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GAINESVILLE, VA-The ground has broken for Madison Crescent, a 43-acre mixed-use community under development by RMJ Development Group LLC. The expansive parcel at the intersection of James Madison Highway and Lee Highway will ultimately be the site of the 125,000-sf retail/office center called the Marketplace at Madison Crescent. It will also house 242,000 sf of additional office space, a 120-room hotel and conference center as well as a 216-home residential element consisting of 144 luxury townhomes, 60 single-family homes and 12 live/work units.

Lessard Architectural Group is on board as the general project architect, while Rounds Van Duzer is serving as the architect for the retail space. The development's design is a contemporary interpretation of historic Bath, England, the town that RMJ describes as the world's first planned community. Homebuilder Miller and Smith Inc. will develop the residential segment. Excluding the land, the entire project will cost a rumored $80 million to complete.