How Calimia Home Landed at La Palma

THE STORY OF HOW WE GOT HERE

Calimia Home began in a small office just down the street from where we are today. On our walks to lunch along Giralda, we would pass the La Palma Building and were continually drawn to its history and architecture. Curiosity turned into action when we called the builder to ask about the future of the property, which led to a conversation with the owners. From there, the vision for a shop and studio began to take shape.

Opening our studio and shop in La Palma felt like a natural extension of our love for historic homes and timeless design. Tucked into the heart of Coral Gables, this landmark building offered the perfect backdrop for a space designed to feel elevated yet welcoming, like home.

RESTORING HISTORY: THE STORY BEHIND LA PALMA

La Palma opened in 1924 as the Cla-Reina Hotel, one of Coral Gables’ earliest hotels and a beloved gathering place for the growing community. Designed by architect H. George Fink, cousin of city founder George Merrick, the building remains a defining example of the Mediterranean Revival style that shaped early Coral Gables.

After decades of change, the building eventually sat vacant for five years until it was purchased by the Maven Group in 2018. Together with preservationist Torre Construction, they carried out a thoughtful restoration that honored the past while preparing the building for a new future. Listed today on both local and national historic registers, La Palma is one of the few remaining commercial structures from Coral Gables’ original downtown. Its classic exterior, with 100-year-old bricks and decades-old stucco, remains intact, while updates like a new roof, lighting, and a reimagined breezeway with frameless glass pay homage to its 1920s origins.

A YEAR-LONG TRANSFORMATION

When we first stepped inside La Palma, it was little more than an empty shell with dirt floors. Over the course of a year, we partnered with Locus Architecture to completely reimagine the space. Working closely with the City of Coral Gables’ historic board, we poured a new concrete slab, designed custom AC ducts, and rebuilt the entire interior within the preserved historic walls. Every element, from millwork and flooring to tile, countertops, and lighting, was thoughtfully designed to reflect both the building’s heritage and Calimia Home’s signature aesthetic.

DESIGNED TO FEEL LIKE HOME 

Inside, our studio and shop reflect the same philosophy we bring to our design projects: layered, elevated, and welcoming. The showroom is filled with heirloom-quality furniture, custom upholstery, oak cabinetry, and carefully chosen household goods from local and international artisans. Our annual sourcing trips to Sweden continue to influence the mix, bringing in vintage finds and one-of-a-kind pieces with stories of their own. Every item is curated to reflect a relaxed yet refined way of living.

A VIBRANT CORNER OF CORAL GABLES

Today, La Palma stands as a renewed landmark, blending new purpose with century-old charm. With neighbors like Michelin-starred Shingo and Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro, our corner of Coral Gables has become a destination that bridges past and present. For us, being part of this community is as inspiring as the building itself.