Jacksonville, FL (July 21, 2022) – Council Member Danny Becton was on hand for a ribbon cutting event to welcome District 11’s newest corporate relocation to the area, RISE. Originally from Valdosta, GA, Rise moved their corporate headquarters to Jacksonville early last year, and in December 2021 found their permanent location, with the purchase of a 60,000 Sq. Ft. building within Deerwood Park at 10161 Centurion Parkway N. Founded in 1995, RISE built its name by specializing in residential multi-family and student housing development, management, and financing. The now 27-year-old company has more than $3.7 billion of projects in development value with more than 3,356 units under management.
In 1995, Ryan Holmes, RISE Chief Executive Officer, broke ground on their first project, a $10M, 348 bed student housing project in Valdosta, Georgia where the company was launched. In 2015, RISE rebranded from Ambling University Development Group (AUDG), to change the name to RISE – a Real Estate Company. RISE also promotes their mission through leadership training, cultural programs, community service and The Perry Project. The Perry Project was established in 2014 to celebrate Charles Perry, RISE’s former managing partner, established through donations from Charles Perry’s friends and family. These donations supported their inaugural distribution of nearly 3,000 bibles in 2015 and has grown to being able to place a bible in every bed RISE manages and/or develops.
Mr. Holmes was on hand for the presentation, and in his remarks stated, “we are making a huge effort to be in different communities here in Jacksonville, from downtown to as far south as Nocatee. We currently have 68 employees within our new headquarters and will be adding another 100 by year’s end. We will also be rebranding all of our properties, and so all of our sites will carry the RISE name, from RISE Nocatee to our newest development downtown RISE Sports Town.”
Holmes went on to state that RISE plans to invest an additional $900 million into the Jacksonville area through its real estate ventures. Currently under construction is The RISE Julington, a $47 million, 260-unit project at 12397 San Jose Blvd, that will offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Another one of RISE’s current projects, RISE Sports Town (formerly The Doro), at 102 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., is a mixed-used and conventional multifamily building in the Sports Complex next to 121 Financial Ballpark and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, and not far from TIAA Bank Field. Holmes said the $67 million, 247-unit project will be completed in the summer of 2023, and in addition to ground-floor retail space and apartments, the RISE Sports Town facility will provide rooftop views, a pool, and green space.
RISE also looks to partner with local small businesses in growing both their brand as well as introducing new options to the surrounding community. RISE Chief Operating Officer Courtney Gordon introduced two of their partners at the event “Here to the left is Grounds of Grace, and when I met their founder and heard his story, I was inspired by his story and the mission. Launched in the middle of the pandemic in 2020, Grounds of Grace’s vision is to have a launching pad for young men and women to take their first steps into the employment industry through the coffee ministry and helps them empower children to release them from poverty by meeting their physical needs, sharing the gospel, and connecting with local families.” Along with Grounds of Grace, Mr. Gordon also introduced Task Force Hydro1 as another of RISE’s community partners. Based out of Jacksonville Beach, Task Force Hydro1 was founded by Army veteran Richard “Ricky” Van Rickley, a former Green Beret, and US Navy veteran Leonardo “Leo” Yui, a former Seabee which uses water activities like surfing to engage active-duty military, veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD symptoms, depression anxiety and suicide.
Council Member Becton, during his remarks, stated the following:
“As the Councilmember for District 11, I would like to welcome everyone this morning on this very special occasion. Over the past 7 years, I have had the opportunity to welcome a number of new corporate offices to my area, but today’s event is a little different and it’s certainly very special.
RISE is a company that shares roots with me in that their origination and move to Jacksonville is from my hometown of Valdosta, Ga. The RISE team is a great group of individuals that have achieved success in the multifamily market, filling a huge need of quality housing and doing it at a high level with state-of-the-art architecture and upscale amenities.
Our city of Jacksonville is in dire need of housing having been recognized as one the 12 fastest growing cities in the county and the 12th largest city in the US. It is companies like RISE, who are stepping up to the plate and helping Jacksonville achieve its place as a designation for those new and current residents who want to call Jacksonville home and value a quality of life that begins with their community and neighborhood.
Examples of these achievements can be found no further than the footprint that RISE made into Jacksonville on their very first project, The Julington (on San Jose Blvd, Mandarin). Other projects in construction, The Linden House (in Bartram Park, within District 11), and The Doro (in Downtown Jax) are all examples of how RISE is accomplishing their mission and commitment to perform, being second to none, and doing it tackling historic redevelopment within our city that is so very important to our culture.
In closing, it is with the distinct honor that I have on behalf of the entire Jacksonville City Council and residents of District 11 I want to personally welcome RISE and CEO Ryan Holmes to our neighborhood and wish you and your team continued great success!”
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