A long-vacant block along Biscayne Boulevard in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood appears poised for redevelopment, as new permitting activity suggests construction could begin in the near future.
Developer Melo Group has recently filed multiple construction permits with the City of Miami, along with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) applications for the project’s two towers. The flurry of activity comes as the company nears completion of several major developments, including Aria Reserve and Downtown 6th, positioning Biscayne 18 as one of its next major projects.
Plans submitted to Miami’s Urban Development Review Board more than a year ago call for two 45-story residential towers on a more than one-acre assemblage at 1825 Biscayne Boulevard. Melo Group acquired the property in 2019 for more than $30 million after assembling multiple parcels.
According to the project’s master building permit, Biscayne 18 will deliver 1,178 residential units, split evenly between the two towers with 589 residences each. The development will also include 17,670 square feet of professional office space, 26,860 square feet of retail, and a 10,150-square-foot banquet and event hall, all located within the podium. Plans submitted to the Urban Development Review Board additionally call for 1,472 parking spaces.
While construction has not officially begun, permitting activity indicates the project is moving steadily toward that milestone. The master building permit remains under review and is currently undergoing the city’s standard correction process. City records estimate construction costs at approximately $321 million, with Melo Contractors Corp. listed as the project’s general contractor.
Several additional permits have also been submitted, including applications for site work and piling, tree removal, and phased vertical construction. Although each permit still requires final approval, work on-site appears to be ramping up, with construction equipment visible and initial ground disturbance already underway.
The developer has also filed FAA applications for both towers. While the applications request authorization for structures reaching 490 feet, architectural drawings and city permitting documents consistently list the buildings at approximately 465 feet. It is common for developers to request slightly greater heights from the FAA than ultimately planned to provide additional flexibility during the design and construction process.
The FAA is currently reviewing the applications, though approval is widely expected. Previous FAA determinations in the Edgewater area have permitted structures significantly taller than Biscayne 18, making the proposed heights unlikely to present an obstacle.
Once complete, residences will range from one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Residents will also have access to an extensive amenity package, with additional details outlined in the project’s development plans.