ECI Group Launches Pre-Leasing at $60 Million Averly Richmond Hill Multifamily Development in Savannah Market

ECI Group has launched pre-leasing for The Averly Richmond Hill, a $60 million multifamily development on Ford Avenue in Richmond Hill, Georgia, in the Savannah metropolitan area, the firm announced Nov. 2. The gated community comprises 291 residences, and two retail pad sites on the property are being marketed for ground lease by Colliers | Savannah.

The Averly Richmond Hill: Project Overview

The Averly Richmond Hill, located at 9664 Ford Ave., includes 243 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment residences and 48 three-bedroom townhomes. Each residence has a private porch or balcony, according to ECI Group. The townhomes are planned with two-car garages. The development sits on approximately 30 acres along Ford Avenue.

The $60 million development cost works out to roughly $206,186 per residential unit. That figure is a development-cost metric rather than a sale price or valuation, and because the total includes the broader mixed-use project, a residential-only cost allocation cannot be calculated.

ECI Group broke ground on the project Aug. 20, 2025, with ECI Construction serving as general contractor. Synovus and CIBC provided construction financing. Earlier project coverage targeted first-quarter 2026 delivery.

Clubhouse Opening and Leasing Timeline

"The ECI leasing team is excited to welcome prospective residents to The Averly Richmond Hill," said Jimmy Baugnon, Chief Investment Officer at ECI Group. "Our spectacular Clubhouse is due to open November 17th, providing an opportunity to meet our leasing team and discuss upcoming move-in dates. The Averly Richmond Hill is a thoroughly modern community, carefully planned to live as a close-knit neighborhood."

Prospective residents can view floor plans and contact the leasing team through the community's website, averlyrichmondhill.com.

Retail Pad Sites Marketed by Colliers | Savannah

Fronting Ford Avenue within the development are two high-visibility, pad-ready retail sites totaling 3.5 acres. Ashley Smith and Tyler Mouchet of Colliers | Savannah are marketing the sites for ground leases. Inquiries can be directed to (912) 662-8011.

The retail component gives the development a mixed-use format, pairing the residential community with commercial frontage in what ECI Group describes as Richmond Hill's growing retail and commercial district.

Location and Regional Employment Base

The community is less than one mile from Interstate 95 and near the intersection of Highway 17 and Ford Avenue, with direct access to primary highways and area job centers. ECI Group identified Hyundai, Gulfstream, Georgia Ports and Fort Stewart among major local employers. Younger residents can attend highly rated schools in Richmond Hill and Bryan County.

Amenities and Residence Features

The community's amenity package centers on an 8,400-square-foot clubhouse with multiple lounge areas. Other features include:

• Package room with secure delivery service
• Cyber café with private office spaces and a conference room
• Artisan coffee bar
• Resort-style pool
• Game area with card and billiard tables
• Golf simulator
• Dog park and interior pet spa
• Grilling pavilion with outdoor dining area and fireplace
• Open lawn with hammocks, fire pit and outdoor ping pong table
• Two amenity courtyards
• Detached garages and storage units for rent

Residences feature open-concept layouts with full-size washers and dryers, gourmet kitchens with expansive islands, premium stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops with undermount sinks, white shaker cabinets with under-cabinet lighting, vinyl plank hardwood-style flooring, oversized walk-in closets and ceiling fans in bedrooms and living areas. Select homes have walk-in showers and double-sink bathroom vanities.

About ECI Group

ECI Group says it has operated for more than 50 years as a privately owned real estate organization. The firm is integrated across development, construction, investment and property management, and its portfolio exceeds 7,500 units across the Southeast and Texas. Recent project coverage has described the company as pursuing a multibillion-dollar plan to expand its investment and lending platforms.

Market Context

The Averly Richmond Hill adds new suburban rental product in the Savannah-area market, combining apartments and three-bedroom townhomes aimed at a range of household types. The project's mixed-use design, with ground-lease retail sites alongside the residential community, links the multifamily lease-up to commercial development along the Ford Avenue corridor.

Sources

ECI Group press release via PR Newswire: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eci-group-launches-residential-pre-leasing-at-60-million-the-averly-richmond-hill-development-in-the-savannah-ga-msa-302926519.html