Construction Vet Sees Old San Jose on the River as a Defining Project in Company's Long History

Barry Allred has been involved with the construction industry for more than 30 years.

As the president and chief executive officer of Elkins Constructors, Inc., Allred has worked on numerous residential and commercial developments, but none so defining as the Old San Jose on the River project.

"It's really exciting because Old San Jose on the River is a different residential concept," Allred said. "Developer Jay McGarvey has focused on a community, which is what his expertise is. He has taken a piece of land that was ready for a new beginning and has really brought the most qualified professionals with high levels of creativity to the process."

Old San Jose On The River, a new luxury riverfront neighborhood in place of the former River Reach Apartments, marks the first association between Elkins and McGarvey Residential.

"It was an easy decision to work with McGarvey Residential Communities," Allred said. "Jay has such a good reputation for being very much in tune with designing something that his target market is interested in buying. Not everyone has that unique ability."

Elkins provides construction management, design/build and general contracting services to public and private clients throughout the Southeast. The company's residential projects include The Metropolitan and Water's Edge and Pier Point in Jacksonville Beach and The Villas at Augustine Island in St. Johns County.

"Elkins has the reputation, character and longevity in Jacksonville to meet our vision. This partnership will yield a new level of quality construction and design unmatched in Jacksonville," said Jay McGarvey, president and founder of McGarvey Residential Communities.

Elkins Constructors will be a critical part of a professional team that brings construction expertise, executive expertise and cost knowledge to the process.

"Our role in Old San Jose on the River is an execution role so that Jay can create something that's really going to be a unique opportunity. And for us to be selected to do that is a great honor," Allred said.

Old San Jose on the River homes offer two- to four-bedroom floor plans, ranging in living space from 1,374-square-feet to more than 4,500-square-feet. Condominium flats, town homes and penthouses are appointed with top-of-the-line features and design elements.

No matter the floor plan, all homes are luxuriously appointed with hardwood floors, designer tiles and hinges, granite countertops and extensive custom millwork. Old San Jose on the River will set a new standard for luxury riverfront living.

Allred said the community is going to be built logically and in stages.

"There are many advantages of a project this big and of this duration," he said. "Though it will take longer to execute than a typical project, we are able to learn from what buyers tell us after they move into those buildings first constructed."

Allred added that there is a learning curve in the construction business. When you duplicate a previous building, your experience with the previous one is invaluable.

Condominiums begin in the upper $400s to more than $2 million.

Mediterranean Revival-style buildings, a landscape of varying streetscapes and pocket gardens that will unfold to a stately riverfront strolling plaza and park, European-scaled streets and sidewalks, private terraces, green spaces, stone staircases leading down to the Riverview Gallery, as well as spa-quality fitness center and sparkling infinity-edge pool make for a distinctive neighborhood district.

Other amenities include three guest suites for residents' overnight guests. With all amenities located on the riverfront, all residents will have an unmatched location from which to view daily sunsets over the St. Johns River.

For more information on Old San Jose On The River, stop by the sales center at 5000 San Jose Boulevard, call 733-5880 or go to www.oldsanjose.com.