Melo Group is a family-owned Miami developer and builder creating high-rise residential rental and condominium communities, mixed-use towers, and commercial space in Edgewater and Greater Downtown Miami. Its projects target residents and buyers seeking amenity-rich housing in South Florida neighborhoods.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
AI-researched delivery record, not yet confirmed by the developer. Dates may be approximate; original sources are linked.
AI research over published reviews and resident comments. Scores are a model’s reading of opinion, not figures stated on a page, and nothing here feeds any number above it. The links under each block are the pages that research says it used. Based on available resident reviews of covered buildings. These are reported experiences, not independent building inspections, and may not represent all residents or properties.
| Project | Overall | Structure & systems | Management & living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown 1stDowntown Miami, Miami560 units | 7.5/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.4/ 10 |
Google Reviews/Maps supplies the anchor at 4.3/5 from 236 reviews, which converts to 7.9 on the requested curve. The published commentary is predominantly positive, but the reported package/elevator access concern is a serious living-quality issue; recurring praise offsets part of that adjustment. No building-specific structural or systems rating or substantive infrastructure review was located, so structure is unevidenced rather than marked down. | |||
no notes returned no links returned | Published reviews describe strong day-to-day service and location: residents call it a “Great building to live in” with “Great staff of managers,” and praise the walkability, views and amenities. The main operational concern is access control: one reviewer said packages could reach the door without a key fob and that this was “Not very safe for a woman”; another reported that shown units were dirty and the leasing office did not feel professional. | ||
| Art PlazaMiami Arts & Entertainment District, Miami667 units | 7.3/ 10 | —/ 10 | 7.3/ 10 |
ApartmentHomeLiving.com supplies the largest published resident review base found, at 4.3/5 from 6 reviews, which converts to 7.9 before the fewer-than-10-review cap. Applying that cap and the reported negative and positive themes produces a cautious 7.3/10 living score; no structure score is assigned because no structure-specific published rating was found. | |||
Structural evidence is limited and mixed. One resident wrote that “the building is quite literally falling apart,” while another published source says some residents note “thin walls”; in contrast, a 2025 review describes the building as “modern, well-maintained.” No published engineering inspection or structure-specific aggregate score was found. | Day-to-day feedback is mostly favorable: residents cite “friendly staff,” “responsive and professional” management, and the gym and pool as major positives, while the property’s transit-oriented location is repeatedly praised. The counterevidence includes reported “inconsistent communication,” occasional elevator or maintenance delays, and noise from traffic, rail, construction and entertainment; these are editorial summaries rather than independently counted individual reviews. | ||
| Urban 22Edgewater, Miami441 units | 7.0/ 10 | 7.3/ 10 | 7.0/ 10 |
The 4.1/5 building aggregate from 212 resident reviews sets the level and converts to approximately 7.3/10 under the supplied curve. The written commentary is polarized: repeated praise for upkeep, amenities and staff is largely offset by a serious security-access report and additional management, parking and front-desk complaints, producing 7.0/10 overall; no separate structural rating was published, so structure is based only on the limited structural observations in the written reviews. | |||
The available resident feedback is generally favorable about the building’s condition: one reviewer said it was “clean and feels new,” that there were “enough elevators,” and that maintenance fixed issues promptly. A separate review reported that “Fire alarms randomly go off,” but no published review evidence located here establishes a recurring structural, plumbing, HVAC, electrical or waterproofing defect. | Day-to-day reports are mixed. Positive reviews call the pool “clean and relaxing,” describe the gym as “well-maintained,” and praise staff as “professional, respectful, and genuinely attentive”; negative reviews allege that “Security is a joke,” that unauthorized people enter, and that management or front-desk staff can be dismissive. The building-specific Google/Maps aggregate is 4.1/5 from 212 reviews, while a separate directory page displays no review rating and only AI-generated category summaries, so those category numbers were not treated as published review ratings. | ||
| Miami PlazaDowntown Miami Arts & Entertainment District, Miami425 units | 6.9/ 10 | —/ 10 | 6.5/ 10 |
Google’s 3.9/5 from 106 reviews sets the level; using the stated conversion curve gives an anchor of about 6.7/10. The score is reduced modestly for recurring complaints about leasing communication and staff, while no separate structure score is assigned because no published structural rating or reliable structural condition assessment was found. | |||
