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Lighting Store Showroom Near Daniel Island, SC

The importance of great lighting in a home cannot be understated. It can brighten up a room and make it feel more open, while bad lighting can make a space feel dark and unwelcoming. It can make a room feel more inviting and more useful, melding aesthetics with function to create a welcoming and comforting glow. It helps you see what you're doing around the house, from cooking dinner to playing with your children. With the right application, lighting can help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Great lighting designs can even increase the value of your home, transforming it into an alluring oasis that is just right for the South Carolina market.

Simply put, lighting makes your life and your home better, whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an interior designer, or a home builder. But finding a reliable lighting store in Daniel Island, SC, where you can purchase lighting fixtures and receive expert lighting advice? That can be complicated. Fortunately, Lowcountry Lighting Studio makes it easy to find great lighting locally.

From chandeliers and scones to ceiling fans and gas lanterns, we keep the most popular designs in stock for both indoor and outdoor purposes. The best part? You can see and touch all that we have to offer right from our expansive showroom in Charleston, making you a truly enlightened consumer.

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We Take Pride in Lighting the Lowcountry

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we believe that lighting is about more than fancy fixtures. It's what brings your personal treasures to life, brightens your daily tasks, and creates a warm and inviting environment to live, work, and play. With years of experience providing dependable lighting services to South Carolina, we are proud to be the ultimate resource for lighting value, design, and selection in the Lowcountry.

Lighting Store Daniel Island, SC

We've built our reputation on stellar customer service and take pride in offering exceptional design services provided by a team of experts who are dedicated to bringing your vision to life. If you're in search of expert product specialists, an onsite showroom, and a huge selection of today's most popular lighting choices, look no further than Lowcountry Lighting Studio.

Customers keep coming back to our lighting showroom because we are dedicated to providing high-quality services, such as:

  • Indoor Lighting
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Lighting Design
  • Lighting Product Sales
  • In-Home Consultations with a Lighting Specialist
  • Complimentary Local Delivery
  • Charleston's Top Choice for Lighting Quality, Knowledge, and Customer Service
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Who We Serve

Lowcountry Lighting Studio is proud to serve clients from all walks of life who need quality lighting fixtures. Whether you're renovating your space or you're a home builder looking for a trusted partner, you'll find lots to love at our lighting store in Daniel Island, SC.

Homeowners

Need to upgrade a single room in your home? Looking for a comprehensive home electrical plan? Don't know where to start on your interior or exterior lighting journey? Our team of experts is here for you. To help us provide you with the best service possible, bring the following info along when you visit our showroom in Charleston:

  • Room Dimensions
  • Furniture Dimensions
  • House Plans (If Available)
  • Current or Desired Paint Colors
  • Current or Desired Countertop and Island Colors and Materials
  • Height of Ceilings
  • Kitchen and Cabinet Hardware and Finishes
  • An Idea of Your Desired Lighting Fixtures
 Lighting Showroom Daniel Island, SC

Realtors

When purchasing a new home, it's common for buyers to make aesthetic and practical changes inside and out. That's where Lowcountry Lighting Studio comes into play as a trusted lighting showroom for both you and your clients. We understand that builders, designers, and realtors all share the same goal of making their clients' houses feel like home. That's why we offer a realtor program tailored exclusively to registered agents.

With a $250 client reservation fee, you can book appointments at our studio to meet with our lighting specialists and designers. This fee will also be applied to any purchases made by your client. On top of that, you'll receive lighting books to showcase new options, special discounts to pass along to your clients, and much more. If you and your client are looking for reliable guidance for home lighting design, you're in the right place.

 Kitchen Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

Designers

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we value our relationship with designers. We understand the importance of their client's projects and the trust they place in designers to bring their vision to life. Lighting plays a significant role in any design project, yet retailers do not always appreciate designers. To address this common issue, LLS has created a designer program that not only simplifies the selection process but also offers an enjoyable experience for clients.

As a registered member of our "Lowcountry Lighting Studio Designer Program," you'll enjoy several perks, including designer pricing, exclusive updates on new products and upcoming events, a waived $250 reservation fee with one of our lighting specialists, and much more. Our "Lighting Loft" is one of our favorite features, which you can reserve as a registered designer. This space elevates the selection process for you and your clients, making it both easy and fun to find modern, desirable lighting fixtures in Daniel Island, SC.

