Above: A groundbreaking ceremony was held at RISE at Glen Kernan Park on April 30. Pictured here: Greg Blais (RISE President), Lowell Larson (Southern Ventures), Courtney Gordon (RISE COO), Paul Morgan (RISE Senior VP of Project Management), Terry Phillips (Joyce Development), Greg Hunter (RISE CFO), Randy Baugh (Development Consultants, Inc.), John Joyce (Joyce Development), Will Lahnen (City Councilman), Mike Junk (Gate Petroleum), Becky Hamilton (Gate Petroleum), and Ryan Holmes (RISE CEO).

On April 30, 2024, a ceremonial groundbreaking event was held for the latest 55+ active living community coming to Jacksonville: RISE at Glen Kernan Park. This first-class, master-planned community sits on nearly 50 acres of premier real estate on northwest Butler Blvd. and Hodges Blvd. RISE at Glen Kernan Park represents RISE’s sixth project developed, or under construction, in Jacksonville and its second 55+ active living development in the city.

Bringing remarks were Jacksonville District 3 City Councilman Will Lahnen, Ryan Holmes (RISE CEO), Greg Hunter (RISE CFO), and Louis Fegan (RISE VP of Construction).

Holmes welcomed attendees and thanked everyone who had worked to bring this project to its current point. He reiterated RISE’s commitment to Northeast Florida and highlighted the variety of multifamily product types that RISE is developing, building, and managing across the state.

He then recognized Councilman Lahnen and welcomed him to speak. He extolled the project, noting the associated road improvements and new retail space as being positive features. “We’re really excited that you chose to develop this in our community,” said Lahnen.

The site boasts six outparcels of premier retail, a Gate convenience store and car wash, and a seven-story Embassy Suites hotel. RISE at Glen Kernan Park features 308 units which consists of a mix of 74 cottages and 234 one- and two-bedroom flats. Each unit will have full-size washer & dryers, luxury vinyl tile flooring throughout the kitchen and common areas, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Private balconies are available with select units.

Among the many amenities available to residents are a business center, heated resort-style pool, pickle ball courts, bocce ball, shuffleboard, an 8-acre pond, fitness center, dog park, multiple indoor lounge areas, yoga lawn, outdoor community kitchen, firepits, and more.

Hunter explained that RISE Glen Kernan Park “caters to residents who are 55 years and older who seek a unique blend of lifestyle, amenities, and highly curated residential activities which are tailored to residents who are seeking an engaged and vibrant lifestyle.”

He recognized a list of financial partners who are invested in the success of this project. That list includes: Walker & Dunlop, Benefit Street Partners, Pearlmark, Schneider Downs, and local private investors. He also acknowledged the expertise from firms including Coleman Talley, Price Atlantic, Niles Bolton Associates, Prosser Engineering, and Joyce Development Group. Finally, he thanked the City of Jacksonville.

“We’re truly thankful for this great team. And all the efforts to deliver what we know will be the new standard for active adult housing here in Jacksonville,” Hunter concluded.

Fegan gave an update on construction progress at the site. He indicated that underground utility installation was well underway with the expectation that vertical construction would begin in the next 100 days.

The first units are scheduled to deliver in summer of 2025 with the clubhouse following closely in the fall of 2025. The remaining units are delivering in summer of 2026.

He also took time to recognize the local subcontractors who were in attendance, reinforcing RISE’s dedication to local labor. “We made a conscious effort to support our local contractor community here in Jacksonville,” Fegan remarked.

“Vallencourt, Haven Concrete, True House, Sunshine State Plumbing, Reliable Ducts, Adkins Electrical, REI Siding, Seminole Masonry, and many others,” Fegan said shared RISE’s commitment to a safe, and successful, project.

With quick access to Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. John’s Town Center, and the Mayo Clinic, RISE at Glen Kernan Park residents will enjoy the best Jacksonville has to offer while enjoying beautiful homes, incredible amenities, and a highly curated resident life program.

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About RISE: A Real Estate Company

Since 1995, RISE: A Real Estate Company has made a name for itself as an industry leader in multi-family, active living, and student housing development, management, financing, and construction. RISE’s history is abounding with intentional moves that grew RISE into the cultural pioneer of the industry that they are today. RISE’s purpose is to positively impact others, one person at a time. RISE’s commitment to partners and residents alike holds the company to a higher standard. RISE remains steadfast and sincere in its dedication to the values that lifted them to where they are today.