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Miami Herald
06-08-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Newly discovered historic street lights will shine again in Coral Gables
One hundred years ago, there were 500 lights on the streets of Coral Gables designed by architect Phineas Paist and artist Denman Fink. Beautiful, functional works of art, many were lost over the decades. But in 1981, finding them, restoring them, and returning them to their places became a labor of love for the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. 'In 1981, Sarah Anderson, a member of the organization, facilitated the designation of the street lights as a City Historic Landmark Site. At that time, there were close to 80 still standing from the original 500,' said Karelia Martinez Carbonell, president of the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. The lights had been commissioned by Coral Gables City Founder George Merrick not only to light 'The City Beautiful,' but to enhance the newly built roads, she said. 'Originally, 500 'White Way' street lights with distinct decorative bases adorned the boulevards. Today, only about 45 of these originals remain, mostly along the Riviera Drive corridor and University Drive,' said Martinez Carbonell. The group found a batch of 10 of the streetlights in Fort Lauderdale, and another one was recently found in North Central Florida. Once these are all back in the city, they will be restored and added to the others now standing around town, she said. 'The City of Coral Gables is finalizing the acquisition of the White Way streetlights in Fort Lauderdale by early fall. The remaining batch of about 10 WWL are historically intact and in good shape from the base to the top fixture. They will undergo restoration. I am in contact with the current owner of the lights,' said Martinez Carbonell. The multiyear historic preservation plan was conducted in phases, she said. The group had the 45 originals still standing restored, and another 30-plus reproductions were added in order to reach the number of streetlights standing in 1981, when the lights were first designated. 'Commendations go to Allen Architectural Metals Inc. for their meticulous work on the restoration and reproductions, the Historic Resources Office for maintaining strict designation guidelines, and to Lis Ferrer, Project Engineer Public Works, for overseeing and managing the logistics of the project's various phases,' said Martinez Carbonell. Soon, the City plans to return about 10 original streetlights to the historic Douglas Entrance courtyard. 'Today, 'The City of Lights' shines once again, thanks to the many who were determined to see a decades-long restoration project through,' said Martinez Carbonell. 'It is so exciting about returning the original historic lights to the Douglas Entrance.' In July, dozens of students received personalized styling advice, shopped for professional outfits at H&M and participated in workshops focused on college and career readiness. The annual initiative, called 'Best Look Forward,' was hosted by education nonprofit Achieve Miami and Aventura Mall to help prepare Miami-Dade County high school students for success. 'When students have access to the right tools, whether it's professional clothing or meaningful mentorship, their sense of what's possible begins to expand,' said Rachel Saiontz Geary, Achieve Miami's director of philanthropy. 'At its core, this event is about helping students walk into every opportunity feeling confident, capable and like they belong.' Designed to support college and career readiness for students from underrepresented high schools, the program offers guidance on job skills, interview preparation and how to best dress for professional settings like interviews and college fairs. This year, 80 Achieve Scholars benefitted from the event. Founded in 2015 by Leslie Miller Saiontz, Achieve Miami empowers the next generation of students and teachers to learn, lead and thrive through mentorship, enrichment and community engagement. This year, the nonprofit has helped more than 2,000 students across more than 60 schools in Miami-Dade County through impactful programming and resources in under-resourced communities that include Little Haiti, Miami Gardens, Brownsville, Overtown, Liberty City, South Dade and Homestead. Learn more about getting involved at Congratulations to the Coral Gables Woman's Club for continuing to make a difference. In June, the organization rededicated its board and presented annual awards at a dinner and ceremony. The General Federation of Women's Club (GFWC0 FL) Finance Director and former District 11 Chair Elizabeth Fisher officiated. Ruth Martinez, current District 11 Director and past president of the club, coordinated the night with Club President Arely Ruiz. Two of the most prestigious and oldest awards were announced. The Barbara Lapsley New Member Award was presented to Lydia Sanchez-Garrett, and the Gloria Burns Leadership Award was presented to Iris Segui. Three members who have also demonstrated outstanding leadership were honored with the Pink Diamond Award. They are Media Chair Luisaura Alvarez, Arts & Culture Chair Alex Gullen and Environment Chair Jackie de Francisco. This group has a long history of maintaining its beautiful historic building through rentals, which in turn help support a free clinic for children needing dental work. For more about the clinic or to become a member, visit Write to ChristinaMMayo@ with news for this column.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hotel del Coronado wraps $550M Blackstone-led renovation
