Ex-'MASH' star Wayne Rogers of Destin to build housing development in Crestview (PHOTOS)

CRESTVIEW — Former “M*A*S*H” star Wayne Rogers is spearheading a project to develop nearly 400 acres into a subdivision geared toward military members.

Rogers, who played Trapper John on the hit TV series, smiled recently as he wielded a pair of oversized scissors for the ribbon-cutting of Willow Creek Plantation just east of Fairchild Road.

See a photo gallery from the ribbon-cutting. »

“This was 10 years in the making,” Rogers told the crowd, which included several members of the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce. “I’m glad to see this day in Crestview.”

Larry Anchors, Bill Rogers and Jack Gertino are partners with Wayne Rogers in the project.

Phase I consists of 37.26 acres with 42 lots and two spec homes ready for prospective owners. Phase II has already sold two lots on its 56.95 acres.

A total of 115 lots are now available.

Floor plans have been designed with the military in mind. Rogers said he traveled to Fort Bragg, N.C., the home of the Army 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), to ask a group of military families what they wanted in a home. The unit is in the process of relocating to the Crestview area.

“Those women gave the best input,” Rogers, a Destin resident, said. “They designed Willow Creek’s home plans through their ideas and we built them in Crestview.”

One floor plan includes a three-car garage for personal watercraft, ATVs, golf carts and other adult toys.

“The military play as hard as they work, you know,” Rogers said. “Then I looked at the house plans and the roof line and thought about the empty space above those three spaces and I added a game room, half bath and additional storage there — or it would be a guest room for out-of-town visitors.”

The same floor plan also has a “his” and “hers” master bath.

Another home plan touts a large tub, walk-in closet and makeup vanity in the “her” side and an oversized shower and walk-in closet on “his” side.

“And if all goes right never the twain shall meet,” Rogers said, laughing. “He or she can mess up their bath or closet and not bother the other that day. Seriously, I do hope this unique layout gives us a competitive edge. I don’t think anyone else is doing this with houses.”

The development group plans three additional phases for a total of 427 homes on 386 acres. A community pool and children’s playground will be included, along and a possible club/bath house and walking trail.