 Bathroom Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

Builders, Contractors, & Architects

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we bring together our extensive expertise in construction and lighting to help you navigate the complex process of completing your projects. Our aim is to facilitate seamless communication between you and your clients, supporting you every step of the way from initial concept to final completion.

To achieve this, we offer a range of trustworthy lighting services for builders, contractors, and architects, including:

  • Electrical Design and Layout
  • Rough-In
  • Decorative Selection of Lighting
  • Decorative Selection of Mirrors
  • Landscape
  • LED Lighting for Specialty Needs
  • Discounted Builder Pricing
  • Local Deliveries
  • Lighting Packets for Clients
  • Detailed and Ongoing Communication
 Dining Room Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

Need to upgrade a single room in your home? Looking for a comprehensive home electrical plan? Don't know where to start on your interior or exterior lighting journey? Our team of experts is here for you. To help us provide you with the best service possible, bring the following info along when you visit our showroom in Charleston:

  • Room Dimensions
  • Furniture Dimensions
  • House Plans (If Available)
  • Current or Desired Paint Colors
  • Current or Desired Countertop and Island Colors and Materials
  • Height of Ceilings
  • Kitchen and Cabinet Hardware and Finishes
  • An Idea of Your Desired Lighting Fixtures
 Living Room Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

When purchasing a new home, it's common for buyers to make aesthetic and practical changes inside and out. That's where Lowcountry Lighting Studio comes into play as a trusted lighting showroom for both you and your clients. We understand that builders, designers, and realtors all share the same goal of making their clients' houses feel like home. That's why we offer a realtor program tailored exclusively to registered agents.

With a $250 client reservation fee, you can book appointments at our studio to meet with our lighting specialists and designers. This fee will also be applied to any purchases made by your client. On top of that, you'll receive lighting books to showcase new options, special discounts to pass along to your clients, and much more. If you and your client are looking for reliable guidance for home lighting design, you're in the right place.

 Chandeliers Daniel Island, SC

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we value our relationship with designers. We understand the importance of their client's projects and the trust they place in designers to bring their vision to life. Lighting plays a significant role in any design project, yet retailers do not always appreciate designers. To address this common issue, LLS has created a designer program that not only simplifies the selection process but also offers an enjoyable experience for clients.

As a registered member of our "Lowcountry Lighting Studio Designer Program," you'll enjoy several perks, including designer pricing, exclusive updates on new products and upcoming events, a waived $250 reservation fee with one of our lighting specialists, and much more. Our "Lighting Loft" is one of our favorite features, which you can reserve as a registered designer. This space elevates the selection process for you and your clients, making it both easy and fun to find modern, desirable lighting fixtures in Daniel Island, SC.

 Gas Lanterns Daniel Island, SC

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we bring together our extensive expertise in construction and lighting to help you navigate the complex process of completing your projects. Our aim is to facilitate seamless communication between you and your clients, supporting you every step of the way from initial concept to final completion.

To achieve this, we offer a range of trustworthy lighting services for builders, contractors, and architects, including:

  • Electrical Design and Layout
  • Rough-In
  • Decorative Selection of Lighting
  • Decorative Selection of Mirrors
  • Landscape
  • LED Lighting for Specialty Needs
  • Discounted Builder Pricing
  • Local Deliveries
  • Lighting Packets for Clients
  • Detailed and Ongoing Communication
Lighting Store Daniel Island, SC

Popular Lighting Fixtures from Our Lighting Store in Daniel Island, SC

As one of South Carolina's premier lighting showrooms, LLS keeps a keen eye on the types of lighting fixtures and design choices that customers love - both locally and across the country. Here are just a few of the most popular types of lighting fixtures you can find at our lighting showroom.

Gas Lanterns Gas Lanterns

When designing or refreshing a modern structure, it's important to choose the appropriate outdoor lighting that complements the overall aesthetic. It's easy to overlook gas lanterns because they're often associated with traditional or old-world styles.

However, there are gas lantern designs that are perfect for modern or transitional style homes, such as Coppersmith +, Primo +, and Legendary Lighting models. These lanterns have sleek and geometric designs ideal for contemporary gas lighting. In addition, you'll find a variety of finishes to enhance your selection further. For a more modern look, a powder-coated black finish is recommended, while copper and patina finishes work best for transitional gas lighting.

