust, and University of Miami’s Architecture School, the Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation, and the Historic Preservation Association supported it.
The City Commission, under Mayor Cason’s direct leadership, had recently intensified the City’s collection of delinquent trash bills owed by 830 properties (many bank-owned or abandoned) totaling more than $3 million. Previous attempts to collect (including need-based payment plans) had limited success, forcing the Commission to include outstanding balances on 2015 tax bills as a non ad valorem special assessment. That prompted immediate repayment of over $1.2 million bills. The remaining $2.3 million in outstanding balances were included in the tax rolls as liens. The City also had access to a designated Capital Improvement Fund and an Art in Public Places Fund, neither of which were General Fund sources.
The Commission fully embraced acquisition and the attendant expenditure. The emergency pocket resolution to authorize the City to enter into a contract for the acquisition would be discussed after a quick lunch break to allow any Commissioner unfamiliar with the building to individually tour it. When the meeting resumed, following staff presentations and public comment, a motion was made by Commissioner Keon and seconded by Vice Mayor Quesada to authorize purchase. Resolution 2016-14 passed unanimously with a standing ovation from the audience.
The community continues to cherish its history.
A community open house introduced residents to their City’s newest acquisition—and some of its oldest history. Elaine Fink Schumacher, H. George Fink’s granddaughter, attended and provided Arva Moore Parks with a scrapbook documenting Fink’s creation of Mediterranean Style to incorporate into her book, George Merrick, Son of the South Wind.
Dade Heritage Trust awarded the City a Preservation Award for the purchase. The Villagers provided a grant to restore furniture included in the acquisition. The building’s local historic designation was expanded to include its interior and the process to seek national designation began. Under Professor Ricardo Lopez, UM Architecture students created a Historic American Building Survey recording of the studio, which combined drawings, history, and photography. A requirement for national designation, it is now on file at the Library of Congress. The City hired Martinez Alvarez Architects to oversee careful restoration of the studio, guided by a detailed assessment conducted by EverGreene Architectural Arts. Once completed, it will become home to the City’s Economic Development Department and a venue for lectures and exhibits.
Had the 2016 Commission not acted decisively, a vital part of Coral Gables’ earliest history would have been lost forever. Instead, the H. George Fink Studio will continue to inspire and educate generations. It was an extraordinary and lasting way to honor the City’s 90th Anniversary.
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI_o-aCVOtA for a delightful CGTV video on the City’s purchase of the studio, including interior views and interviews.
This article appeared in the October/November 2020 issue of "Jeannett's Journal", a community magazine for residents and those interested in Coral Gables.
The 1940's when Fink Studio was Dr. Kitchen's medical office.
Lobby of Fink Studio.
National newspaper advertisement announcing Coral Gables' Mediterranean style.