Coral Gables' 98-year-old City Hall is now empty, and it will stay that way for up to three years.

The city has vacated the iconic 1928 building at 405 Biltmore Way for a comprehensive restoration budgeted at up to $30 million, according to a Miami Herald report published Thursday, July 9. It is the first extensive renovation since the building opened and the largest single investment in its history.

The mayor, vice mayor, all five commissioners, the city manager, city clerk, city attorney and their staffs have relocated to other city facilities. City commission meetings are now held at the public safety building at 2151 Salzedo St., roughly three blocks from the old chambers.

Returning City Hall to its 1928 roots

The city hired historic preservation specialist Richard Heisenbottle to return the building to architect Phineas Paist's original 1928 design. Paist also designed the Venetian Pool. The renovation team has his original architectural plans.

The flooring, now covered in cork, will be replaced with "stone or simulated stone," Heisenbottle told the Herald in March. Other interior changes include moving the commission dais back to its original position, swapping window blinds for curtains, adding seating, improving acoustics and installing ADA-compliant access.

Outside, crews will replace four cracking Corinthian columns that were already held up by scaffolding as of March 2026. The project also calls for storm-resistant windows, restoration of an entrance garden and courtyard that had been paved over, and restoration of the clock tower.

Hidden problems inside the walls

A major hurdle is removing dropped ceilings and ductwork installed in later decades and concealing the modern HVAC system within the historic structure, Heisenbottle told the Herald.

A building analysis for asbestos was planned once the building was fully cleared. Any findings could extend the timeline and raise costs beyond the current estimate.

When construction could start

Based on the city's March 2026 timeline reported by Axios Miami, construction could begin as early as fall 2026. The city has not announced a formal start date. The $30 million figure and three-year duration remain initial estimates; final costs depend on the asbestos survey and engineering assessments still underway.

Residents who need city services can visit relocated offices or attend commission meetings at 2151 Salzedo St.