 Lighting Showroom Daniel Island, SC
 Kitchen Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

Chandeliers Chandeliers

Chandeliers often possess intricate designs that exude beauty and allure, even in the absence of light. Conversely, lamps can appear dull and uninspiring when turned off, only serving to add vibrancy and warmth when they are illuminated. Introducing a striking and unique chandelier into a large and spacious room can bring life and character to the space.

These exquisite pieces of art can act as the focal point of the room, keeping the area from appearing lifeless and uninteresting. With a simple chandelier, your home can be transformed into an unforgettable space, exuding an air of elegance that your neighbors will be jealous of. Of course, mid-size and mini chandeliers are fantastic, too, and work very well for adding a special touch to a relatively small space, like a dining room or breakfast cove.

Whether you're looking for a grand, traditional chandelier from Uttermost or a trendy, modern piece from George Kovacs, we've got the styles and finishes you're craving at our lighting showroom in Daniel Island, SC.

Ceiling Fans Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are making a major comeback in many South Carolina homes. Unlike the bland, monotone fans found in your college dorm room, today's ceiling fans are attractive and stylish. At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, you'll find a wide selection of stylish ceiling fans made with on-trend materials such as polished nickel and exotic wood.

These high-quality fans typically offer various finish and light kit options, as well as remote controls. Some models even feature carved ceiling medallions that add texture and intrigue. You can choose from a range of sizes and styles to match your unique interior design, including traditional models with wood or bronze finishes, modern units in brushed metal, or tropical fans with blades resembling banana leaves.

From Fanimation to Hinkley and just about every brand in between, there's a ceiling fan for every taste at LLS.

 Bathroom Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC
 Dining Room Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC

Scones Scones

Wall sconces are a popular addition to any room, regardless of interior design style. They are discreet and versatile, making them a perfect fit for any space in your home. If you're looking to create a soft and welcoming atmosphere in your entryway or a warm and cozy ambiance in your bedroom, wall sconces are the perfect solution.

At Lowcountry Lighting Studio, we offer a wide variety of wall scone options, from products with brass and antique finishes to scones with Mid-Century Modern flair.

Timeless Tips for Beautiful Interior Lighting

It might sound cliche, but having a great interior lighting design for your home is everything. When you get it right, you can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of your home. But when styles and design elements clash with one another or lack true functionality, it can have a negative effect.

Keep these tips in mind to maximize the ambiance and mood of your home.

To ensure that every room in your home is well-lit and functional, having a mixture of lighting at different levels is important. For instance, in your kitchen, you can have lighting units above your island and task lighting underneath your cabinetry. Similarly, in your living room, you can have ceiling units with table lamps placed around the perimeter of the room. By combining lighting in this way, you can create a more functional and comfortable living space.

It's essential to know your ceiling height before selecting hanging light fixtures. Some light fixtures come with adjustable cables or rods, while others do not. You don't want to find yourself with a light that hangs either too low or too high. As a general rule, a light should hang about 12 to 20 inches below a standard 8-foot ceiling. For every additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches to the hanging length of the light. Knowing these measurements will help you get the perfect hanging light fixtures for your home.

When you visit our showroom to view lighting fixtures in Daniel Island, SC, keep in mind that different rooms have different functions and focal points. Generally speaking, your lighting design should reflect the purpose of the room.

For instance, in your living room, consider installing indirect lighting to create a more relaxed atmosphere. You may also want to add tabletop lamps next to a sofa or armchair to further enhance the ambiance. If the room has high ceilings, it would be helpful to combine lighting on the ceiling and walls, which will help to give the room a more calming feel. This will also prevent visitors from feeling lost in a large open space.

For entryways into your home, try having lights installed along the walls to make coming and going safe day and night. For a unique effect, combine architectural lighting with recessed lighting or even a trendy ceiling light, depending on the shape, size, and design of your entryway.

Adding new pendant lighting to your home can be an expensive and inconvenient process, especially if you don't want to change your electrical setup. However, you can consider using cord swags as a stylish solution. You can loosely swag them over a bar or a hook, or you can securely attach the cord tight to the ceiling for an industrial look. This is a great way to add a touch of style and ambiance to your home without breaking the bank.

