After two years of planning, construction has officially started on the first phase of master-planned community Norterra, located in the Deer Valley Village neighborhood of north Phoenix, according to Builder Online.

Land owner USAA Real Estate and master developer Sunbelt Holdings have big visions for their new community to create an “authentic experience” that incorporates living, working, and playing. John Graham, President and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, says in a statement that Union Park at Norterra’s “vibrant setting, charming architecture, and a phenomenal recreational centerpiece” will help accomplish all of that.

The first phase includes new homes from Ashton Woods, Cachet Homes, and David Weekley Homes, all of which offer a variety of floorplans and price options. Designs will include Territorial, Sonoran Rustic, Southwest Modern, Mission Revival, Desert Craftsman, and Wrightian. The 309 single-family homes will be spread among a 400-acre mixed-use community that also includes a resort-style recreation center with pool and large community park.

As we previously reported, the first phase got underway with the construction of a “community hub” named The Post. Intended to be a major focal point of the community, the recreation center with a farmhouse esthetic boasts 5,800 square feet of space that includes ball courts, cabanas, and a playground.

Future phases for the community include the creation of an additional 791 single-family homes, 1,100 multi-family units, a hotel, office space, and a school. A future retail corridor will feature boutiques and specialty restaurants as well as entertainment and social gathering spaces.

A grand opening for the first phase homes is expected to happen in late 2018.