In 2002, following the recommendation of the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, an ordinance was passed which requires that all requests to demolish old homes be evaluated by the historic preservation department. Older homes, many of which do not have historic designation, are treasured as being part of the charm and unique character of the Gables. When purchasing an older home, buyers may be under the erroneous impression that if a home does not have an historical designation, it is possible to demolish it or to substantially modify it. Either action will be subject to review by the City of Coral Gables historic preservation department. In grand residences and in small homes, the treasured legacies of George Merrick and architects, H. George Fink, and Phineas Paist, and later architects are worth preserving.
