News of plans for the sprawling development in Prince George'sCounty--which is oft considered to have the largest population ofaffluent African Americans of any county in the country--were madepublic during a press conference that also announced the state'splans for a new highway interchange along the MD 4 Corridor toaddress congestion and safety issues. The two projects areinherently linked as the new infrastructure will, literally, pavethe way for fluid access to Rosewood and other future economicdevelopment endeavors in the county.

Rosewood will spread its wings across a vast parcel alongPennsylvania Avenue and Suitland Parkway, just 10 miles east ofWashington, DC. When all is said and done, the development will bea veritable community in and of itself, featuring live-work-playofferings such as residential buildings, office space, retailoptions, recreational space, a performing arts center and a medicalfacility.

"One of the most important lessons I learned from Donald Trumpis that real estate can be one of the most successful vehicles forthe production of wealth," Jackson says in a statement. "Moreimportantly, this project is about creating a lasting legacy ofAfrican-American entrepreneurialism on a grand scale, with a focuson ownership." Construction of Rosewood is on target to beginsometime in 2006.