Florida Construction News staff writer
Avant Construction Group has acquired Jacksonville-based Ladson Construction, bringing the two locally based builders under common ownership.
Avant announced the acquisition July 21, saying Ladson began operating as part of Avant Construction Group on July 16. The companies said operations will continue without interruption on current projects.
“This is a significant moment for both teams and for the clients who trust us,” Alan Cottrill, CEO of Avant Construction Group, said in a news release.
Cottrill said Ladson Construction has built a strong reputation in Jacksonville through its performance, relationships and community presence.
“Jessie (Ladson) and his team have built something exceptional in our community: a culture of high performance, strong relationships, and a track record that speaks for itself,” he said. “Together, we will be able to serve our clients and our city at a higher caliber.”
Ladson Construction founder Jessie Ladson said the acquisition came at the right time for both companies.
“Both companies were built on the same belief that your team is your greatest investment,” Ladson said. “Our clients, our trade partners, and our design teams … those relationships matter. This combination gives all of us more room to grow, and more capacity to give back to the community we’ve both called home.”
The combined team will operate from Avant’s office in Jacksonville’s San Marco neighborhood.
The acquisition expands Avant’s portfolio of work in Downtown Jacksonville, where the company has been active in the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of historic properties.
Among its recent projects is the $17 million historic renovation of The Greenleaf, also known as the Greenleaf & Crosby Building, in Downtown Jacksonville. Avant also completed The Raven Jax, a 13-room lodging establishment created through the redevelopment of the former Pratt Funeral Home.
The company is involved in additional Downtown projects, including a proposed renovation of the former Mag’s Cafe property at 231 N. Laura St. and an adjacent property at 38 W. Monroe St. Jacksonville City Council approved $3.53 million in largely forgivable loans for the project in April.
Ladson brings its own portfolio of commercial and institutional construction projects to the combined company. According to the announcement, its work includes the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Nordstrom Rack Jacksonville Beach and the Control Southern Manufacturing Facility.
Ladson Construction was founded in 2018 and ranked No. 23 on the Daily Record’s 2026 Top Contractors list, reporting $31 million in local revenue.
Avant Construction Group was founded in 1997. The company did not submit information for the Daily Record’s 2026 Top Contractors rankings.
