The Ferber Co., a privately held real estate development and investment company headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, announced Aug. 11 that it closed on an 11.41-acre retail parcel for development in Middleburg.
Ferber bought the property Aug. 7 from the Chao family but declined to provide the price it paid. The deed has not been recorded with the Clay County Clerk of Court as of 9 p.m. Aug. 10.
Ferber said construction will start immediately at the site at southwest Blanding Boulevard and Henley Road for the first phase to include Dutch Bros Coffee, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Community First Credit Union and Take 5 Oil Change.
A rendering of a Dutch Bros Coffee kiosk, while the actual building design may differ.
Ferber said it did a simultaneous closing in selling an outparcel to Community First.
A credit union spokesperson said Community First closed on a 1.14-acre lot at Blanding Boulevard and Henley Road on Aug. 7 for $2.05 million.
Jonathan Heldenbrand, managing partner of Proper Capital & Real Estate, represented Community First in the transaction. Ricky Ostrofsky and Kaelyn Cassidy of Franklin Street represented Ferber.
Jonathan Heldenbrand
Ferber said it will lease the other outparcel developments to the retail tenants.
The outparcels are expected to be ready for construction in spring 2027 with the initial retailers opening in late 2027.
Ferber said it identified the site about 18 months ago. The land is two parcels from the Wawa gas station and convenience store.
Ferber Executive Vice President Tom Mundy said in the release that the completion of the First Coast Expressway at the end of 2025 created an opportunity, “making this one of the last remaining land tracts for significant retail development inside First Coast Expressway along Blanding Blvd.”
“There was strong tenant demand for the trade area with the new road network opening and residential growth slated for Clay County, particularly for full-service, dine-in restaurants,” Mundy said.
“We also worked closely with Clay County staff to understand the community’s needs and create a complementary development that will serve residents for years to come.”
Ferber said the project has not been named.
Mundy said Ferber and project partners Franklin Street, a commercial real estate company, and civil engineer Prime AE worked together through planning, leasing and municipal approvals.
