Ponce Circle Park Plans Bring Frank Stella and an Outdoor Stage to Coral Gables
A Frank Stella sculpture and a new open-air performance space are planned for Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables, part of a redesign that would bring public art, shaded walkways and space for cultural events to the downtown park. Allen Morris Company’s October 7 announcement targets a January 2027 construction start and completion in the first quarter of 2028. The South Florida Business Journal independently reported the same quarterly construction timeline.
The project involves Allen Morris Company, the City of Coral Gables and Agave Holdings, owner of The Plaza Coral Gables. Allen Morris is overseeing design, permitting and construction, while also developing the nearby Ponce Park condominium project.
Although the announcement describes an investment exceeding $10 million, the financing package approved in July carried an estimated cost of $11.2 million. According to the Coral Gables Gazette’s reporting on that vote, the package allocated $8.2 million through the city and $3 million through the developer. The city’s portion includes proceeds tied to an Agave Plaza development agreement and developer-paid impact fees. Allen Morris remains responsible for overruns beyond the committed amounts.
A Frank Stella Sculpture for the Park
At the park’s northern end, the design places Stella’s Puffed and Inverted Star II in a reflecting pool. City records describe an aluminum sculpture more than 17 feet tall, composed of geometric forms that extend into the points of a star.
The City Commission approved acquiring the work from the Estate of Frank Stella in May 2025. The acquisition resolution authorized $2.04 million from the Art in Public Places reserve for the artwork, packing, transportation and delivery, with installation-related expenses to be funded separately. The city currently lists the sculpture among its public art projects in progress.
Space for Performances and Everyday Use
The redesign also includes the Odeon, an outdoor performance structure intended for concerts and community gatherings. A central event lawn, covered arcades and tree-lined paths would connect the park’s principal gathering spaces, providing areas for both scheduled events and everyday use.
Maria de la Guardia of Coral Gables-based de la Guardia Victoria Architects & Urbanists leads the architectural design, working with landscape firm Naturalficial. The company’s announcement identifies Andres Arcila as the landscape collaborator and says planting design is being coordinated with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Beyond the park itself, Allen Morris says the project includes pedestrian crossings, raised crosswalks, speed tables and stormwater drainage improvements along the surrounding corridor. Those changes are intended to improve access to a public space bordered by Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park is located at 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Residents can find the city’s published design materials on its Park Projects and Updates page, or contact Community Recreation at 305-460-5620 for project information.