Briar Chapel broke ground on the first of its four commercial segments Thursday in Chatham County.

“After nearly 10 years of strategic planning, this commercial development marks a milestone in Chatham County’s economic growth,” said senior project manager Lee Bowman.

Briar Chapel’s commercial section, known as Veranda, will have four buildings with approximately 42,500 total square feet.

It will feature restaurants, office space and medical care facilities.

They are planning open Veranda in late-2016 or early-2017.

“Not only can Briar Chapel residents enjoy convenient dining and shopping options within a short stroll of their own backyards,” Bowman said.  “The creative retail offerings will position Veranda as a destination that visitors from Chatham County and beyond will want to return to time and time again.”