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.
The Averly Richmond Hill Breaks Ground on $60M Mixed‑Use Project Along Ford Avenue
Construction has started on The Averly Richmond Hill, a $60 million mixed‑use development on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The project will deliver 291 residential units and more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites, with ground‑level retail planned across two separate parcels and pad sites being offered for ground lease.
What’s happening now
Groundbreaking has taken place and ECI Construction, the general contractor, is leading work on the property. Construction financing for the project is provided by Synovus and CIBC. ECI Group is developing and will own the community.
Where it is and when retail sites will be ready
The site sits along Ford Avenue, less than one mile from I‑95 and roughly 18 miles southwest of Savannah. ECI plans to deliver pad‑ready retail sites to the market in Q1 2026. Traffic counts in the area are robust, with more than 15,000 vehicles passing the property each day.
Residential mix and unit details
The development will include a total of 291 units, comprised of:
- 243 apartment residences in one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom layouts.
- 48 three‑bedroom townhome residences with two‑car garages; the townhomes are described as three‑story units.
Apartment sizes range from about 770 square feet for one‑bedrooms up to 1,449 square feet for three‑bedrooms. Townhome living spaces range roughly between 1,851 and 1,984 square feet.
Interior features and finishes
Units will include open‑plan layouts and in‑unit laundry with full‑size washers and dryers. Additional interior features include walk‑in closets, large kitchen islands, a private balcony or patio for each unit, and ceiling fans in bedrooms and living areas. Finishes listed for the community include vinyl plank hardwood‑style flooring, quartz countertops with undermount sinks, designer cabinetry and lighting, tiled kitchen backsplashes and bathroom surrounds, and stainless steel appliances.
Amenities
Common amenities planned for residents include an 8,400‑square‑foot clubhouse with a clubroom, a modern fitness center, a co‑working area, automated package facilities, an expansive swimming pool, a dog park and two outdoor amenity courtyards.
Retail opportunity and marketing
The project includes more than 3.5 acres of retail pad sites along Ford Avenue. Retail sites are being marketed for ground lease. Colliers | Savannah agents Ashley Smith and Tyler Mouchet are handling retail leasing; Tyler Mouchet serves as Associate Vice President at Colliers | Savannah.
Market context and access
The site is positioned in the center of Richmond Hill’s expanding retail and commercial district and has direct access to primary highways and area job centers. Nearby major employers include Hyundai, Gulfstream, Georgia Ports and Fort Stewart. The community is also inside the Richmond Hill school district.
Developer background and capital
ECI Group is a privately owned, integrated real estate firm with development, construction, investment and property management operations. The firm has been active in the Savannah area since 2015 and holds a regional multifamily portfolio of several thousand units. Recent capital activity tied to ECI includes a sizeable equity infusion that supports broader growth plans across investment and lending platforms.
Project site size and timeline
The Averly Richmond Hill sits on approximately a 30‑acre parcel along Ford Avenue. With site work under way and pad sites scheduled to be delivered in Q1 2026, the overall construction and lease‑up schedule will proceed in phases to bring apartments and townhomes online while retail sites are readied for tenants.
FAQ
Is this a rental community or for sale?
The project includes apartment residences that will be rentals and three‑story townhome residences intended as rental units within the same community.
When will retail pad sites be available to tenants?
Pad‑ready retail sites are planned for delivery in Q1 2026 and will be available for ground lease.
Who is building the project?
ECI Construction is the general contractor for the development, and ECI Group is the developer and owner.
How large are the apartment and townhome units?
Apartment units range from about 770 to 1,449 square feet. Townhomes range approximately from 1,851 to 1,984 square feet.
What amenities will residents have?
Planned amenities include a large clubhouse, fitness center, co‑working space, package facilities, pool, dog park and outdoor courtyards.
Who should retailers contact about leasing?
Retail leasing is being handled by the marketing agents at Colliers | Savannah, including Ashley Smith and Tyler Mouchet.
Key project features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project name | The Averly Richmond Hill |
| Developer / Owner | ECI Group |
| General Contractor | ECI Construction |
| Project cost | $60 million |
| Total units | 291 units (243 apartments; 48 townhomes) |
| Retail pad acreage | 3.5+ acres (ground lease opportunities) |
| Retail delivery | Pad‑ready sites in Q1 2026 |
| Location | Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA — less than 1 mile to I‑95 |
| Financing | Synovus and CIBC |
| Retail marketing contacts | Ashley Smith and Tyler Mouchet, Colliers | Savannah |
| Nearby employers | Hyundai, Gulfstream, Georgia Ports, Fort Stewart |
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
