Richmond Hill, Georgia, September 8, 2025
News Summary
ECI Group has broken ground on The Averly Richmond Hill, a $60 million mixed-use development along Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The project will deliver 291 residential units — 243 apartments and 48 three-story townhomes with two-car garages — plus more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites with high-visibility frontage. On-site amenities will include an 8,400 sq ft clubhouse, fitness center, co-working space, pool, dog park and amenity courtyards. ECI Construction leads construction with financing from Synovus and CIBC; retail pads are being marketed for ground lease and tenant fit-out.
The Averly Richmond Hill Breaks Ground on $60 Million Mixed‑Use Project with 291 Units and 3.5+ Acres of Retail Pads
Groundbreaking has begun on The Averly Richmond Hill, a $60 million mixed‑use development along Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The project will deliver 291 residential units alongside more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites, with pad‑ready retail slated for delivery in Q1 2026. The development sits on a large parcel less than one mile from I‑95 and is positioned in the center of Richmond Hill’s expanding retail and commercial corridor.
What the project includes
The community will feature a mix of apartment homes and townhomes. The residential inventory is split into 243 apartment residences and 48 townhome residences. Apartment floorplans will range from approximately 770 sq ft for one‑bedroom units up to about 1,449 sq ft for three‑bedroom apartments. The townhomes are three‑story designs with two‑car garages and will range roughly from 1,851 to 1,984 sq ft.
Unit features and interior finishes
Interior specifications emphasize open layouts and modern finishes. Every home will include an in‑unit washer and dryer, walk‑in closets, large kitchen islands, and a private balcony or patio. Finishes are expected to include vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops with undermount sinks, designer cabinets and light fixtures, tiled kitchen backsplashes and bathroom surrounds, and stainless steel appliances. Ceiling fans will be provided in bedrooms and living areas.
Amenities and community spaces
The Averly Richmond Hill will offer an 8,400‑square‑foot clubhouse with a clubroom, a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, a co‑working area, automated package facilities, an expansive pool, a dog park, and two amenity courtyards. These shared spaces are targeted to support both residents who work locally and those employed in nearby employers and logistics centers.
Retail and site plan
Retail is planned on ground level at two separate parcels within the development. More than 3.5 acres of pad sites will be available for ground lease, offering high‑visibility frontage along Ford Avenue and easy access to major roadways. The developer intends to deliver pad‑ready sites to the market in Q1 2026 to attract a mix of retail and service tenants aimed at serving the surrounding neighborhood and nearby job centers.
Location and market context
The site is on roughly 30 acres along Ford Avenue, about 18 miles southwest of Savannah, and is less than one mile from I‑95. Traffic counts in the area exceed 15,000 vehicles per day, providing visibility for future retail tenants. The project is within reach of major local employers, including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, port operations, and a nearby military installation, and is located inside a highly rated local school district.
Development, construction and financing
The development is being delivered by ECI Group, with construction managed by ECI Construction. Construction financing was provided by Synovus and CIBC. Retail pad leasing and marketing are being handled by representatives from a regional commercial brokerage, which is offering ground‑lease opportunities to prospective tenants.
Developer background and recent activity
ECI Group is a privately owned, fully integrated real estate company that combines development, construction, investment and property management operations. The company has built thousands of units across the Southeast and Texas and has been active in the Savannah metro since 2015, with prior projects constructed or acquired in the region. Recent corporate capital activity included a substantial equity infusion that supports planned expansion of investment and lending platforms.
Timing and community impact
Groundbreaking marks the start of on‑site construction, with retail pads expected to be delivered pad‑ready in Q1 2026. The development is positioned to serve growing residential demand in Richmond Hill as population and job growth continue in the broader metro area. The addition of street‑front retail aims to improve local services and expand choices for nearby residents and employees.
Key project contacts and services
- Developer / Owner: ECI Group
- General Contractor: ECI Construction
- Construction Lenders: Synovus and CIBC
- Retail Marketing: Local brokerage team marketing ground leases for pad sites
FAQ
What is being built at the site on Ford Avenue?
A mixed‑use development named The Averly Richmond Hill with 291 residential units and over 3.5 acres of retail pad sites for ground lease.
How many apartments and townhomes are included?
The project includes 243 apartments and 48 three‑story townhomes with two‑car garages.
When will retail pad sites be ready for tenants?
Pad‑ready retail sites are scheduled for delivery in Q1 2026.
What amenities will the community offer?
An 8,400‑sq ft clubhouse, fitness center, co‑working area, automated package facilities, pool, dog park, and two amenity courtyards.
Who is developing the project and who financed construction?
The developer and owner is ECI Group. Construction is managed by ECI Construction. Financing was provided by Synovus and CIBC.
How close is the site to major roads and employers?
The site is less than one mile from I‑95, about 18 miles southwest of Savannah, and within easy reach of major local employers in manufacturing, aerospace, port operations, and military sectors.
Key Project Features at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | The Averly Richmond Hill |
| Development type | Mixed‑use: residential + ground‑level retail pad sites |
| Estimated cost | $60 million |
| Total units | 291 (243 apartments; 48 townhomes) |
| Retail acreage | 3.5+ acres of pad sites |
| Pad delivery | Q1 2026 (pad‑ready) |
| Site size | Approximately 30 acres on Ford Avenue |
| Location context | Less than one mile from I‑95; roughly 18 miles SW of Savannah |
| Traffic | More than 15,000 cars per day |
| Developer | ECI Group |
| General contractor | ECI Construction |
| Construction lenders | Synovus and CIBC |
| Amenities | Clubhouse, fitness center, co‑working area, package facilities, pool, dog park, courtyards |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: ECI Group breaks ground on $60M mixed-use
- Wikipedia: The Averly Richmond Hill
- Multihousing News: $60M Savannah mixed-use project breaks ground
- Google Search: Averly Richmond Hill ECI Group
- WRenews: ECI Group breaks ground on Savannah-area mixed-use development
- Google Scholar: Averly Richmond Hill mixed-use
- ConnectCRE: ECI building apartment + retail project in Savannah
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Richmond Hill Georgia
- SavannahNow: Residential and commercial growth in Richmond Hill
- Google News: Averly Richmond Hill
Author: Construction TX News
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