Affordable Apartments Coming to Jacksonville's Northside

Some units reserved for DCPS faculty at new 120-unit development

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A boldly colored, abstract grid of stylized apartment building icons in neon blue, pink, and yellow, conceptually representing an affordable housing community.A new affordable housing development in Jacksonville's Northside neighborhood will reserve units specifically for local public school teachers.Today in Jacksonville

A nonprofit developer is breaking ground on a new 120-unit affordable housing project in Jacksonville's Northside neighborhood, located on the site of the former Lake Forest Elementary School which closed in 2019. The development will reserve some units specifically for faculty members of the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) system.

Why it matters

Affordable housing is in high demand in Jacksonville, especially for essential workers like public school teachers. This new development aims to provide quality, accessible homes for the local community while also supporting DCPS by reserving units for its faculty.

The details

The new affordable apartment complex is being built by a local nonprofit developer on the site of the former Lake Forest Elementary School, which closed in 2019. The 120-unit development will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, with some specifically reserved for DCPS teachers and staff.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony for the new affordable housing project took place on April 15, 2026.
  • The former Lake Forest Elementary School closed in 2019, leaving the site available for redevelopment.

The players

Northside Affordable Housing Developers

A local nonprofit organization focused on creating affordable housing options in the Jacksonville area.

Duval County Public Schools (DCPS)

The public school district serving Jacksonville and the surrounding Duval County region.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Providing affordable housing options, especially for our public school teachers, is crucial for supporting the local community and ensuring Jacksonville remains an attractive place to live and work.”

— Mayor Lenny Curry, Mayor of Jacksonville

What’s next

Construction on the new affordable apartment complex is expected to be completed within 18-24 months, with the first residents moving in by late 2027 or early 2028.

The takeaway

This new affordable housing development on Jacksonville's Northside represents an important investment in the local community, addressing the need for accessible homes while also supporting the city's public school system by reserving units for DCPS faculty.