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.
ECI Group breaks ground on $60M mixed‑use project The Averly Richmond Hill in Richmond Hill, Ga.
A new mixed‑use development has started construction along Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The project, named The Averly Richmond Hill, is a roughly $60 million investment that will deliver 291 residential units and more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites along a high‑visibility corridor less than a mile from I‑95.
What is being built
The development combines a multifamily community and ground‑level retail opportunities on a site reported to be about 30 acres along Ford Avenue, positioned in the center of Richmond Hill’s growing retail and commercial district. The residential component includes 243 apartment residences and 48 townhome residences. Apartment offerings will include one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom floorplans, while the townhomes are three‑story units with two‑car garages.
Unit sizes and interior features
Apartment sizes are reported to range from about 770 sq ft for one‑bedroom units to about 1,449 sq ft for three‑bedroom units. Townhomes are larger, reported between 1,851 and 1,984 sq ft. Every residential unit will include a private balcony or patio, in‑unit laundry with full‑size washers and dryers, walk‑in closets, and open‑concept living. Finishes are planned to include vinyl plank hardwood‑style flooring, quartz countertops with undermount sinks, designer cabinets and light fixtures, tiled kitchen backsplashes and bathroom surrounds, and stainless steel appliances.
Amenities and site plan
The community is planned with an 8,400‑square‑foot clubhouse containing a clubroom and co‑working area, a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, automated package facilities, an expansive pool, a dog park, and two amenity courtyards. Retail development will be delivered as pad sites on two separate parcels along Ford Avenue; the developer will deliver pad‑ready retail sites for tenants in Q1 2026. Retail sites are being offered for ground lease.
Construction, financing and marketing
The general contractor and developer for the project is ECI Construction / ECI Group. Construction financing was provided by Synovus and CIBC. Retail pad sites are being marketed for ground lease by representatives of a commercial brokerage team; marketing efforts are aimed at capturing retailers seeking high‑visibility frontage and quick access to regional highways.
Location context and market rationale
The site sits less than one mile from I‑95 and is roughly 18 miles southwest of Savannah, placing it near primary highways and area job centers. Daily traffic counts on Ford Avenue are reported at more than 15,000 vehicles per day, which supports the retail visibility case. Nearby major employers include regional manufacturing and logistics employers as well as military installations, creating daytime job density that developers expect will feed demand for services and housing. The development is also positioned near the local school district, noted for its strong ratings.
Developer background
ECI Group is described as a privately owned, vertically integrated real estate company with development, construction, investment and property management capabilities. The company has been active in the Savannah metropolitan area since 2015 and operates a portfolio of multifamily properties across the Southeast and Texas totaling several thousand units. Recent capital activity reported for the company includes institutional equity support and strategic acquisitions that have expanded its platform.
Timeline and next steps
Groundbreaking has taken place and vertical construction will proceed under the developer’s construction arm. Retail pad sites will be delivered pad‑ready in Q1 2026 for tenants. No formal broad completion date for the full community has been issued; prospective renters and retailers are being directed to the marketing representatives for availability and lease terms.
Practical implications for the community
The Averly Richmond Hill will add a mix of rental apartments and townhouse options, expanded retail frontage and new amenity offerings to a growing suburban submarket. The combination of close highway access, nearby employment centers, and planned retail should increase local service options for residents and workers while adding new housing supply to the submarket.
Contacts and marketing
Retail pad sites are being offered through a commercial brokerage team representing the project; retail interest is being solicited for ground leases to secure uses that complement the surrounding retail and residential mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Averly Richmond Hill?
The Averly Richmond Hill is a mixed‑use development that combines 291 residential units with more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites along Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia.
Who is developing the project?
The developer and general contractor for the project is ECI Group, building under its construction arm.
How many residential units and what types will be offered?
The project will include 243 apartments (one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom) and 48 three‑bedroom, two‑car garage townhomes.
What amenities will be included?
Planned amenities include an 8,400‑sq ft clubhouse, fitness center, co‑working area, automated package facilities, a pool, dog park and two amenity courtyards.
When will retail pad sites be available?
Retail pad sites are planned to be delivered pad‑ready in Q1 2026 and are being marketed for ground lease.
Who provided financing for the project?
Construction financing was provided by Synovus and CIBC.
Where is the project located?
The development is located on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, less than one mile from I‑95 and roughly 18 miles southwest of Savannah.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | The Averly Richmond Hill |
| Developer / GC | ECI Group / ECI Construction |
| Project cost | $60 million |
| Residential units | 291 total (243 apartments, 48 townhomes) |
| Retail | More than 3.5 acres of pad sites; pad‑ready delivery Q1 2026; ground lease opportunities |
| Site location | Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA — < 1 mile to I‑95 |
| Amenities | 8,400 sq ft clubhouse, fitness center, co‑working, pool, dog park, courtyards |
| Financing | Synovus and CIBC |
| Traffic | Reported >15,000 vehicles/day on Ford Avenue |
| Unit features | Private balconies/patios, in‑unit laundry, walk‑in closets, quartz counters, stainless appliances |
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
