Client Biltmore Hotel and Golf / City of Coral Gables
Type Historic Preservation
Statues Completed
Location Coral Gables, FL
This project involved the historic restoration of the Biltmore Bridge in Coral Gables, a structure located within one of the city’s most architecturally significant areas surrounding the Biltmore Hotel, a designated National Historic Landmark. The work was executed as a true preservation effort—focused solely on restoring the existing structure while maintaining its original character and complying with strict local historic preservation requirements . Red Door Construction led the restoration, coordinating closely with engineers and municipal stakeholders to ensure both historical accuracy and structural performance.
Scope of Work
• Full disassembly of the existing historic bridge structure
• Restoration and refinishing of all structural steel components
• Repair and selective replacement of deteriorated elements
• Structural enhancements to support modern pedestrian and vehicular loads
• Reassembly and precise installation of restored components
• Coordination with municipal and historic preservation requirements
Key Features
• Complete disassembly and reconstruction of a historic bridge system
• Restoration of original structural steel elements
• Integration of modern load requirements within a preserved framework
• Work performed in a historically sensitive, high-visibility location
• Preservation of original architectural proportions and detailing
Construction Challenges
The project required a methodical disassembly and cataloging process to ensure each component could be restored and accurately reinstalled. Restoration of structural steel demanded controlled treatment to remove corrosion while maintaining original material integrity. The work also required strict adherence to preservation standards, where modifications had to be carefully balanced against maintaining the bridge’s historic character.
Outcome
The completed bridge preserves its historic identity while meeting current structural and safety standards for pedestrian and vehicular use. Through disciplined execution and coordination, Red Door Construction delivered a restoration that extends the life of the structure while maintaining its architectural significance within Coral Gables.
Related Projects
Biltmore Hotel and Golf / City of Coral Gables
This project involved the historic restoration of the Biltmore Bridge in Coral Gables, a structure located within one of the city’s most architecturally significant areas surrounding the Biltmore Hotel, a designated National Historic Landmark. The work was executed as a true preservation effort—focused solely on restoring the existing structure while maintaining its original character and complying with strict local historic preservation requirements . Red Door Construction led the restoration, coordinating closely with engineers and municipal stakeholders to ensure both historical accuracy and structural performance.
Scope of Work
• Full disassembly of the existing historic bridge structure
• Restoration and refinishing of all structural steel components
• Repair and selective replacement of deteriorated elements
• Structural enhancements to support modern pedestrian and vehicular loads
• Reassembly and precise installation of restored components
• Coordination with municipal and historic preservation requirements
Key Features
• Complete disassembly and reconstruction of a historic bridge system
• Restoration of original structural steel elements
• Integration of modern load requirements within a preserved framework
• Work performed in a historically sensitive, high-visibility location
• Preservation of original architectural proportions and detailing
Construction Challenges
The project required a methodical disassembly and cataloging process to ensure each component could be restored and accurately reinstalled. Restoration of structural steel demanded controlled treatment to remove corrosion while maintaining original material integrity. The work also required strict adherence to preservation standards, where modifications had to be carefully balanced against maintaining the bridge’s historic character.
Outcome
The completed bridge preserves its historic identity while meeting current structural and safety standards for pedestrian and vehicular use. Through disciplined execution and coordination, Red Door Construction delivered a restoration that extends the life of the structure while maintaining its architectural significance within Coral Gables.
City of Coral Gables
Red Door Construction completed infrastructure and restoration work across seven plazas and thirteen fountains for the City of Coral Gables. The project focused on upgrading underlying systems while preserving and replicating key architectural elements, requiring a coordinated approach between construction, restoration, and specialty fabrication.
