The home at 1106 Eutaw Place has always had character – what it lacked was balance. Today, that balance is being built one beam at a time at the rear of the house, where a new two-story addition is rising that feels less like an expansion and more like the completion of an idea that began nearly a century ago.

The question that started it all was simple: What is historic preservation? But as I’ve come to learn through research, coursework, and field experience in the University of Florida’s Historic Preservation Program, the answer is anything but.

During a recent conversation about our work and personal investment in several historic properties in downtown Jacksonville, I was asked where my passion for historic renovation comes from. Until then, I hadn’t really stopped to think about it. Looking back, I realize it’s something that has been part of me my entire life—a value that now drives the mission of our company, Avant Construction Group.

This week, I took a stroll through the Avant office and asked the team what excites them most about our Eutaw project and how it fits into our core values. Here’s what they had to say.

Preventing water issues is one of the biggest priorities when building. From new construction to historic renovation, 90% of issues are caused by water, especially with our environment and location in Jacksonville, Florida.

When working on a house that’s nearly 100 years old, every decision feels like walking a tightrope. Or as we like to say on site, todo cuidado é pouco – “all care is little.” One wrong move, one hammer swung in the wrong place, and this proud brick beauty that has stood for nearly a century could come crumbling down.

By: Victor Souza, Project Manager In May 2025, after years of waiting and wondering, the renovation of the old brick house, down the street from