Coral Gables has earned the nickname "The City Beautiful" for its magnificent tree canopies, golf courses, waterways, civic plazas, arches and fountains. A planned community that dates back to the 1920s, Coral Gables, population 42,000, is also known for its strict building and zoning codes, which have helped to preserve the city's Mediterranean look. Many of Coral Gables most attractive homes date back to the 1920's and 30's, including several theme villages, designed by city founder George Merrick, to reflect French, Chinese, Italian, Dutch South African and Colonial American architecture. In recent years, waterfront developments along Biscayne Bay, including Coco Plum, Gables by the Sea, Gables Estates, and Deering Bay have attracted high-end local buyers. Coral Gables downtown Miracle Mile has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, with new restaurants, art galleries, shops and the Actors Play-house at The Miracle Theater. Now in the planning stage is The Village of Merrick Park, a major new shopping center of U.S. 1 with Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom as anchor tenants.