Meet Ponce 8, Coral Gables’ First Live Local Project

Coral Gables is preparing to review its first ever Live Local Act project, as Shoma Group’s ‘Ponce 8’ undertaking heads to the Development Review Committee. Slated for review on August 29th, the proposal would introduce a 16-story Mediterranean-inspired tower along the city’s northern edge, marking Shoma Group’s first high-rise in Coral Gables. More than just another development, Ponce 8 will act as a test case for the city’s approach to the Live Local Act: a piece of legislation that has already stirred debate and controversy in several South Florida communities.

Located at 3808 and 3850 SW 8th Street, the site has had a history of failed proposals. Originally put forward by Fifield Companies as an 11-story building with 103 residential units, the project has since been reimagined by Shoma Group as a larger, more ambitious proposal. The most recent plans, released last week, outline a 16-story tower with 201 residential units, 40% of which will be reserved for workforce housing in accordance with the Live Local Act.

Units will range from studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom homes. Because the development has to provide 40% workforce housing, or about 81 workforce units, the developer has been granted higher density and FAR. Although it hasn’t been confirmed which units will be designated as workforce housing, they will likely include all studios and some one-bedroom units: what the project’s representative describes as “adequate, of high quality, and does not create a cost-of-living burden for our community’s workforce.”

Residents will have access to a pool, lounging space, a clubhouse, office space, and other amenity offerings. Uniquely, the project provides views of Coral Gables on level 16 with an open terrace. However, plans are still preliminary, and amenity space can change at any time.

The ground floor will feature 4,941 SF of commercial space, a lobby, and covered sidewalks for protection from the elements. While the building’s frontage will not include landscaping, a secluded paseo with greenery will be incorporated at the rear of the development. Above the ground floor, a multi-story, enclosed podium designed to reflect the character of the residential units will be constructed. Inside the podium will be space for 345 cars, much higher than the city requirement of 282 parking spaces.

Designed by PPK Architects the project’s 16 stories will reach 195 FT to the top of the parapet, or 155 FT to the roof of the 16th floor. Its facade embraces Mediterranean styling, incorporating ornate detailing, clay-tiled roofs, coquina stone, and other intricate features. The choice to include this styling is not just to pay homage to Coral Gables’ styling, but to be granted benefits under the Mediterranean Design Bonus regulations such as increased FAR or height.

Because the Live Local Act requires administrative review, this project will not go before the City Commission or other public boards for approval or public comment. Instead, it will proceed to the Development Review Committee, which functions primarily as a technical checkpoint. The committee reviews projects for code compliance and may offer recommendations, but it does not have final approval authority.

According to the developer, construction is estimated to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2028. Based on this timeline, the developer will have to obtain demolition permits, site work/foundation permits, and other approvals fairly quickly to be on-schedule.