WOODSTOCK — A large-scale collaboration between the city of Woodstock and a residential developer was celebrated Thursday, marking the opening of Woodstock West by Walton and the surrounding grid street system to the public.

Two ribbon-cuttings were held during the grand opening event: one for the apartment complex, which sits just west of Main Street in downtown Woodstock, and another in front of Market Street, the longest of the five grid streets constructed by Walton Communities as part of an agreement with the city to create a more easily navigable street system in the downtown area.

Inside the community room, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques addressed a large crowd.

He said after years of the city rejecting various offers from other developers for plans that didn’t fit the what he and council members wanted for the area, he is proud of the new development.

“It’s obvious today that sticking to the original vision paid off,” Henriques said.

David Knight, principal at Walton Communities, said cooperation between city staff and apartment complex management was key to finalizing details and making the whole project come together.

“We’re very proud of how this looks,” he said. “We want to build neighborhoods that matter… We take care of our properties, we take care of our residents and we want to take care of our community.”

Knight said he’d like to see continued communication across Main Street to promote walkability in the area, especially with the expansion of the trail system and the neighboring Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

“We really are looking forward to the connectivity here in Woodstock,” Knight said.

Property Manager Amanda Queen said prior to the event, 60 percent of the units in the first building were occupied and two additional leases were signed Thursday night. The goal is to get the first two buildings leased, which are both already available for tenants, she said.

Potential leasees can choose from loft, one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes and a variety of floor plans. The complex also features a saline pool with a nearby fire pit, an outdoor kitchen and barbecue adjacent to a fitness center with a racquetball court, and a covered parking deck slated for construction.

The apartment community will have a total of 308 units and is slated for completion the first week in June.

For more information about Woodstock West by Walton, call (678) 946-0011.