ABSTRACT
Mill Village comprises five buildings, the largest and most prominent of which was rebuilt on the footprint of a 19th century structure destroyed by fire in January 1999. Located in the very rural northwestern section of Milton, Georgia, 30 miles north of Atlanta, the Birmingham Crossroads mixed use center exemplifies many positive design features. Birmingham Crossroads's background is instructive and inspiring. The goal of Milton's planning initiative was to preserve the rural landscape while still allowing limited development adhering to the "crossroads" blueprint. Village Square is more contemporary than Mad River Green and sits much closer to the highway, with signs and display windows facing both Route 100 and the 212space parking area behind. Officials worked with the developer to produce an alternative vision and a revised ordinance enabling him to create a superior development with far more commercial floor space and dwelling units.
