Jacksonville, Fla. — Avant Construction Group, a Jacksonville-based commercial general contractor founded in 1997, today announced the acquisition of Ladson Construction, an award-winning Jacksonville firm recognized as one of the fastest-growing commercial contractors in Northeast Florida. Effective July 16, 2026, Ladson Construction and its team members operate as part of Avant Construction Group.
The acquisition unites two firms built on shared values: integrity, transparency, and collaboration. Together, they brings more than 38 years of leadership experience and 85+ employees. The combined company will serve clients across commercial construction, design-build, industrial and manufacturing facilities, medical and specialty construction, retail, restaurant and hospitality, historic renovation and adaptive reuse, multifamily development, and construction consulting and owner's representation.
"This is a significant moment for both teams and for the clients who trust us," said Alan Cottrill, CEO of Avant Construction Group. "Jessie and his team have built something exceptional in our community: a culture of high performance, strong relationships, and a track record that speaks for itself. Together, we will be able to serve our clients and our city at a higher caliber."
"Joining Avant was the right decision at the right time," said Jessie Ladson, Founder and President of Ladson Construction. "Both companies were built on the same belief that your team is your greatest investment. Our clients, our trade partners, and our design teams… those relationships matter. This combination gives all of us more room to grow, and more capacity to give back to the community we've both called home."
Operations continue uninterrupted for all active projects under both firms. The combined team will be located at Avant's office in San Marco. Avant's recent work includes the historic renovations of the Greenleaf & Crosby Building and The Raven Jax both in Downtown Jacksonville as well as the Glen Kernan Club; Ladson's portfolio includes the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Nordstrom Rack Jacksonville Beach, and the Control Southern Manufacturing Facility.
Avant Construction Group is headquartered at 1510 Montana Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207. For more information, visit www.avant-build.com or contact Ellen Cottrill.
Media Contact: Ellen Cottrill, Avant Construction Group | 904-699-7879 | Ellen@Avant-Build.com
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About Avant Construction Group and Ladson Construction
Avant is a Jacksonville-based commercial general contractor founded in 1997 by Alan Cottrill. For nearly three decades, Avant has built a reputation for tackling complex and distinctive commercial projects throughout the Southeast. The firm operates under a collaborative construction model, serving as a true partner to owners, architects, and developers from preconstruction through closeout. Ladson Construction was founded in Jacksonville in 2018 by Jessie Ladson and quickly became one of the region's most recognized growth-stage contractors, earning Fast 50 distinction and ABC award recognition for excellence in commercial, medical, industrial, automotive, and retail construction. Together, the combined company employs 85+ construction professionals and serves clients across Northeast Florida and the broader Southeastern United States.