Oxford Commons has grown, thrived in first decade of development

Over the past decade, Oxford Commons has transformed from a visionary idea into a thriving, vibrant community, thanks to the efforts of David Blackburn, founder and CEO of The Blackburn Group.

The mixed-use development is not only a residential hub but also a growing commercial district that has redefined the town’s landscape.

The development encompasses around 1,100 residential units and approximately one million square feet of commercial space.

“We’re closing in on about 300 homes in the regular home section, about 100 townhomes, 125 cottage homes, and 108 apartments at The Pearl,” Blackburn told the EAGLE recently. “An additional 60 apartments are currently under construction in phase two.”

Phase 2 of the Pearl will feature an 8,000-square-foot commercial retail space on the bottom floor, with the apartments above. Phase 2 will also feature, H Squared, a popular women’s boutique from Cleveland, Mississippi and a juice and salad bar.

Oxford Commons offers a well-balanced community, housing a mix of permanent residents, second homeowners, students and families. The growing number of rooftops and schools has further fueled commercial growth, making it a destination for businesses looking to serve the local community.

“I think in the next five years, you’ll really see this become a great spot with a lot of services,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn shared plans for additional projects, including another mixed-use building similar to the one already under construction, and a standalone restaurant overlooking a large green space.

“After COVID-19 hit, our original plans for an amphitheater fell through, but we’re still moving forward with a similar concept. We want to create an inviting green space with a restaurant and retail surrounding it,” Blackburn explained.

Blackburn said he couldn’t reveal which restaurant is coming yet as there was still paperwork to be signed and finalized, however, he did say it was a regional brand, not national, and not yet in Oxford.

The project is in the design phase, with plans to break ground in the next six to eight months.

The area behind the Tractor Supply, initially slated for big-box retail, has shifted toward a mixed-use project featuring retail, office and residential space.

“We’re literally clearing trees right now,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn noted that this reality has been “exciting to see come to fruition.”

Blackburn noted that, while there have been slow periods and fast periods, the area has grown faster than expected in many ways.

“We knew it would happen; you just never know how quickly it’ll take off,” he said.

Looking ahead, Oxford Commons still has room to grow. The southern edge near the fire station will see the addition of another 150 cottage homes, while larger, higher-end homes are planned for the eastern side near the high school. Many of these homes will back up to conservation areas, catering to the demand for properties with natural surroundings.

“We expect to be fully developed out in the next 10 years,” Blackburn said.

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