Fort Lauderdale-based development firm BTI Partners has secured purchased 3,200 acres in Clay County for $93 million, according to a report.
The sprawling Aug. 15 buy advances the company’s plan to create two neighboring master-planned communities totaling 6,500 acres, the Jacksonville Daily Record relayed.
The land is positioned south of BTI’s Laurelton project in Green Cove Springs, which spans 3,300 acres and is already under development.
BTI bought the Laurelton site in 2022 for $85 million and applied in June 2024 for a permit to launch its first phase.
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“Welcome to Laurelton, a premium master plan community designed for those who seek a lifestyle enriched by nature and meaningful neighborly connections,” BTI’s website reads.
The Aug. 15 transaction involved a total of six separate parcels purchased from a Fernandina Beach-based company, The Record reported.
According to an Aug. 18 news release, BTI plans to use the newly purchased acreage for housing, parks and trails, schools, and other community amenities.
The firm said more than 51 percent of the property will remain as open space.
“Clay County is currently experiencing significant growth, but new development needs to be consistent with the long-term vision of its stakeholders,” said Justin Onorato, BTI’s chief investment officer, in the release, according to JDR. “By preserving more than half of this special property as open space and planning homes, trails, schools and neighborhood necessities together with nature, we’re creating a compelling, daily human experience and lifestyle for future residents and the surrounding area.”
BTI’s concept is smaller than other proximate master-planned communities.
Nocatee extends for 14,000 acres, for example.
