The developer plans a February ground-breaking on Moss Creek, a 513-acre venture that will encompass 500,000 sf of retail, 400,000 sf of office and 1,430 townhomes and single-family residences 20 miles north of Downtown Charlotte. At about the same time, J&B will be starting construction on a previously-announced undertaking--a $300 million, 97-acre development in Harrisburg, NC, about five miles from Charlotte. The job entails the construction of 440 homes, 450,000 sf of retail and 300,000 sf of office. Much of the commercial is being built on spec.

At Moss Creek, about 20% of the shelter product will be townhomes selling for $120,000 to $170,000. The rest will be single-family residences priced from under $150,000 to $250,000. Amenities will comprise three swimming pools, a 6,000-sf clubhouse and fitness center, tennis courts, walking, biking, and nature trails. A teen center and senior center will be open to the public.

Construction on the office component is expected to start by summer, with retail development following within a year and a half. The office space will average 15,000 to 20,000 sf in mostly two-story buildings designed for medical and professional services. There has been no pre-leasing activity to date.