JWB to transform three plots of vacant land into 108 affordable apartments across Jacksonville

August 6, 2026 - 23:03

A Jacksonville-based development group is moving forward with a plan to build more than one hundred affordable apartments across three separate pieces of currently empty land in the city. The project, led by JWB, will target households earning below the area median income, a segment of the population that continues to struggle with rising rents and limited supply.

The three plots are scattered across different neighborhoods, each one small enough that it might otherwise be overlooked by larger builders. Instead of leaving them as unused grass or weed-filled lots, JWB intends to pack them with two- and three-story residential buildings. In total, the units will number 108, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. The goal is to serve families, single workers, and seniors who are currently priced out of the private market.

City records show that JWB has been working on this for several months, securing zoning approvals and lining up financing through state housing programs. The developer has not yet released a specific construction timeline, but officials familiar with the plan say the first phase could break ground within the next year. Once complete, the apartments will be managed under income-restricted rules, meaning rents will stay capped for at least 30 years.

Local housing advocates have welcomed the news, though they note that the city needs thousands of additional units to fully close the gap. Still, they say every project helps, especially ones that use infill sites rather than requiring large land purchases. JWB has a track record of similar small-scale developments in Jacksonville, and this new batch is expected to follow the same playbook: modest exteriors, functional interiors, and a focus on keeping monthly costs predictable for tenants.

The exact street addresses have not been made public yet, but the plots are described as being within a few miles of existing bus routes and grocery stores, which is a key factor for low-income renters who may not own cars. For now, the developer is finalizing site plans and waiting on final permit approvals. If everything goes as scheduled, the first families could be moving in by late 2026.