Live Oak Contracting completed construction on The Hendricks, a $21.9 million, 133-unit luxury apartment community located in the heart of San Marco, Jacksonville. Developed in partnership with Harbert Realty Services and Corner Lot Development Group, The Hendricks blends upscale amenities with thoughtful design to complement the character of one of Jacksonville’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Project Manager Ashley Bonner led the Live Oak team through the complexities of this multifaceted build, from demolition and community coordination to detailed construction sequencing. The project officially wrapped in September 2023, and the result is a modern living space that enhances the local fabric while offering resort-style amenities.
Designing for Community Fit
The Hendricks was constructed on land formerly owned by South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Demolition of the existing education and fellowship buildings had to be carefully phased so that church operations could continue uninterrupted throughout construction. Live Oak worked closely with church leadership and demolition crews to preserve the historic sanctuary and ensure minimal disruption to ongoing services.
Community concerns over scale and density were another early hurdle. Residents in the area voiced reservations about the project’s impact on San Marco’s charm. Through collaboration with the owners, design team, and neighborhood stakeholders, the development was refined to better integrate with its surroundings by adjusting massing, introducing landscaping buffers, and preserving the pedestrian-friendly character of Hendricks Avenue.
What Sets The Hendricks Apart
Beyond its location, The Hendricks distinguishes itself with an exceptional amenity package. The four-story community features a three-level parking structure, resort-style pool, co-working lounge, yoga lawn, dog park and wash station, fire-pit lounge, fitness center, and more. Its blend of luxury features and community-centric design makes it a standout among Jacksonville multifamily offerings.
As Bonner noted, one of the project’s biggest challenges was managing this wide-ranging amenity scope within a tight construction timeline. “We had to be meticulous in how we phased the work and coordinated subcontractors,” he says. Weekly trade meetings and robust pre-construction planning were key to keeping the project on track.
Collaboration and Continuity
A key strength of this project was the outstanding working relationship between Live Oak CEO Paul Bertozzi and new Development Manager Bill Ware. Ware oversaw the project from Harbert Realty Services as its VP of Development, where he helped steer all development phases. He has since joined Live Oak, bringing continuity to the process and reinforcing the company’s integrated development approach.
The collaboration between Bertozzi and Ware is rooted in mutual trust, investment discipline, and a shared vision for quality multifamily development. Their combined leadership ensured The Hendricks met high standards for both design and return on investment.
Lessons from the Field
For Bonner, The Hendricks offered valuable lessons in stakeholder management, logistical planning, and adaptive leadership. “Balancing construction demands with community needs and multiple partner expectations was a challenge—but one that made the project incredibly rewarding,” he shares.
He also emphasized the importance of communication and flexibility, particularly when overseeing projects with numerous high-end features and tight schedules. The experience has strengthened his skill set and prepared him to take on even more complex projects in the future.
Conclusion
The Hendricks represents more than just a successful build – it’s a case study in thoughtful urban development, where design, community, and collaboration intersect. For the Live Oak team, it reflects our commitment to building lasting value through strong partnerships, strategic planning, and skilled execution.
As San Marco continues to evolve, The Hendricks stands as a modern addition that respects the neighborhood’s history while pointing toward its future.