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Coronado, California's Hotel del Coronado completed its $550 million restoration, a six-year-plus project funded by Blackstone Real Estate, the hotel announced in a release obtained by Hotel Dive Wednesday. The project restored the 137-year-old hotel's front porch and lobby, main entry and drive, as well as updated its Victorian guestrooms, courtyard and event spaces. It also added two dining options, Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda. Blackstone acquired the San Diego-area hotel in 2015 as part of its $6 billion acquisition of Strategic Hotels and Resorts. Since then, the property has undergone a multi-phase renovation, the final phase of which kicked off in 2023. In a statement, Rob Harper, head of asset management Americas at Blackstone Real Estate, said Blackstone 'has been dedicated to preserving Hotel del Coronado's iconic status as a National Historic Landmark while ensuring it remains a timeless destination for future generations.' The renovation 'prioritized historical accuracy,' per the announcement, leaning on design and architecture collaborators Wimberly Interiors, WATG, GSB Inc., Burton Studios and David Marshall of Heritage Architecture & Planning. Revamped guest rooms now offer modern accents as well as redesigned bathrooms with spacious vanities. Meanwhile, the hotel's Victorian ballrooms have undergone a 'meticulous restoration,' according to the hotel. The renovation also restored the building's central courtyard to its original design, including walkways, pergolas and a historic statue and fountain. Meanwhile, Blackstone's renovation of the neighborhoods surrounding the hotel has also added the residential-style Shore House and fully renovated Beach Village, an enclave of cottages and villas that is part of Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts, and expanded and revamped the Spa & Salon at The Del and fitness center. The project also developed the Ice House Museum, and added new meeting spaces and retail at The Shops at The Del. According to the hotel, the revitalization resulted in the creation of 300-plus resort jobs, in addition to the thousands of construction roles created over the course of the project. Hotel del Coronado is part of Hilton's Curio Collection, which the company is expanding as part of a broader lifestyle portfolio push. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
What are the most stunning views in New Jersey? Check out our top picks
Everyone has their own interpretation of what they'd consider to be a beautiful view. But there are just some places that are so breathtaking that they seem to catch the eye of everyone that visits. The Garden State is filled with scenic destinations like this, and so much so that five locations throughout the state were named among USA Today's Most Treasured Views in America. This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, under-appreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area. [ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ] And these sites highlight the diverse range of scenery New Jersey has to offer, ranging from rich historical sites to impressive natural spots. Here are five of the Most Treasured Views in New Jersey, with tips for getting the best experience at each site. Paterson Great Falls is home to one of the nation's most spectacular waterfalls, featuring a grand 260-foot wide, 77-foot high drop that rushes into the Passaic River. The site has existed since the beginning of time, with Paterson being established around it in 1792, and is both a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. While the best view of this iconic landmark — which is free to visit — is the walking bridge that goes over the Great Falls, it is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns and is pending replacement. But you can still get a great view from either Overlook Park or Mary Ellen Kramer Park. Do you have a photo of a Most Treasured View? Share it with us! Please submit JPGs only (not HEIC files): And while you're there, you can also go down the block to the Paterson Museum at 2 Market St. Here, you can explore Paterson's history as the nation's first planned industrial city through interpretive exhibits. The museum is free to visit, but donations are recommended. Go: 72 McBride Ave. Extension, Paterson; 973-523-0370, Located at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs — just one mile south of the New York State border — State Line Lookout at Palisades Interstate Park offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. It is a particularly popular spot for bird watching, as it's one of the state's 14 official hawk-counting sites. This area is also home to the Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand that boasts a breakfast, lunch and snack menu for those visiting State Line Lookout. And beyond this, the park also offers more than 30 miles