Return of the White Lights

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CORAL GABLES UNIQUE STREETLIGHTS, 100 YEARS OLD, SHINE AGAIN

One of the unique characteristics of any city is the design of their streetlights, and Coral Gables is no exception. In 1926, five hundred “White Way” streetlights with ornamental bases were commissioned to illuminate the streets and sidewalks in the business and residential sections of the city. City founder George Merrick, influenced by the aesthetics of the City Beautiful Movement popular in the 1900s, believed that beauty enhanced functionality. These streetlights with their crowns and decorative bases were placed in the Riviera Section along University Drive and Riviera Drive from Granada Boulevard past Ponce de Leon Boulevard.

The original Coral Gables’ “White Way Lights” corridor adorning the Riviera Section made reference to New York City’s “The Great White Way” which became one of the nicknames for Broadway in the late 1890s, back when the street was one of the first to be fully illuminated by electric light.

There were various styles of “White Way” streetlights. Models such as the Arcadians were available through catalogs. However, the commissioned 1926 streetlights, with ornate bases and crenellated lamps were made-to-order for the fledgling city of Coral Gables. They were unique, designed by Phineas Paist and Denman Fink, two of the most significant figures in the history of the city’s architecture and design.

The custom base included four sides, each depicting a face in relief symbolic of the life of Coral Gables. Each face representing a different character. “Art and Architecture” and “Horticultural Planting” reliefs were female with their appropriate symbolic implements. “Labor” and “Industry” reliefs were represented by men with strong features, also with symbolic implements and tools.

Alternating between the faces are the Spanish castle and a rampant lion, both important symbols used often in Coral Gables designs. Encircling the top of the base, in raised letters are the words, “Coral Gables – The Miami Riviera, Fla.” The posts are of cast iron construction.

THE RESTORATION

Although the commissioned “White Way” streetlights were designated a City Historic Landmark Site in 1981, they were neglected for decades. Many were sold for surplus. Of the 500 originals, only 78 remained at the time of designation. Originally painted a greyish green color, the streetlights were later painted silver to match newer lampposts.

The endeavor to restore the landmark streetlights has been a labor of love and a signature project of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. It was in fact a member of the organization, the late Sarah Anderson, who conducted the research that led to their historic designation.

Mayors Cason and Lago were instrumental in supporting the years-long preservation efforts. As a commissioner, Lago led city leaders in proposing a resolution to fully fund the restoration of the remaining 1926 “White Way” streetlights using $2 million from the Art in Public Places Program. It was approved unanimously. And with that vote, a project that lagged for decades received the attention and the funding it needed.

The finished project, divided into several phases, restored approximately 45 originals and added another 33 reproductions last year to reach the number of streetlights that were standing in 1981 when they were first designated historic. Additionally, a batch of the original lights discovered in Fort Lauderdale in 2018 (it remains a mystery how they got there) – eight still standing and more in a pile – are also slated for restoration once they return to the City. 

Commendations go to Allen Architectural Metals, Inc. for their meticulous work on the restoration and reproductions, the Coral Gables Historic Resources Office, for maintaining strict designation guidelines, and to Lis Ferrer, Project Engineer Coral Gables Public Works for overseeing and managing the logistics of the project’s various phases. Thanks also to Mayor Lago, who recognized the lights as “one of the many cornerstones of historic preservation in Coral Gables – just try to find another city that has something as emblematic as the white lights.”

After 100 years, our city shines once again. Next on the docket: negotiating a solution with Florida Power & Light to replace outdated (but non-historic) silver streetlights with models that are at least reminiscent of the originals. 

Karelia Martinez Carbonell is the president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables