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MELO GROUP SIGNS DEAL TO CONNECT 1,042 APARTMENTS TO MIAMI-DADE UTILITIES SYSTEM, APPLIES FOR DEMOLITION PERMIT AT DOWNTOWN 5TH

Melo Group’s 51-story Downtown 5th project is a few steps closer to beginning construction.

On September 4, the developer and Miami-Dade finalized a utilities deal that will allow for the project to be connected to the county’s water and sewer system.

According to the agreement, 1,042 apartment units will be connected to the system, along with 12,506 square feet of retail. Melo will pay a $992,028 connection charge.

On September 16, Melo applied for a demolition permit to begin clearing the lot, city records show.

The demolition permit lists 5,000 square feet to be cleared, at a cost of $15,000 (the land is now mostly vacant).

Downtown 5th is proposed to include twin 51-story towers, with a 12-story parking garage that will have 1,049 parking spaces.

In July, Miami’s UDRB unanimously rejected the design for the proposal, which was designed by Melo’s in-house architect. Board members criticized the proposed massing, articulation, lack of creativity, and overall appearance of the design. The UDRB is only an advisory board to Miami’s Planning Department, however.

Okan Tower is planned directly next door. A permit was filed by Okan to begin construction on the same day that Melo filed for a demolition permit (September 16).

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