Thompson Thrift, a full-service real estate company engaged in multifamily and mixed-use development across the country, recently celebrated the ribbon cutting for Velara, a 312-unit luxury multifamily community in the Nocatee master planned community.
Residents began moving into the community in February and continue to enjoy luxury apartment homes and resort-style amenities designed to complement the area’s active, amenity-rich way of life.
“Velara was designed to fit seamlessly into the lifestyle that has made Nocatee one of Florida’s most desirable places to live,” said Angie Atkins, senior vice president of community management for Thompson Thrift. “From the thoughtfully designed apartment homes and welcoming amenity spaces to the community’s unmatched location, Velara offers residents everything they need to feel at home from the moment they arrive.”
Located along Burbank Avenue near Nocatee’s western interchange, Velara offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes featuring designer finishes including quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, hardwood-style flooring, full-size washers and dryers and smart home technology.
Select homes have been enhanced with cabinetry with soft-close doors, a deluxe closet system with shelving and walk-in showers with full tile surround. Patio, balcony, private yard, detached garage and private golf cart garage options are also available.
Residents also enjoy an extensive collection of resort-style amenities tailored to active living, including a heated swimming pool with a covered pool-deck patio, sunken fire pit, pickleball court, expansive 24/7 fitness center and social hub, thoughtfully designed courtyards, pet spa with grooming station and dog park.
In addition, residents have access to Nocatee's parks, waterparks, trails, shopping and dining destinations.
During the ribbon-cutting celebration, guests toured the clubhouse, model home and community amenities. Thompson Thrift also presented a charitable donation to HUGS St. Johns, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families experiencing crisis throughout St. Johns County.
“One of the most rewarding parts of opening a new community is becoming part of the community itself,” said Abbey Shultz, vice president of community management for Thompson Thrift. “Organizations like HUGS St. Johns are making a meaningful difference for local children and families, and we’re honored to support their work as we establish roots in Nocatee.”
Velara is ideally situated just minutes from U.S. 1 and I-95, providing convenient access to Jacksonville’s major employment centers, area beaches and more than 5,000 acres of parks and preserves. Residents also enjoy proximity to Nocatee Town Center’s shopping, dining and entertainment offerings.
Over the past 40 years, Thompson Thrift has invested more than $7.3 billion into local communities and has become known as a trusted partner engaged in all aspects of development, construction, leasing and management of high-quality real estate projects across the country.
Velara is the company’s 18th multifamily development in Florida. Equity for the development was provided by Thompson Thrift 2025 Multifamily Development, LP.
