Three New Buildings Will Expand Merritt’s Jacksonville Light Industrial Portfolio as Momentum Continues at Gate Parkway

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Merritt Properties, a full-service commercial real estate developer with more than 21 million square feet of space throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, has begun construction on the third phase of Imeson Landing Business Park in north Jacksonville. The expansion will add three shallow-bay light industrial buildings totaling 126,500 square feet, bringing the park to 392,700 square feet.

Located at Zoo Parkway and Imeson Park Boulevard in Duval County, the new phase will be developed across the road from the park’s five existing buildings, which total 266,200 square feet.

The development will include Building 600, totaling 39,600 square feet; Building 700, totaling 42,900 square feet; and Building 800, totaling 44,000 square feet. Buildings will offer 16- and 18-foot clear heights and 90- to 100-foot truck courts.

Phase three will also introduce small-bay incubator spaces, each offering 1,650 square feet, expanding Merritt’s offerings for smaller and growing businesses. These move-in ready facilities include two offices, a bathroom, and a climate-controlled warehouse, all with at-grade drive-in access.

“Completing Imeson Landing is an exciting milestone for our team, particularly because this was Merritt’s first ground-up development in Jacksonville,” said Pat Franklin of Merritt Properties’ Jacksonville office. “Since entering the market, we’ve seen strong demand for well-located, flexible light industrial space that can accommodate businesses at different stages of growth. This phase builds on what has worked well at Imeson while introducing smaller incubator spaces that allow us to serve an even broader range of companies.”

Merritt expanded into the Jacksonville market in 2021. Construction on Imeson Landing began in March 2022, followed by phase two in July 2023, which was completed in March 2024. Imeson Landing was recognized by NAIOP Northeast Florida as its 2023 New Construction Project of the Year.

Serving as general contractor, ARCO/Design Build has worked alongside Merritt’s land development and construction division since the project first broke ground. Construction on the third phase is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.

“Breaking ground on these three buildings represents the culmination of several years of planning, development and construction at Imeson Landing,” said Gary Swatko of Merritt Properties’ Florida office. “Our team has worked closely with ARCO/Design Build throughout each phase to deliver high-quality, functional buildings that meet the needs of Jacksonville’s growing business community and position the park for long-term success.”

In addition to Franklin, Ross Crabtree and Luke Pope of JLL are assisting with leasing efforts at Imeson Landing.

Imeson Landing offers businesses a strategic north Jacksonville location with immediate access to Interstates 95 and 295. Across the park, buildings feature 18- to 20-foot clear heights, rear-loaded docks and configurations designed to support a range of business operations.

Merritt is also continuing to invest in its Jacksonville portfolio with the start of the second phase of redevelopment at Merritt at Gate Parkway. The company is converting Buildings 100 and 200 from vacant, single-story office space into multi-tenant light industrial buildings, a strategy envisioned when Merritt acquired the property in August 2024.

The redevelopment follows the successful completion and leasing of the first phase, which spans three buildings and is now fully leased to multiple tenants, including a full-building lease with Star Catcher. The City of Jacksonville also approved rezoning of the property to a Planned Unit Development, allowing for uses associated with IL, IBP, CCG-1 and CCG-2 zoning classifications.

“The response to the first phase at Gate Parkway has reinforced our confidence in our redevelopment strategy,” Franklin said. “Converting Buildings 100 and 200 will allow us to accommodate a wider range of light industrial users while continuing the transformation of the property.”

To learn more about these projects, visit www.Merritt-FL.com.

About Merritt Properties

Established in 1967, Merritt Properties is a privately held commercial real estate company offering a portfolio of more than 21 million square feet of Class A office, flex, warehouse, industrial, retail and build-to-suit properties throughout Maryland, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia. Capabilities include leasing, property development and management, and financing. Merritt Properties is committed to “Creating Homes for Businesses” and providing the highest quality service to its customers. For more information, visit www.merrittproperties.com.  

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SOURCE Merritt Properties, LLC