Luxury Guide: Miami Winter 2021-2022

TRENDING REAL ESTATE

A MIAMI LUXURY REAL ESTATE STAR IS BUILDING THE NATION’S TALLEST WATERFRONT DUAL TOWER RESIDENCES

For 20 years, Melo Group has played a major role in Downtown Miami’s real estate development resurgence, and the momentum endures with Aria Reserve Miami, a monumental condominium project starting construction this winter.

BY MICHAEL ISENBEK

Carlos Melo, Jose Luis Melo, Martin Melo

Melo Group is Miami’s preeminent developer of luxury real estate communities, known for having a highly intelligent approach to development, design, construction and management of luxury properties. A driving force behind Downtown Miami’s real estate resurgence since 2001, it boasts a portfolio of more than 6,000 total luxury condominiums and high-end rental apartments completed throughout the Greater Downtown Miami area, and more than 3,500 units in development. When it comes to creating communities, Melo Group specializes in strategically acquiring prime waterfront or transit- centric properties to create the ideal product for transformative change. The family-owned-and-operated company is fueled by more than 50 years of international experience in the real estate industry anddecades of development success in South Florida. Dr. Jose Luis Ferreira de Melo serves as president and managerial leader, providing a wealth of first-hand knowledge within the industry and the business itself, while his sons Carlos and Martin Melo are co-principals. This highly educated and experienced trio brought Melo Group to Miami at the dawn of the 21st century. Currently, Melo Group is moving forward with an extraordinary addition to the Edgewater neighborhood—Aria Reserve Miami, a pair of 62-story luxury condominiums that will be the tallest waterfront dual tower residences in the

U.S. Construction of the development’s first tower is slated to begin in early 2022 and will be completed in 2024. Q&AWith Melo Group What’s the secret toMeloGroup’s success? Carlos: Our philosophy has always been to build for what the market demands. Over the last 20 years, our firm has acquired land in and around Miami’s Downtown waterfront—and as long-term owners and operators of real estate in the area, our investments have allowed us to develop the right product at the right time to meet demand for locals and residents around the world wanting to live in Miami. How rare are Aria Reserve’s offerings in Miami’s real estate market? Martin: This type of waterfront, luxury condominium opportunity simply no longer exists in Miami.

How do your prices compare to other luxury properties on the market? Carlo s : Non-penthouse residences at Aria Reserve will include one- to four- bedroom floor plans measuring between 1,100 and 2,600 square feet in size. Prices range from about $850,000 to just over $2million, at an average of approximately $850 per square foot. What’s unique about Aria Reserve? Martin: Every residence will include two private or semi-private elevators, a dedicated office/bonus room, at least 10-foot-high ceilings, and open flow- through layouts with up to 11-foot-deep expansive terraces boasting unparalleled sunset views to the west and bay and ocean views to the east. Aria will boast over 2 acres of amenities, with standout features including a semi- Olympic-sized lap pool and whirlpool

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELO GROUP

94 LUXURY GUIDE