MIAMI—Melo Group is now two months away from completing its latest project, Flagler on the River. The luxury multifamily tower is hoping to attract professionals working in Downtown Miami, Brickell, and in the Health District.

This is significant because it's the first class A rental tower to go up along the river near these employment hubs in this new real estate cycle. This is a true mixed-use project to include 250 units, office space and two restaurants.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Carlos Melo, principal of Melo Group, to get his insights into why developers have so long neglected this area, why there's now a demand for quality rentals there, and how design of the tower help could help activate that area, in part one of this two-part exclusive interview. Be sure to come back this afternoon to read part two, in which Melo will discuss why there's not room for more luxury rental towers on the river.