ULI North Florida recognizes Winners and Honorees at ULI Awards for Excellence
The Floridant/10286288

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Floridant -- 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 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.

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.

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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.

Public Sector/Non-Profit - Rutledge Pearson Elementary School

Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School is Jacksonville's first new public school in 12 years.

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.

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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.

Organization of Influence - Ability Housing

Ability Housing is a nonprofit affordable housing developer based in Jacksonville, serving Florida communities.

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.

Members of the Year Award

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. For more information, visit northflorida.uli.org.