Published material identifies Miami Plaza as a 2020, 36-story building with elevators, a secured garage and energy-efficient tinted glass. One Apartments.com resident reported that “hallways, floors and elevators are always really dirty” and a cockroach infestation; a later editorial review summary also says residents report broken elevators, but no published structural or engineering rating was found. These are operational/maintenance observations rather than evidence of a framework or systems defect. | The strongest positive day-to-day evidence is on Google, where review excerpts describe the building as “comfortable, safe, and very quiet,” with well-maintained common areas, and praise “amazing staff.” The six Apartments.com reviews are older (2021–2023) and include “Customer service is nonexistent,” complaints that staff were “extremely rude,” and reports of dirty common areas, hallway trash, noise and pests; current status of those older complaints is uncertain. | ||
| Aria on the BayMiami Arts & Entertainment District, Miami648 units | 6.7/ 10 | 5.8/ 10 | 6.9/ 10 |
Google’s 4/5 from 266 reviews sets the level and converts to 7/10. The score is held below that anchor because Yelp’s 1.9/5 result and the written evidence identify substantial management, security, noise and construction concerns, while positive comments about amenities, location and upkeep prevent a larger reduction. Structure is lower than living because the published defect and water-intrusion evidence is more serious and current repair completion is uncertain. | |||
Structural evidence is materially negative but partly historical and not proof of present completion: a 2020 lawsuit report described 114 alleged deficiencies, including defective elevators, cracked stucco/masonry and loose glass panels, while the engineer-status material quoted by The Condo Room identified “failed pool deck waterproofing with active water intrusion” and said investigations and repairs were recommended, with “no repairs reported as completed” in that cited 2020 letter. As of its October 2026 verification, The Condo Room reported permitted 2024–2026 pool/deck, façade/waterproofing, plumbing, concrete/structural and electrical work, but it did not provide a current milestone-inspection report or SIRS in its file; therefore completion status remains uncertain. | Daily-life reports are divided. Positive reviews call the amenities “awesome,” describe staff as “friendly, supportive and extremely resident focused,” and praise the building’s beauty and location; negative reviews report “Awful management staff,” a rude front-desk interaction, noise, construction disruption, and alleged useless security. The Google aggregate was 4.0/5 from 266 reviews, while Yelp published 1.9/5 from 13 reviews, so the high-volume signal is favorable but the smaller platform and resident comments show meaningful operational dissent. | ||
| Downtown 5thDowntown Miami Central Business District, Miami | 6.2/ 10 | 5.5/ 10 | 6.2/ 10 VeryApt 9.5/10, 6.5/10, 3.5/10, 7/10, 7/10, 7/10 · 2 reviews · veryapt.com Combined from 6 published figures on 1 platform, weighted by review count, adjusted for where resident ratings usually fall and weighted toward the 6.5 midpoint where reviews are few: 6.2. |
Google’s 3.9/5 aggregate based on 415 reviews sets the level, converting to 6.7/10 before commentary. The score is reduced for repeated elevator, security, cleanliness, management, noise and HVAC problems, with location, amenities and some positive staff reports limiting the reduction; VeryApt and ForRent samples are too small to anchor or materially overturn the larger Google base. | |||
Physical-condition feedback is mixed but includes repeated infrastructure concerns. A VeryApt reviewer wrote that “the floors buckle and lift,” that the “A/C doesn't reach my room well,” and that “elevators are always broken”; Student.com’s reproduced Google feedback likewise reports thin walls, while another reviewer says the air conditioner is “extremely loud at night.” Positive property descriptions mention modern finishes, large layouts and in-unit laundry, but those are amenities/features rather than independent engineering verification. | The strongest lifestyle positives are location and amenities: one reproduced Google review calls it “walking distance to Brickell, restaurants, grocery stores, and public transit,” says “the pool and gym are solid,” and adds “Staff is great!” Countervailing resident feedback says common areas are rarely cleaned, security feels weak, elevators create daily waits, deliveries are inconvenient, and management sometimes fails to respond; ForRent reproduces the complaint “THEY NEVER ANSWER THE PHONE.” | ||
| Aria Reserve South TowerEdgewater, Miami383 units | 5.3/ 10 | 5.5/ 10 | 5.1/ 10 |
The only published building-specific aggregate located was Birdeye’s Google-sourced 3.7/5 from 22 reviews, which sets the anchor at 6.1/10 under the requested conversion curve. The score is reduced for the serious infrastructure and management failures described in the one written review read, but the adjustment is cautious because the building was delivered only in 2025 and corroborating resident-review evidence was not located. | Not found in sources: No independent engineering review located | ||
The only direct infrastructure feedback located was strongly negative: one reviewer wrote that “the elevators are always down,” called the “fit and finish” horrendous, and said a glass balcony panel remained unrepaired after five weeks. The building is reported as delivered in 2025, so this is early operating evidence rather than a long-run maintenance record; no independent engineering score or corroborating structural review was located. | Published building materials describe an extensive amenity program, including three pools, a bayview café, waterfront restaurant, marina and front-desk service. Against that marketing description, the only direct operational review read says the management company was “incompetent and unprofessional,” while elevators were “always down”; because only one accessible written review was read, the day-to-day picture remains uncertain. |
The company used L&R Structural Corp. on its last three projects.
