Check out the HPACG “video shorty” on the White Way Lights. It was submitted to the National Trust under its campaign “why old places matter”. Hope it makes it to the national stage!

“The National Trust wants to find out why old places matter to you. Is it because old places help connect you to earlier generations? Because they feel authentic? Because they engage your senses and inspire you? Is it because you feel old places give back to the community? Inspired by a series of essays by Tom Mayes, we want to hear from you about old places that matter. Tell us in a short, 30-second video — we’ll pick the top five to highlight in our social channels and feature at thePastForward 2015 conference in Washington, D.C., this fall.”

 Read further about why the White Way Lights matter

Riviera Drive is one of the few remaining streets still lined with the historically-designated White Way Lights… the detailed and decorative bases designed by Denman Fink, represent the Four Seasons/Ages theme and depict labor, architecture, horticulture, and art.  It is the same theme reflected in other significant Coral Gables landmarks.

These works of art were commissioned 90 years ago by city founder George Merrick to beautify the newly built roads of the fledgling city. Originally 500, today only about 70 still exist.

The White Way Lights project place Merrick as an early advocate of “art in public places”!