M
elo Group is poised to expand its development pipeline into El Portal after submitting a $35 million stalking horse bid for 16 acres along Biscayne Boulevard. The Miami-based family-run firm, led by brothers Carlos and Martin Melo, has made an offer on the former Little Farm Trailer Park at 8500 Biscayne Boulevard, which has been managed by a receiver since 2020.

    Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Thomas Rebull authorized Melo's purchase and sale agreement, contingent on the receiver failing to secure a better deal. The property will be sold at a public auction on January 15, allowing potential buyers to outbid Melo's offer. Avison Young is marketing the site, which has been vacant since 2016 and is approved for a mixed-use project with up to 150 apartments or condos per acre.

    The trailer park, along with a former U.S. immigration building, entered receivership in 2020 due to allegations of fraud against the previous owners. In a settlement agreement, the manager Leo Wu agreed to give up the development sites without a fight, receiving $5 million from the sale proceeds. The Melos have primarily developed condominium and apartment projects in Miami's Edgewater, Arts & Entertainment District, and downtown areas.

    The firm has its own general contracting division, which recently ranked second among most active construction firms in South Florida with $725.4 million in total project costs across 12 developments.