of trails with everything from easy strolls to challenging rock scrambles. Share your Most Treasured View with us! Please submit JPGs only (not HEIC files): Metered parking is in effect year-round for the lot at State Line Lookout, but the first hour of parking is free. A list of other metered parking areas, as well as days where parking is free, can be found on the park's website. Go: Access the parking lot from the northbound side of Palisades Interstate Parking, just north of Exit 2, Alpine; 201-768-1360, Why travel to Washington, D.C., when you can get a better view of dazzling cherry blossoms right here in New Jersey? Branch Brook Park, which spans 360 acres and was the nation's first county park, is known for having among the largest and most varied collection of cherry blossom trees in the country. During peak blooming season, typically within the second and third week of April each year, the park has 5,300 cherry blossom trees with 18 different varieties bursting with color. These trees are located all throughout Branch Brook Park, but most are concentrated in the northernmost part of the park. You can also find the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center here, which features galleries and exhibits that highlight the history of cherry blossoms in Newark. As for parking, there is a free lot at the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center and several others around the park. You can also find free street park throughout the area. Go: Lake Street and Park Avenue, Newark; 973-268-3500, The Red Mill Museum Village, located on the South Branch of the Raritan River in Clinton, is an iconic piece of New Jersey history that combines cultural heritage with scenic views. It is home to 12 buildings on its 10 acres. At the heart of this complex is the circa-1810 Red Mill, which appropriately sports its signature bright red color. The historic site has lived many lives, serving as a grist mill, wool processing plant, a peach basket factory and a textile mill before it was restored into a museum in the 1960s. Buy a photo: Purchase select prints of Red Mill Museum Village and other treasured views You can get the most picturesque view of the Red Mill by walking along the iron bridge on Main Street, overlooking the waterfall that powered the Red Mill for more than 200 years. Many recommend visiting the site during the fall, when it's set to a backdrop of bright fall foliage, or during the winter when there's a blanket of snow. General admission to Red Mill Museum Village is $12, or $10 for seniors and children ages six to 12. For parking, there is a limited amount of spots available in front of the museum for visitors, but there are parking lots or on-street parking available nearby. Go: 56 Main St., Clinton; 908-735-4101, First lit in 1859, the historic Barnegat Lighthouse — known locally as Old Barney — has been a pillar of Long Beach Island for more than a century. It's situated on the northern tip of the island, which was once regarded as one of the most important navigational points for ships traveling to and from New York Harbor. The site's most stunning view comes from climbing the 217 spiral steps of the lighthouse, where you can get a panoramic view of Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island. But if you can't make the trip up the lighthouse, you can stop by the adjacent Interpretive Center to see the view from four live cameras. Parking is free for Barnegat Lighthouse visitors, but there is a $3 fee per person to climb the lighthouse from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Go: 208 Broadway, Barnegat Light; 609-494-2016, Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@ This article originally appeared on Best scenic views in NJ: Our top picks
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
'Feat of mankind': Hoover Dam turns 89 and faces an uncertain future
'Feat of mankind': Hoover Dam turns 89 and faces an uncertain future Show Caption Hide Caption The Hoover Dam on Lake Mead: 200 years in the making Putting a massive dam on the Colorado River on the state line of Nevada and Arizona took decades of planning. The Republic Saturday commemorates the 89th anniversary of the Hoover Dam's completed construction, considered by most experts "a modern miracle" and one of the most visited sites in the world. The 726-foot-high arch-gravity dam stretches 1,244 feet across the Black Canyon and was built over five years starting in 1931, helping provide water and hydroelectrical power to the West. The now-second-tallest dam was proposed to prevent flooding from Rocky Mountain snow-melting waters into the Colorado River, stretching south to the Gulf of California for more than 1,000 miles. Constructed along the Colorado River at the border of Nevada and Arizona, more than 21,000 workers helped erect the dam, situated about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, during the Great Depression, one of the nation's most turbulent times in history, said Robert Glennon, a water policy and law expert and emeritus professor at the University of Arizona. Construction on the dam was completed on March 1, 1936, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. "It is an American icon if there ever was one," said Glennon, author of the