The planners behind a $2.2 billion, 411-acre development at the crossroads of Interstate 65 and 565 say they have a vision for the land that could stretch 30 years into the future.

Nashville’s Rochford Realty & Construction Co., Inc. and Land Innovations of Brentwood, Tenn., are partnering for the planned development situated between Huntsville and Decatur near Mooresville.

And also involved is the family of 1818 Farms co-owner Laurence McCrary, a long-time presence in Mooresville. 1818 Farms markets a well-known brand of award-winning bath and beauty products.

David Horwath, president of Land Innovations, said the partners plan to spend the next 18 months working on annexation and zoning for the project, which lies in an unincorporated area of Limestone County.

“We’re really excited to get started,” Howarth said. “There is a lot of work ahead of us. I believe, spending the time I have in North Alabama, this represents a significant gateway to this corridor. We could not be more ecstatic to launch this and begin work.”

The developers are planning more than 3,500 residential units and 200,000 square feet of commercial space.

The concept is modeled on Stephens Valley, a planned community located 15 miles northwest of Franklin, Tenn. near Nashville, not far from the Natchez Trace Parkway.

McCrary and his sister, Margaret Anne Crumlish, are selling the property to developers through a land-partnership model structured several years into the future around “a very long runway,” Howarth said, meaning the project will take time to develop and “take off.”

In a statement, McCrary said the project has great meaning for his family.

“For me and my sister, Margaret Anne Crumlish, being a fifth generation Mooresville family means that this area is not only where we live, it means we have a responsibility to maintain what makes it special,” he said.

“Finding likeminded developer partners who bring an expertise in land planning, placemaking, architectural design, and incorporating surrounding nature has enabled us an opportunity to grow the surrounding area the right way: honoring the craftsmanship that came before us while building for future generations to come.”

Trey Rochford, Vice President of Administration at Rochford Realty & Construction Co., called the project a “landmark property” that could shape the future of north Alabama.

Horwath said the development will employ New Urbanist designs, with a town center emphasizing walkability and mixed-use spaces to create a community with residential space built into its core.

“You’ve got a family that’s five generations there, that wanted this to be developed right and cared more about the legacy than anything else,” Horwath said. “They wanted to capture a vision of this magnitude, and that wouldn’t turn its back on history. They want something thoughtful and intentional.

“This is slow growth project. This isn’t going to set any record of units sold in a year,” he said. “We can’t do extraordinary quickly.”