Phineas E. Paist: Architect of Coral Gables’ Dream Coral Gables, Florida – a name synonymous with Spanish-Mediterranean architecture and an almost palpable sense of optimism – owes its very identity to the vision of George E. Merrick and, crucially, the artistry of Phineas E. Paist. Born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, in 1873, Paist’s journey from a young artist to the supervising architect for the Coral Gables Corporation represents a fa…