JACKSONVILLE, FL (Oct. 24, 2024) – The Urban Land Institute (ULI) of North Florida proudly announces its award winners for the 2024 Awards for Excellence, recognizing outstanding real estate projects and organizations throughout the District Council. Hosted at Deerwood Castle in Jacksonville, more than 300 ULI North Florida members and guests attended the Awards for Excellence Gala.
“The Awards for Excellence Gala was a wonderful celebration to honor one of our industry’s great visionary leaders and to recognize the leading development throughout the District Council,” said Olivia Frick, ULI North Florida District Council Chair. “The event celebrates the people and projects throughout North Florida that demonstrate excellence and best practices in the areas of planning, design, construction, management, financial viability and sustainability.”
The ULI North Florida District Council presented the 2024 Visionary Leader Award to Aundra Wallace, president of JAXUSA Partnership, the regional economic development arm of JAX Chamber. He directs a staff of 16 in the areas of business development, international, workforce development, research and marketing. JAXUSA’s mission is to be a catalyst for economic growth and maximize the region’s unique resources to aggressively recruit jobs and capital investment in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. Prior to joining JAXUSA, Wallace served as CEO of the City of Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority, where he has directed economic development efforts in the city’s downtown, facilitating more than $150 million in public investment dollars that created more than $800 million in private capital investments during his tenure.
The Awards for Excellence project winners honor exceptional development projects that exemplify ULI North Florida’s mission and values. Development teams receiving this prestigious award demonstrate innovation, responsible use of land and beneficial community impact.
The winners of the 2024 ULI North Florida Awards for Excellence by category are:
New Development Over $20 Million - Jacksonville North VA Outpatient Clinic and Domiciliary
Designed to meet the healthcare needs of the 130,000 veterans in the region, the project combines modern aesthetics with functional accessibility, featuring wide corridors, clear signage, and ample natural light to enhance the patient experience.
New Development Under $20 Million - SoMo Walls
SoMo Walls is a 27,000-square-foot development revitalizing Tallahassee's South Monroe Corridor, blending artistic expression with retail spaces like Walls Distilling Company. It features innovative architecture, engages local artists, creates 126 jobs, and enhances walkability and aesthetic appeal.
Public Sector/Non-Profit - Rutledge Pearson Elementary School
Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School is Jacksonville's first new public school in 12 years. This K-5 prototype features a two-story building with 42 classrooms, a media center, and multipurpose dining, emphasizing modern learning and sustainability.
Urban Development - VyStar Parking Garage on Forsyth
The VyStar Garage is a seven-level, 239,929-square-foot parking structure with 767 spaces, including nine electric-charging stations and street-level commercial spaces. Its fabric-covered steel façade and blue and white LED lighting enhance its architectural presence and appeal.
Reuse/Repurpose - Hardwick’s Bar
Hardwicks Bar, a newly opened LGBTQIA+ venue in Jacksonville’s historic United Cigar Store Building, underwent extensive renovations after sitting vacant since 2016. Opened in September 2023, it activated an important corner of Downtown with a welcoming, energetic use.
Organization of Influence - Ability Housing
Ability Housing is a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Jacksonville, serving Florida communities. Its mission is to create thriving environments where everyone has a home, providing multifamily housing and supportive services. In 2023, the organization housed 2,001 individuals with a 97% stability rate.
Judges’ Choice – University of Florida Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology
University of Florida Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology sets a standard for STEM buildings, enhancing AI and data science. It integrates computing across disciplines, features the largest solar array on campus, and includes innovative collaborative spaces.
Members of the Year Award
The award recognizes members whose participation and contributions have made a significant impact on ULI North Florida.
Amelia Sterling, with The First Bank, for her leadership on the Programs Committee.
Ryan Rafferty, with Advanced Drainage Systems, for his leadership and dedication to the Membership Committee.
The Awards for Excellence Program is the centerpiece of ULI’s efforts in North Florida to identify and promote best practices in all types of real estate development. The North Florida Region serves 34 counties from Flagler to Escambia, including Gainesville, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola. The 2024 ULI North Florida Awards for Excellence were reviewed by an esteemed panel of independent judges from the local and national development community. The panel of judges included:
- Brenda Williams, Executive Director, Tallahassee Housing Authority
- Sarah Wicker, Region Vice President and Division President, Forestar
- Lindsay Stevens, Director of Land Protection, Sustainable Communities Strategy, Nature Conservancy of Florida.
- Laura Cole, Senior Vice President, Lakewood Ranch
- Rodney Milton, Executive Director, ULI Colorado
The ULI North Florida Awards for Excellence Gala would not be possible without the generous support of its event sponsors including Title Sponsor Kilinski Van Wyk, a law firm representing community development districts and real estate developers throughout Florida. Gold event sponsors include ETM, GreenPointe, Group 4 Design and Avant Construction Group. The reception sponsors were FaverGray and Orr Cook.
For more information about ULI North Florida, visit northflorida.uli.org, or contact ULI at (904) 486-8256 or email Carolyn.Clark@ULI.org.
About ULI North Florida
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and create and sustain thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 46,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.
ULI North Florida was formed in 2005 and currently has nearly 600 members from Duval to Escambia Counties, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. Olivia Frick, Business Development Manager at PCL Construction, is the 2023-2025 District Council Chair, and Carolyn Clark serves as Executive Director.
More information about ULI and the North Florida District Council is available online at www.uli.org or www.northflorida.uli.org.
###