The Revitalization of Coconut Grove

August 18, 2016

With the rise of South Beach, Coconut Grove faded out of the Miami limelight. In recent years, this trend has reversed itself as Coconut Grove attracts new energy, investment, and interest. This town is back in vogue. Redevelopment of the Grove to its former grand status is being led by city investment combined with the efforts of individuals and local businesses. As the oldest continually occupied community in Miami, it’s an architectural gem rediscovered and restored.

 

With a waterfront luxury condo building in the works, new restaurants and shops opening up in the town center and a major waterfront redevelopment, the area has undergone a major facelift. The once unsightly waterfront is now fresh with grass, bike paths, palm trees, and sailboats. The seven-acre waterfront park, Regatta Park opened last year and has played a vital role in reshaping the community. It’s part of a massive waterfront development project that caters to a pedestrian scale, outdoor public spaces and boating. Coconut Grove is also home to three marinas, as well as a sailing club and much of life here revolves around boating.

 

This unique community is known for its fun spirit, eclectic style, and diverse community. Many years ago, you could bump into Tennessee Williams, David Crosby, or Joni Mitchell wandering the low-key streets of the Grove. Today, once again, this spot is becoming a magnet for the “creatives and makers.”  Waterfront communities have surged in popularity in recent years. We’ve seen this effect across Palm Beach County, and parts of Broward. Coconut Grove offers a town plan and lifestyle that is popular. It especially appeals to young families and active people.

 

The waterfront combined with the town center are the two main points of attraction anchoring the Grove. There’s a cultural nostalgia to reclaim the charm of towns such as the Old Grove across the country. After years of sprawl, cars and strip malls, there’s been a popular yearning to return to the town center in urban planning. We’re seeing a backlash against sprawl.

Related: Miami Community Spotlight: Sunny Isles

Coconut Grove’s primes location as a waterfront community developed around a town square creates an ideal setting for beach living in a city setting. The Grove’s plan is similar to Santa Monica, CA, which has grown into one of the hottest areas to live in the Los Angeles metro area. The Grove captures the old Floridian charm and spirit, and its scale is conducive to a low stress active, lifestyle. Invigorated by a lot of fresh energy, money and people, it’s once again on the map again as one of the best places to live in South Florida.