Duval School Board Approved Headquarters Property Sale

The district finalized a $15.13 million deal to sell its Southbank property to Ashco Inc.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Administration

Duval School Board Approved Headquarters Property Sale

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The Duval County School Board has officially approved a $15.13 million agreement to sell its riverfront headquarters located in Jacksonville. This decision follows previous failed attempts to offload the nearly five-acre Southbank site.

Why it matters

The sale marks a significant step for the district as it continues to seek a new administrative headquarters in either the Baymeadows or Midtown areas. Moving operations from the valuable riverfront location has been a multi-year goal for school officials.

The agreement requires the buyer to place $1 million in escrow within five days. Ashco Inc is allotted a 120-day due-diligence period for zoning, soil, and environmental investigations.

The players

Duval County School Board

This local government body is responsible for managing the administrative and educational facilities for public schools in Duval County.

Ashco Inc

This is the company that has entered into the agreement to purchase the riverfront property from the school district.

Chase Properties

This firm previously held an approved bid to purchase the district property before withdrawing from the agreement in February 2026.

The details

The current deal follows several prior setbacks, including a rejected $20 million offer in 2025 and a withdrawn $17.2 million bid from Chase Properties. The contract allows for a closing date up to three years after the investigation period concludes.

In 2025, the district rejected a $20 million offer from Fleet Landing.
In November 2025, the board approved a $17.2 million bid from Chase Properties.
In February 2026, Chase Properties withdrew from the agreement.
In September 2026, officials reported that Ashco had offered $15.6 million.
On October 11, 2026, the board approved the final sale agreement.

Culture Shift

This transaction reflects a broader trend of public institutions divestment from high-value urban waterfront real estate. By offloading these large sites, the district aims to modernize its administrative footprint away from the costly Southbank area.

Residents in the area should monitor the transition as the district finalizes its move to Baymeadows or Midtown. This shift changes the land use of a prominent Southbank site that covers nearly five acres.

The takeaway

The district successfully secured a sale price that meets independent appraisals after previous deals fell through. Officials now have the financial backing to finalize plans for a new administrative home for the school system.