Freddie Mac provided the 10-year refinancing loan for Downtown 5th.
Aztec Group arranged the Downtown 5th debt financing for Melo Group.
Berkadia’s Miami office acted as seller-servicer for the Freddie Mac loan.
The Aria Reserve development team worked with the department on the waterfront easement, sidewalks and street-vacation process.
They stuck with the same group of contractors — L&R Structural Corp. built their last three projects — which allowed them to learn from mistakes and increase the speed of construction.
Melo obtained the 10-year loan with a fixed interest rate of just over 3 percent from Freddie Mac, according to Peter Mekras of Aztec Group, who arranged the deal on behalf of the borrower.
Peter Mekras of Aztec Group arranged the financing on behalf of the developer, Miami-based Melo Group.
Berkadia’s Miami office acted as seller-servicer for the Freddie Mac loan.
It’s been about three years working on this … and working with the city’s Department of Public Works and the city commission (to vacate streets)
| none found |
| United States | active 8 projects tracked |
| Retail | 7 of 8 |
| Residential, for rent | 5 of 8 |
| Mixed use | 5 of 8 |
| Residential, for sale | 3 of 8 |
| Office | 2 of 8 |
We do rentals because we believe in the revaluation of our properties.The Real Deal 2014-10-01https://therealdeal.com/magazine/miami-october-2014/a-pioneering-family/
He brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge within the industry and the business itself to The Melo Group, along with a Doctorate Degree in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires and a certification in Public Accounting.
He brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge within the industry and the business itself to The Melo Group, along with a Doctorate Degree in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires and a certification in Public Accounting.
The son of a prominent developer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the senior Melo graduated college with a doctorate in economics and got a job as a bank officer.
“We do rentals because we believe in the revaluation of our properties,” Jose Luis Melo said.
José Luis Melo Founder, The Melo Group
The son of a prominent developer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the senior Melo graduated college with a doctorate in economics and got a job as a bank officer.
José Luis Melo Founder, The Melo Group
Melo quit banking and went to work with his father. Now, flash forward: between Argentina and Miami, he has developed real estate for 52 years.
José Luis Melo Founder, The Melo Group
We believe in downtown.Daily Business Review 2021-03-19https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2021/03/19/melo-group-adds-new-real-estate-projects-in-their-bet-on-downtown-miamis-central-business-district/
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
“We believe in downtown ... For us, it is not only the units.
Carlos Melo Co‑Principal, The Melo Group
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
My brother, Martin, is more in financing, and I am more in architecture, development and construction.
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
My brother, Martin, is more in financing, and I am more in architecture, development and construction.
In 1990, Carlos joined the company after graduating from the School of Architecture at the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires.
Carlos Melo Co‑Principal, The Melo Group
Edgewater had been depressed for so long that local developers had given up on it.Miami Herald 2018-06-11https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article209999629.html
In 1998, Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Belgrano (Buenos Aries, Argentina) joined the company.
In 1998, Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Belgrano (Buenos Aries, Argentina) joined the company.
Martin Ferreira de Melo ## Director, The Melo Group ... E-mail: martin@themelogroup.com
Martin Ferreira de Melo ## Director, The Melo Group
Martin Ferreira de Melo - Director, Melo Group ... Experience: Melo Contractors
“Edgewater had been depressed for so long that local developers had given up on it,” said Martin, 39.
