Avant Construction Group

09/01/2026

In July we announced the acquisition of Ladson Construction a deal we’d been working on behind the scenes for quite some time.

Jessie and Alan sat down with the Jacksonville Business Journal for a “Behind the Deal” interview, talking about how it all came together and what it means to bring an 85+ person team under one roof.

We’re proud of what Avant and Ladson have built separately, and even more excited about what we can build together.

The next chapter is just getting started.

08/12/2026

“No ego. No panic. No animosity. Just pride. The right kind.” Derek Cece on what made the Glen Kernan build different: a team that was all local, all invested, all building something for our own community.

Go behind the scenes with our partners Corner Lot and boldline-design on this project.

👉 Watch the full story of transformation — LINK IN BIO 🔗

08/07/2026

Progress is taking shape at the future Hotel Merrydelle 🧱

Formerly known as the Ambassador Hotel, this historic property is well into its next chapter. Our team is moving full steam ahead with demolition, interior clean up and prep, along with exterior improvements including new windows and building enclosure work.

Every phase brings this landmark one step closer to welcoming guests again, and we’re proud to be part of bringing new life to a piece of Jacksonville’s history with Gateway Jax.

SWIPE to see the future of the Hotel Merrydelle 🤩

07/30/2026

“It’s not the wood and stone that inspire the work. It’s how people feel when they walk into the finished space.” Alan Cottrill on the craftsmanship behind Glen Kernan, and what it meant to Avant to be part of the full process from start to finish, not just the build.

Go behind the scenes with our partners Corner Lot and Bold Line Design on this project.

🔗 Watch the full story of the transformation: https://youtu.be/X3YNikAItWg

07/24/2026

We sat down with Jacksonville Business Journal to share our big news. The why, the when, the how, and what's next for our exciting new chapter together.
Avant Construction Group and Ladson Construction
Two trusted Builders. One new exceptional team.

With two Jacksonville contractors now under one roof, Avant Construction is moving quickly to merge teams, chase larger projects and build its next phase of growth.

07/21/2026

Big news from Jacksonville’s construction community. Avant Construction Group has acquired Ladson Construction.

Ladson Construction is officially now part of Avant, bringing together two award-winning Jacksonville firms that share the same values, the same relationship-driven philosophy, and the same commitment to doing exceptional work.

What this means for our market:

- Expanded capabilities across commercial, industrial, medical, educational, religious, retail, hospitality, historic renovation, and adaptive reuse construction
- A combined team of 85+ experienced construction professionals
- Nearly four decades of Avant’s expertise combined with Ladson’s fast-growing, award-winning track record
- One firm with the depth to serve clients from preconstruction through closeout on projects of any scale

Our clients, our subcontractors, and our partners can expect the same level of communication, quality, and commitment that both companies have always delivered. Only now it will be with more people and more experience behind the work.
Jacksonville has been home to both of our companies. We’re proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re excited about what comes next. Learn more about the acquisition here: https://avant-build.com/avant-acquires-ladson-construction/

📍 1510 Montana Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207
🌐 www.avant-build.com
📞 (904) 399-8846

06/29/2026

There are some events that remind you what community is all about. This past Saturday, our team had the privilege of participating in Dream Day with Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc., a special celebration for local children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Our team members and their families made posters, cheered on Dreamers as they walked the red carpet, and even got to serve as a VIP driver for one of the incredible Dreamers (a truly special honor).

What made the day even more meaningful was seeing every corner of the Jacksonville community come together. Superheroes, princesses, Barbies, local businesses, volunteers, entertainers, photographers, and countless others stepped up to create a day filled with joy.

Thank you to Dreams Come True for allowing us to be a small part of such a meaningful day, and for PRI Productions for transforming their campus into this incredible venue. We can't wait to come back next year!

To learn more about the incredible work Dreams Come True is doing for First Coast families, visit: dreamscometrue.org.

06/25/2026

We’re so excited for our clients to be having their soft opening tomorrow. Not just because we love ice cream, but because we’re happy to have been part of the franchise owner’s dream of owning a family business.
Come on out and support - and get some yummy ice cream!

Ben & Jerry's

Hey friends, the freezers are cold, the scoops are ready, and we’re finally opening our doors.

Tomorrow at noon we’ll be holding our soft opening at the Ben & Jerry’s shop in Five Points.

This has been a real labor of love, and we’re genuinely excited (and a little nervous) to finally start scooping for a community that has been watching this space come together from the beginning.

We’d love for you to stop by, say hello, grab some ice cream, and help us work through those first-day jitters. The ice cream is ready, even if we’re still learning where we put everything.

1027 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL
Opening tomorrow at noon
Open all weekend from noon to 11 PM

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. We’re grateful to be part of this neighborhood and hope to make Five Points just a little sweeter.

What flavor are you starting with first?

05/22/2026

As the revitalization of Laura Street continues to take place, we are pleased to be part of bringing a great tenant experience to The Residences at Barnett.

The new ownership of Becovic Management Group of Indiana plans to add a kitchen and bar, fitness center, stretch and mobility space, billiards, rentable storage, laundry area, media lounge, conference and cowork uses, a lounge, leasing and offices, and a podcast room, along with mechanical and other space.

Another step on the road to making downtown Jacksonville a great place to live, work, and play!

Jax Daily Record

Avant Construction Group is the project contractor in the 18-story historic building at 112 W. Adams St. Downtown.

05/07/2026

The signs are up on the corner of Laura Street and Monroe! Look for construction to start late Fall, 2026. In the meantime, we’re thrilled that is activating the outside patio for Artwalk. Last night, this central corner in Downtown Jax was, once again, filled with life and activity.