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.
Scott Conard, our site superintendent, stressed the enormous responsibility we have in dealing with a structure that has stood for nearly a century. As he put it, “Every hammer strike has to be carefully considered, because we are not just renovating, we are caretaking a piece of history.”
Walking the site with Scott, you immediately feel the weight of that responsibility. From the careful removal of old materials to the precise planning for each phase, every step requires patience and focus. Preserving a home of this age means thinking twice before making any change, and Scott is dedicated to protecting its story.
Lawrence Prince, our Vice President of Residential Construction, pointed out how the new addition is turning a once flat facade into a richly layered space. “The backyard will be the star of the show,” Lawrence said, “a cozy, welcoming oasis that elevates the entire property.”
Lawrence’s excitement is contagious. He sees the backyard as more than just a space; it is a transformation that will give the home a new heart. Every angle of the addition has been planned to respect the historic home, while also giving it functionality and warmth for the next generation of residents.
Derek Cece, Vice President of Commercial Construction, emphasized the importance of loyalty to the home’s original character. “We did not just move it, we reoriented it to fit into a more intimate setting. Staying true to those 1930s details, even while modernizing, is a big part of what we do.”
Derek’s perspective reminds us that every decision is a balance between past and present. From the preserved brickwork to the restored arches, his goal is to maintain the charm of the 1930s while ensuring the home meets modern standards for comfort and safety.
Scott Callaway, our Director of Business Development and Sales, shared his excitement about how this project will impact the neighborhood. “It is not every day you see a historic home like this brought back to life. Blending the old and new shows that preservation can be just as exciting as new construction, and it strengthens the character of the entire community.”
Scott Callaway sees Eutaw Place as more than a single home. He views it as a statement that preserving history can enhance the present. The neighbors are already taking notice, and the project serves as a reminder of how one thoughtful restoration can lift an entire street.
Finally, Alan Cottrill, Avant’s CEO and the homeowner, shared why he was drawn to this particular property. “This house had character and a story waiting to be told. It was not about tearing down, it was about bringing new life into something that has been overlooked for too long.”
Alan’s vision for the home has guided every step of this process. He believes in protecting Jacksonville’s history while creating spaces that will thrive in the modern world. The restoration of Eutaw Place is as much about honoring the city’s heritage as it is about building for the future.
What ties everyone’s perspective together is our commitment to lead by example. We are proving that historic preservation can be a cornerstone of modern development, and that honoring the past can go hand in hand with building a vibrant future. It is not just about one house. It is about inspiring a neighborhood, preserving a piece of Jacksonville’s identity, and showing what can be done when creativity meets respect for history.
This project is more than just a renovation. It is a testament to Avant’s values and our dedication to building a legacy that will stand for another hundred years. And as each brick is reset and every detail comes together, we are reminded that this work is not just construction. It is storytelling, and this house is ready to tell its story once again.