Martin Melo Co‑Principal, The Melo Group
In 1998, Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Belgrano (Buenos Aries, Argentina) joined the company.
Martin studied accounting and handles finance, and Carlos is an architect handling construction and design.
In 1998, Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Belgrano (Buenos Aries, Argentina) joined the company.
In 1998, Mr. Martin Ferreira de Melo, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Belgrano (Buenos Aries, Argentina) joined the company.
Martin Ferreira de Melo is also a US Certified General Contractor.
Martin Ferreira de Melo ## Director, The Melo Group
Martin Melo Co‑Principal, The Melo Group
In 1991, Mrs. Laura Ferreira de Melo, joined the company after graduating from the School of Business at University of Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
In 1991, Mrs. Laura Ferreira de Melo, joined the company after graduating from the School of Business at University of Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
In 1991, Mrs. Laura Ferreira de Melo, joined the company after graduating from the School of Business at University of Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
MELO GROUP DIRECTOR
MELO GROUP DIRECTOR
In 1991, Mrs. Laura Ferreira de Melo, joined the company after graduating from the School of Business at University of Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
My sister, Laura, is the oldest. She works in the management office.
MELO GROUP DIRECTOR
In 1991, Mrs. Laura Ferreira de Melo, joined the company after graduating from the School of Business at University of Belgrano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
MELO GROUP DIRECTOR
0 undated completions and 1 boundary-uncertain completions are retained but excluded from figures.
| Project | Location | Type | Units | Floors | Area | Cost | Payment plan | Launched | Construction start | Original target | Handover | Delay | Confidence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aria Reserve South Tower | Miami, United States Edgewater | residential for sale | 3831 | 62 | — | — | 30-percent-down deposits for domestic U.S. buyers, and 40-percent-down deposits for international buyers1 | 2021 | June 2021 | Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 | Jun 2025 | +11.5 mo (+6.0 to +17.0) | estimated | completed |
| Downtown 1st | Miami, United States Downtown Miami | residential for rent, retail, office, mixed use | 5601 | — | — | — | — | 2021 | March | Oct 2022 – Dec 2022 | Jan 2023 | +2.0 mo (+1.0 to +3.0) | estimated | completed |
| Urban 22 | Miami, United States Edgewater | residential for sale, retail, office, mixed use | 4411 | 15 | — | — | — | 2021 | 12/10/2021 | — | Jan 2023 – Dec 2023 | — | not scorable | completed |
| Downtown 5th | Miami, United States Downtown Miami Central Business District | residential for rent, retail | — | — | — | — | — | 2020 | late December | Oct 2021 – Dec 2021 | Aug 2021 | −3.0 mo (−4.0 to −2.0) | estimated | completed |
| Miami Plaza | Miami, United States Downtown Miami Arts & Entertainment District | residential for rent, retail | 4251 | 36 | — | — | — | — | — | Jan 2020 – Dec 2020 | May 2020 | −1.5 mo (−7.0 to +4.0) | sourced | completed |
| Art Plaza | Miami, United States Miami Arts & Entertainment District | residential for rent, retail, mixed use | 6671 | 34 | — | — | — | 2019 | January 04, 2019 | May 2019 – Aug 2019 | Jun 2019 | −0.5 mo (−2.0 to +1.0) | sourced | completed |
| Square Station | Miami, United States Miami Arts & Entertainment District | residential for rent, retail, mixed use | 7101 | 34 | 15,000 sq ft | — | — | 2016 | October 10, 2016 | Jan 2018 – Dec 2018 | Jun 2018 | −0.5 mo (−6.0 to +5.0) | sourced | completed |
| Aria on the Bay | Miami, United States Miami Arts & Entertainment District | residential for sale, retail, mixed use | 6481 | 53 | — | — | 20% at Contract / 15% - 4 months from contact date / Balance at closing1 | 2015 | May 2015 | Jan 2017 – Dec 2017 | Apr 2018 | +9.5 mo (+4.0 to +15.0) | sourced | completed |
| Coverage | active |
| Tracked since | October 10, 2026 |
| Last checked | October 10, 2026 this month |
| Profile last researched | October 10, 2026 |
| Claim |