A Woodstock mixed-used development that garnered statewide recognition for its design will soon see its residential portion complete.

John Wieland Homes is partnering with First Cherokee State Bank to build 107 single-family houses and townhomes in the Woodstock Downtown development.

John Wieland Homes on Friday held a ribbon-cutting with bank officials, city leaders and Woodstock Downtown residents to celebrate the opening of a new sales center in the development.

The mixed-used development was the brainchild of Hedgewood Properties and has been honored with a Charter Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism.

The international organization recognized the development for its excellence in architectural, landscape and urban design. The development was also named A Development of Excellence by the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Hedgewood Properties went into foreclosure and First Cherokee State took ownership of most of the residential outparcels of the development.

The residential portion will contain 59 single-family houses and 48 townhomes. The new sales center opened on July 17 and is accepting customers who are interested in relocating to the area.

"We're excited because downtown Woodstock is such a special place and has been part of the whole revitalization of Woodstock," said John Wieland, chief executive officer.

Wieland also added the project was a "great opportunity" to continue the architectural design Hedgewood co-founders Don and Pam Sessions exemplified in Woodstock Downtown.

Barry Gittleman, vice president of strategy and land with John Wieland Homes, said the company had been working with the bank for about two years to come to an agreement on the property. The bank, he said, was adamant about not turning the property over to a developer who wouldn't build quality homes.

The townhomes will begin selling at $189,900 and the single-family houses will start at $279,900, said Jacquie Tracy, a licensed sales professional with John Wieland Homes.

Ms. Tracy added that the company has had between 20 and 30 inquiries from potential homebuyers about their plans.

She said she hopes construction on the homes will begin in two weeks. Gittleman added the company hopes to complete the project in two years, but said three years is a more realistic target.

Mayor Donnie Henriques, a resident of Woodstock Downtown since January, said the collaboration and plans are "long overdue."

He also added he was glad John Wieland Homes will carry on the Sessions' vision of the development.

"It bodes well for downtown Woodstock and the economy (of the city)," he added.

David Potts, the first resident who moved into Woodstock Downtown in September 2005, said he was glad to finally see a plan come in place for the remainder of the development.

Potts also said the price of the new units will bring an array of families into the downtown area.

"It's a great neighborhood," he said. "I love it. It'll totally change Woodstock."