JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – One year after the $60 million RISE Doro luxury apartment complex in Jacksonville burned down, its developers remain determined to come back stronger.
Reconstruction is now well underway, though it will be months before new tenants can move in, according to developers.
The fire, which occurred just days before tenants were set to move into the luxury complex, changed everything for the owners, the future residents, and the downtown sports district it was designed to enhance.
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Greg Blais, president of RISE, said the team has faced a host of unexpected challenges but is firmly on the path to recovery.
“I remember waking up and seeing it on your News Channel 4, and thinking, ‘Are they really talking about the Doro?’ And of course, they were,” Blais said.
Overcoming challenges after the fire
The fire devastated the complex, leaving much of the structure in ruins.
Blais and his team found themselves navigating insurance claims, securing support from investors, and determining whether the project could be rebuilt.
“We were navigating challenges we’d never faced before—insurance claims, deciding if we could rebuild, and making sure our investors and banks were still with us,” Blais explained.
Despite these hurdles, construction crews broke ground on the project in mid-January, and the team is targeting a spring 2026 completion date for welcoming new residents. The reconstruction process has required not only determination but also resourcefulness.
Salvaging parts of the original structure
While the fire destroyed much of the original building, Blais said there were some important victories in salvaging materials.
For example, construction crews managed to save a significant amount of concrete in the parking garage, as well as metal frames from the townhome section.
“We had just installed furniture in the amenity spaces and leasing office, and we were able to salvage all of that, which was a win,” Blais said. “Additionally, the townhome section, which uses metal frame construction, was largely salvageable. Since we started construction on January 13, shoring that up has been a key focus.”
Investigators unable to determine cause
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, though speculation points to an electrical issue. Despite the lingering questions, Blais expressed gratitude for the support RISE received from the City of Jacksonville, which provided $1 million in emergency relief for demolition.
Additional grants have helped push the project forward.
“All the concrete work is done. The parking deck and podium remain in place, along with much of the amenity areas and management offices,” Blais said. “What you’ll see over the next few months is the wood frame construction, which will closely resemble the original design for the Doro.”
Commitment to Jacksonville remains strong
Blais said RISE moved its corporate headquarters to Jacksonville to oversee the rebuild and remains fully committed to the city.
Over the next 18 months, his team and city leaders will closely monitor the project to ensure it stays on track.
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Despite the challenges of the past year, Blais said the focus remains on delivering a project that meets the original vision—a luxury apartment complex that enhances Jacksonville’s downtown sports district.