book, "Unquenchable, America's Water Crises and What To Do About It." "Given that it was built during the Depression, I consider it a modern miracle." The Hoover Dam captures water from the Colorado River and fills Lake Mead. The dam also generates enough energy each year to serve 1.3 million people in Nevada, Arizona and California, the Reclamation Bureau said. "That dam and the water stored became a very important piece of almost all of the uses in those lower basin states," said Jennifer Gimbel, a senior water policy scholar for the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University. "They are controlling the water and move their economies forward to get water when they wanted it and helped the economies in all three of those states. "The dam helped build Nevada, as the state felt that building it would bring economic development," Gimbel added. Glennon said the dam is largely responsible for the growth of Las Vegas, then known as a major railroad hub of about 5,000 residents in a broad, underdeveloped desert valley situated between Utah and California. Now, with its bright lights, casinos and ubiquitous nightlife that attract millions of visitors each year, Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world. "If there's no Hoover Dam, I strongly believe there's no Las Vegas," Glennon said. "Because Vegas back then was just a train stop until after the Dam was built, you had a water and an electrical supply that Vegas could tap into. Look what became of that." The dam is a National Historic Landmark and has been rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders. On September 30, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt officially dedicated the dam and famously said, "I came, I saw, and I was conquered, as everyone will be who sees for the first time this great feat of mankind." How did the dam get its name? The Hoover Dam was named in honor of Herbert Hoover, the nation's 31st president. As commerce secretary, Hoover had a pivotal role in proposing the dam's construction on the Colorado River in the 1920s. As construction of the dam was initiated on Sept. 30, 1930, then-Interior Secretary Ray Lyman Wilbur ordered the dam to be named after Hoover. Congress made it official five months later on Feb. 14, 1931, according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's website. When Hoover left office in 1933, the names "Boulder Canyon Dam" and "Boulder Dam" were frequently used when referring to the dam, the website said, allegedly because the new secretary of the interior did not like Hoover. However, the dam's name was never officially changed. The naming of the dam was considered controversial at the time, Glennon said. "It was all about politics, even back then," Glennon said. "Despite a lot of back-and-forth, Roosevelt's Cabinet really wanted to acknowledge the former president and they fought hard to get it through." An uncertain future As the Hoover Dam was built to control water use, there are concerns that the giant reservoirs of the Colorado River, Lake Mead (the largest reservoir in the U.S. in terms of water capacity) and Lake Powell, remain far below their capacities because of drought conditions in the West. The lakes, which provide the water that 40 million Americans depend on, are now only about 35% full, climatologist Brian Fuchs of the National Drought Mitigation Center told USA TODAY in February. Fuchs said that while the lakes are "in slightly better shape than a few years ago when they were at record lows and it really was a crisis situation. They are still only holding about half of the water compared to the average over the last 40 years." Glennon said municipalities will somehow have to find ways to use less water from the lakes. He compares it with "having too many straws drinking out of a milkshake." 'Mother Nature needs to do her part': Water crisis in West still looms as Lakes Mead and Powell only 35% full "It's going to require political will and moral courage to solve the problem," Glennon said. Gimbel agrees. "The dam has been really important in helping us survive the megadrought we've been forced with since 2001," she said. "But there are harder times to come, and the leaders are still trying to figure out how to the best operate the dam for a sustainable Colorado River in the future." Yet, the dam overall remains a key attraction, as more than seven million people visit the site each year, according to Two guided tours of Hoover Dam, a 40-minute Power Plant Tour and an hourlong Dam Tour, are offered to visitors, Lane Whitlow, Hoover Dam tour operations manager, told the Arizona Republic. "Both tours begin with a 10-minute introductory film and include visits to the original construction tunnels, the 30-foot-diameter penstock and power plant balcony," Whitlow told the publication. Gimbel is amazed the dam is still a strong tourist attraction. "It is so cool, you think of these guys building this in the 1930s and the fact that it is still there and operating when it's been nearly 100 years," Gimbel said. "Look at the engineering marvel that is the dam as well as and the environmental and recreational aspects it has held." Contributing, Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, and Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
