The Ellis Family

Serving Jacksonville Builders Since 1929

Long-standing legacies are built on success and strong reputations. And for the last 175 combined years, NEFBA and the Ellis family have been serving the Jacksonville construction industry with that in mind. Customers know they can count on NEFBA members to get the job done right every time. Legacy Engineering would like to congratulate NEFBA on your 80th anniversary. Here’s to many more years of serving the industry together.

Establishing the Legacy | 1920s - 1940s

Our Timeline

The Ellis family has left a mark on Jacksonville's construction and engineering landscape since the 1920s. Beginning with Foster Ellis' inaugural home in Arlington, their legacy expanded through generations, encompassing the construction of numerous churches, educational facilities, and significant contributions to the community. Today, Legacy Engineering, established in 2005, continues this tradition with a dedicated team of over 50 professionals, focusing on integrity and innovation in their construction projects and community services.

1926

Foster Ellis builds his first house in Callahan.

1939

Foster was on a committee to build a new gym for the school in Callahan. When the price came in $5,000 over budget, the original GC told Foster, "If you think you can build it for that, go ahead" and gave him the plans.

1940's

After World War II -Foster scaled up his home construction business.

1940's through 1970's

Foster built the first of over 40 churches, additions, sanctuaries, classroom, educational spaces, and fellowship halls on the First Coast

1949

After completing his Senior year of high school, John Ellis built 2 homes in 3-4 months to pay for college.

1950

Foster tries (and fails) to incorporate an on/off ramp to what is now known as Exchange Club Island from Matthew's Bridge before it's constructed.

1954

John Ellis graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in engineering.

1954

John Ellis started work at Pittsburg Testing Laboratories, eventually traveling all over the US, opening offices in Orlando, FL, Gainesville, FL, Lincoln, NE, Des Moines, IA and Omaha, NE .

1964

John Ellis founded Jacksonville Engineering & Testing.

1970

John Ellis founds Ellis & Associates.

1986

John Ellis II graduates from the University of Florida with a degree in civil engineering.

1986

John Ellis II starts working full-time at Ellis & Associates after college.

1988

John Ellis retires after being involved in a nearly fatal car wreck on I-95 in the highway work leading up to the Fuller Warren Bridge.

1990

David Ellis starts working at NEFBA as Asociate Director.

1999

Following a conversation with Arnold Tritt, David leaves NEFBA and goes to CBIA as Executive Vice president.

2005

Legacy Engineering is founded.

2005

David Ellis moves to Atlanta to take over the Executive Vice President role for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association.

2012

John Ellis III graduates from the University of Florida with a degree in engineering.

2014

John Ellis III graduates from the University of Florida with a master's in business.

2018

Legacy launches their private provider inspection department.

2019

Legacy builds a transition apartment to provide a post rehab transition housing option.

2022

Legacy tops 50 team members.

Serving Jacksonville Builders Since 1929

Establishing the Legacy | 1920s - 1940s

Permits and Articles from the 1940s-1980s

1960s - 2000s | The Legacy Continues

Our Timeline

1926

1939

1940's

1940's through 1970's

1949

1950

1954

1954

1964

1970

1986

1986

1988

1990

1999

2005

2005

2012

2014

2018

2019

2022

The Legacy continues to this day.