On April 30, 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 northwestern Butler Boulevard and Hodges Boulevard.
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.
Speakers included Jacksonville District 3 City Councilman Will Lahnen, Ryan Holmes (RISE CEO), Greg Hunter (RISE CFO) and Louis Fegan (RISE vice president 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.
Lahnen 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,” he said.
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 consist of a mix of 74 cottages and 234 one- and two-bedroom flats. Each unit will have full-size washers and dryers, luxury vinyl tile flooring throughout the kitchen and common areas, granite countertops and 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 eight-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,” Hunter said. “And all the efforts to deliver what we know will be the new standard for active adult housing here in Jacksonville.”
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.
Fegan also took time to recognize the local subcontractors.
“We made a conscious effort to support our local contractor community here in Jacksonville,” he said.
