JACKSONVILLE, FL – Thompson Thrift, a full-service, nationally recognized real estate company and one of the nation’s leading multifamily developers, announced that it will develop Velara, a 312-unit Class A multifamily community in Ponte Vedra’s Nocatee master plotted community. Construction will start mid-February, with the first residents expected to go in during summer 2026.
“Nocatee has been one of the country’s fastest-selling master plotted communities and there is significant demand for luxury multifamily living options,” said Josh Purvis, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Residential. “We are excited that Velara will provide residents with a high-quality multifamily community that seamlessly integrates with the unique Nocatee lifestyle.”
Sitting on just over 12.5 acres along Burbank Avenue near Nocatee’s western interchange, the community will feature 3-tale buildings offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. Thompson Thrift is known for curating amenities and finishes that are on par with for-sale homes and Velara will offer gourmet kitchens with elegant quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and glass-top ranges; hardwood-style flooring; quartz vanity tops and undermount sinks; full-size washers and dryers; multiple smart home capabilities and many other designer touches. Additionally, select homes will be enhanced with cabinetry with soft-close doors, a deluxe closet system with shelving, walk-in showers with full tile surround and advanced smart home capabilities. Patio, balcony, private yard and detached garage options will also be available.
Velara sits within the Nocatee master plotted community, which in recent years has been ranked as Florida’s best place to live and the best place to raise a family. Thompson Thrift will include several resort-style amenities specifically catered to the Nocatee lifestyle such as a covered pool-deck patio, a poolside sunken fire pit and private golf cart garages. Additionally, Velara will provide many more high-end features that Thompson Thrift communities are known for, including a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, thoughtfully designed courtyards, a billiards area, an outdoor gaming area, a pickleball court, a dog park and a pet spa with a grooming station.
In addition to the on-site amenities, residents will also have access to the world-class amenities of Nocatee, such as a kayak launch, two waterparks, a 75-acre community park, various fitness trails, and Nocatee Town Center’s charming restaurants and stores, including the largest Publix in Northeast Florida.
Positioned off US-1 and I-95, the Ponte Vedra area offers quick access to local beaches and over 5,000 acres of parks, preserves, and trails in the area, as well as an simple commute to Jacksonville, one of five “Supernova Cities,” and the Wall Street Journal’s 2023 second hottest job market in the U.S. Currently, there are more than 150 corporate, regional and divisional headquarters operating in the Jacksonville market, and the city had more corporate relocation activity in 2023 than any other major U.S. city.
The land buy was brokered by Tyler Nilsson, senior managing director of investments and Erik Bjornson, senior managing director of investments with IPA.
Thompson Thrift is a full-service real estate development company focused on multifamily, ground-up commercial and mixed-use development across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. For nearly 40 years, Thompson Thrift has invested more than $6 billion into local communities and has become known as a trusted partner committed to developing high-quality, attractive multifamily, commercial and industrial projects.
The company continues to expand its footprint with several new residential developments targeted for 2025 in key markets across the United States. Velara will be the company’s 18th multifamily development in Florida. Thompson Thrift 2025 Multifamily Development, LP will provide equity capital for the development.

Powered by WPeMatico

ORLANDO, FL – FCP closed on a $16.7 million preferred equity investment through its Structured Investments platform to finance Royal Palm at Nona, a 320-unit, Class A multifamily development adjacent to Lake Nona in Orlando, FL. The project, located at 14630 New Creek Avenue, is being developed by Royal Palm Companies, a leading institutional-quality sponsor with a track record of delivering best-in-class residential communities.
“FCP is actively deploying capital to support high-quality developments in growth-oriented markets and Lake Nona is a prime example of the type of submarket where we see long-term opportunity,” said Bruce Gago, who leads FCP’s Florida office. “This transaction underscores our ability to provide flexible, strategic capital to experienced sponsors like Royal Palm Companies, who are developing in-demand housing in supply-constrained markets.”
Billy Herbert, a leader on FCP’s development team, added, “Royal Palm at Nona will deliver a highly amenitized, modern residential community in one of Orlando’s most dynamic submarkets. With proximity to the Central Florida Greenway, Florida’s Turnpike, and Orlando International Airport, the project will benefit from sustained demand fueled by the area’s booming health and life sciences industry, anchored by the renowned Medical City master-plotted district.”
“With Royal Palm at Nona, we are setting a new standard for luxury living in one of Orlando’s most dynamic and innovative communities,” said Dan Kodsi, CEO of Royal Palm Companies. Kodsi continued, “This project represents our commitment to making high-quality, thoughtfully designed spaces that elevate the lifestyle of our residents while fostering community growth and enhancing the surrounding area. By integrating modern design with sustainable and luxurious amenities, we aim to deliver an exceptional living experience that benefits our residents, partners, and the Lake Nona region as a whole. This development will set a new benchmark for elevated living in the Orlando area.”

Powered by WPeMatico

OCEANSIDE, CA – Mill Creek Residential, a leading developer, owner-operator and investment manager specializing in premier rental housing across the U.S., announced it has broken ground on Modera Melrose, a mixed-use, garden-style apartment community located on the border of Oceanside and Vista in San Diego’s North County.
The community, which will feature 323 apartment homes and 2,100 square feet of retail space, sits eight miles east of Oceanside’s retail-lined downtown area and the city’s several beaches. Additionally, sitting 1.5 miles south of the community is the revitalized historic district of Vista and its multitude of authentic restaurants. First go-ins at Modera Melrose are anticipated for late summer 2026.
“We’ve always admired the North San Diego County area, which is one of the greatest places to live in the country with its proximity to premier southern California beaches and year-round outdoor amenities,” said John Colletti, senior managing director of development in Southern California for Mill Creek. “We’re keen to get started on Modera Melrose, which will place residents within reach of everything the area has to offer. Our team is prepared to deliver a modern living experience with one of the most refined amenity packages in the submarket.”
Situated at 5011-5061 Oceanside Boulevard at the intersection of Melrose Drive, Modera Melrose is located along the Inland Rail Trail, a 21-mile Class I bikeway that stretches through Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and a part of the unincorporated County of San Diego. The community also sits adjacent to the Melrose Drive station, which provides quick connectivity to the surrounding locales and the area’s prominent biomedical and pharmaceutical employers.
Modera Melrose, which will be built to and is pursuing an NGBS Silver certification, will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with select den layouts and an average size of 958 square feet. Community amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, grilling areas, fire pits, outdoor kitchen, resident clubhouse, landscaped courtyards, pool table, shuffleboard, conference room, coworking spaces, private workstations and a club-quality fitness center with cardio equipment and TRX system. Residents will also have access to digital package lockers, controlled-access garage parking, private EV charging stations, bike storage, cold storage and additional storage space.
Homes will include a variety of refined features, including nine-foot ceilings, wood plank-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tile backsplashes, soft-close cabinets, movable kitchen islands, pass-through closets, in-home washers and dryers, smart thermostats, keyless entry, controlled-access guest technology and private patios or balconies. Bathrooms will include quartz countertops and backlit mirrors.

Powered by WPeMatico