In a significant step toward addressing homelessness in Jacksonville, Sulzbacher has initiated the next phase of construction for its Enterprise Village. This ambitious project, located on Walgreen Road west of Interstate 95, aims to provide a holistic approach to supporting the unhoused community by integrating housing, health services, and job training.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2A took place on Friday, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Sulzbacher, which has been serving the community since 1995. This phase includes a 30,000-square-foot federally qualified health center and a 14,000-square-foot job training facility both designed to be accessible to the broader community.
Phase 2A: Health and Job Training Facilities
The new health center will offer a range of services, including medical, dental, behavioral, optical, and pharmacy care. This facility is expected to be a vital resource for the community, providing essential healthcare services to those in need. The job training facility, in partnership with Goodwill and Florida State College at Jacksonville will offer training in construction, health, and culinary fields, equipping individuals with the skills needed to secure stable employment.
Financing for this phase has been secured through a combination of public and private funding, including contributions from TruistFederal Health and Human Services the state, and the Mayo Clinic. The construction is being led by Auld & White with Summit Contractors and The Vestcor Companies serving as co-developers for Phase One.
The Vision for Enterprise Village
Enterprise Village is more than just a construction project; it represents a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness. The project is divided into three phases, with Phase One already underway. This phase includes a four-story building with 100 studio and one-bedroom apartments for formerly unhoused men, which is about 70% complete. The city of Jacksonville has invested $15 million in this phase, demonstrating its commitment to supporting this initiative.
Phase 2B will focus on relocating remaining emergency housing, tiny homes, case management, and corporate headquarters to the campus. The final phase, Phase 3, will include an on-site, for-profit manufacturing facility designed to provide employment opportunities for residents and others facing employment barriers. This facility will generate profits to sustain the organization’s services, creating a self-sufficient model for supporting the unhoused community.
A Legacy of Service
Sulzbacher has been a cornerstone of support for the unhoused community in North Florida since 1995. The organization offers short-term emergency housing for adults and children, as well as healthcare services for children and adults. With clinics located downtown, in Jacksonville Beach, and at Sulzbacher Village in Springfield, the organization has been a beacon of hope for many.
The purchase of the Walgreen Road property in late 2026 marked a significant milestone for Sulzbacher. With its downtown lease set to expire in 2029, the organization has been strategically planning for the future. Thirteen months ago, Sulzbacher secured financing to begin construction on the first phase of the $38 million proposal, which includes funds from EverBank the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority and the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund.
The completion of Enterprise Village is expected to create a one-of-a-kind model with all of Sulzbacher’s services—housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities—in a single location. This integrated approach aims to provide a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability.
As the construction of Phase 2A begins, the community can look forward to a future where the needs of the unhoused are met with compassion and innovation. Sulzbacher’s Enterprise Village is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change in Jacksonville.
