Commission approves short‑term leases for City Hall staff and a $500,000 construction contingency

The Coral Gables City Commission approved two temporary leases and a related construction contingency to support ongoing City Hall restoration and right‑of‑way improvements.

Staff presented two leases with 2020 Ponce De Leon LLC: Suite 102A (approximately 3,597 sq ft) to house portions of the finance department, and Suite 1200 (approximately 6,870 sq ft) for city manager, city attorney and city clerk offices. Both leases are three years beginning Dec. 1, 2025, with base rent starting at $53 per square foot and annual escalations (3% for Suite 102A and 3.5% for Suite 1200). Rent commencement includes a 60‑day abatement; the city retains an option to renew for one three‑year term at fair market rent. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing relative to the City Hall restoration schedule; staff said the leases were necessary to maintain continuity while City Hall work proceeds.

Separately, the commission approved H1: a $500,000 contract modification contingency for FG Construction LLC (contract no. 12 20681) to cover unforeseen median‑improvement items on the Ponce De Leon project. Staff confirmed any unused contingency will return to the general fund. Both actions were adopted following motion, second and roll‑call votes; the clerk recorded unanimous approval on the contingency and unanimous votes for the leases.

The leases are intended as temporary relocations while City Hall renovation and demolition work continue; the contingency is for construction administration and unforeseen site conditions. Any future budget implications tied to the leases or to deployment of the contingency will be included in future budgetary actions if necessary.