Scope of Work
• Installation of new infrastructure across multiple plazas and fountain systems
• Waterproofing of fountain structures and plaza surfaces
• Restoration and conservation of existing stone elements
• Reconstruction and detailing of fountain components
• Replication of trellis structures based on original designs
• Fabrication and replication of wood elements
• Integration of new systems within existing historic environments
• Coordination with municipal and preservation requirements
Key Features
• Multi-site project spanning seven plazas and thirteen fountains
• Combination of infrastructure upgrades and historic restoration
• Stone conservation and detailed restoration work
• Custom replication of architectural trellis and wood elements
• Waterproofing systems designed for long-term durability
Construction Challenges
The project required coordination across multiple active public sites, each with unique conditions and restoration requirements. Balancing infrastructure upgrades with preservation of historic elements demanded careful planning and execution. Replicating architectural features required precision to match original design intent while meeting modern performance standards.
Outcome
The completed work enhances the functionality and longevity of the plazas and fountain systems while preserving the architectural character of the spaces. Through disciplined coordination and execution, Red Door Construction delivered a comprehensive infrastructure and restoration project for the City of Coral Gables.
Vizcaya Museum Cafe and Gift Shop
Complete restoration of East and West gate lodges. New Fiberoptic and forced main utility upgrades throughout the estate. New ground up construction including injection wells. Café and gift shop renovation. Specialized glass storm hatch water barrier and floodproofing system.
Gusman Theater
40-year recertification, electrical and structural upgrades, new stadium seating, ADA accessibility enhancements, millwork for concessions, bathroom renovations.
National Young Arts Foundation
Red Door Construction completed the restoration and interior buildout of the Jewel Box for the National YoungArts Foundation. The project combined full restoration of the building’s historic stained glass façade with the creation of new program spaces, including a third-floor event venue and a dance studio. The work required a careful balance between preservation of original architectural elements and integration of modern performance and assembly spaces.
Scope of Work
• Full restoration of stained glass façade across the building envelope
• Repair, reinforcement, and reinstallation of historic façade elements
• Buildout of third-floor event space for performances and gatherings
• Construction of dance studio with performance-grade sprung flooring system
• Installation of interior finishes, lighting, and architectural elements
• Coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
• Integration of new construction within existing historic structure
Key Features
• Restored stained glass façade preserving the building’s historic identity
• Flexible third-floor event space for cultural programming
• Dance studio equipped with sprung flooring for performance use
• Seamless integration of historic materials with modern systems
• Upgraded infrastructure supporting long-term institutional use
Construction Challenges
The restoration of the stained glass façade required specialized handling, sequencing, and coordination to preserve original materials while ensuring structural performance. Interior construction was executed within an existing historic structure, requiring adaptation to irregular conditions and constraints. The dance studio flooring system required precise installation to meet performance standards while integrating with the existing building structure.
Outcome
The completed Jewel Box supports the National YoungArts Foundation’s mission by providing high-quality spaces for artistic development and events. Red Door Construction successfully delivered a project that preserves historic character while introducing modern functionality and performance capabilities.
Christ Fellowship Church
Red Door Construction completed the façade and stucco restoration of the East and South elevations at Christ Fellowship Church. The project focused on restoring the exterior envelope, addressing deterioration, and improving the overall appearance and durability of the building while maintaining consistency with the existing architectural character.
Scope of Work
• Restoration of building façade at East and South elevations
• Stucco repair and replacement of deteriorated areas
• Surface preparation, patching, and refinishing
• Crack repair and substrate stabilization
• Application of new exterior coatings and finishes
• Coordination with existing building operations
Key Features
• Targeted restoration of high-visibility building elevations
• Improved durability and weather resistance of exterior surfaces
• Seamless integration between repaired and existing finishes
• Consistent color and texture matching across elevations
Construction Challenges
The project required careful assessment of existing conditions to identify areas of deterioration and ensure proper repair methods were applied. Matching existing stucco texture and finish across large elevations demanded precision and experienced craftsmanship. Work was coordinated to minimize disruption to ongoing church operations.
Outcome
The completed restoration enhances both the performance and appearance of the building envelope. Through controlled execution and attention to detail, Red Door Construction delivered a durable and visually consistent façade restoration aligned with the facility’s long-term needs.