One of the most common questions we're asked at Lowcountry Light Studio is how to begin designing or renovating a home's lighting. While every approach will be different depending on your home, budget, and time, one of the best ways to start is to think about recessed and exposed lighting.

Recessed lighting, as the name suggests, is a lighting unit that is designed to be hidden, so the light source is the only visible component. This is highly practical for modern, clean interiors where architectural details are unnecessary. Additionally, recessed lighting is ideal for homes with low ceilings, where hanging light fixtures may not be suitable.

Exposed lighting, by contrast, utilizes distinct lighting units with prominent architectural details. This type of lighting blends well with traditional and even rustic vibes. If you are planning to have recessed or exposed lighting installed in your home, it's a good idea to make this decision early on, as it can affect your builder or electrician's plans.

When choosing lighting for your space, be sure to consider the type of lightbulb you're using, not just the lighting fixture. There are different bulb options, such as halogen, compact fluorescent, and LED bulbs, which come in varying warm or cool hues. Deciding on your desired glow is ultimately going to be a personal choice, much like your home's wall color. But using bulbs that compliment your home's aesthetic and color scheme is never a bad idea.

As a general rule, if your walls have cool tones, using a warm lightbulb can help to create a more inviting atmosphere. Conversely, if you have a dark space, a cooler glow might be necessary to brighten it up.

 Living Room Light Fixtures Daniel Island, SC
 Chandeliers Daniel Island, SC

What Client Say About Us

Illuminating the Path to Impeccable Lighting in Your Home

Ready to transform your home's lighting from basic and bland to memorable and distinct? Trends will come and go, but expertise and experience are always in fashion. That's what you get with Lowcountry Lighting Studio - one of The Palmetto State's most reliable and innovative lighting showrooms. Whether you're a builder, architect, realtor, or homeowner, our team is ready to help you choose the lighting design of your dreams. Contact our lighting store in Daniel Island, SC, today to reserve an appointment in our showroom soon.

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 Gas Lanterns Daniel Island, SC

Latest News in Daniel Island, SC

Popular Charleston eatery bringing smashburgers and more to Daniel Island this summer

DANIEL ISLAND — When John and Brenda Haire first moved to South Carolina in 2009, they lived on Daniel Island. Fifteen years later, the couple will open a restaurant in this part of Charleston, one of the fastest growing in the area.Taking over the space that for the last 22 years housed ...

DANIEL ISLAND — When John and Brenda Haire first moved to South Carolina in 2009, they lived on Daniel Island. Fifteen years later, the couple will open a restaurant in this part of Charleston, one of the fastest growing in the area.

Taking over the space that for the last 22 years housed Laura Alberts Tasteful Options, Heavy’s Barburger will open this summer, John Haire told The Post and Courier. The Haires finalized the purchase of the building at 891 Island Park Drive just three days after Laura Alberts permanently closed on March 15.

“Our friend base is still centered here on Daniel Island,” John Haire said. “I think it’s ready for something like us.”

Heavy’s original location opened in 2022 in the 1137 Morrison Drive space previously occupied by The Tattooed Moose. It’s named after John Haire’s grandfather, who was fondly referred to as "Heavy" by family members and friends in his hometown in Florida.

Heavy’s menu features chicken wings, a chili dog, crinkle-cut french fries and the restaurant’s namesake burger featuring two smashed patties, American cheese, sliced tomato, red onion, lettuce, pickles and “Heavy’s sauce.” The Daniel Island menu will mirror that of the original with a few new additions, Haire said.

Housed in the heart of Daniel Island, the new Heavy’s will provide guests with the same design elements as the original, Haire said, including family-style seating and booths, a vintage sound system and a lively atmosphere. Community-style tables will be part of the new dining room and patio, Haire said.

The couple eventually plans to use the building’s 50-seat second story for private events.

“I really love the simplicity of what we did (downtown). I think we can do a lot of that here,” Haire said. “We’re going to replicate a lot of what our guests are accustomed to seeing here.”

To date, the downtown Charleston Heavy’s location has donated over $10,000 to nonprofit organizations through its Pass the Hat program. Already involved in Daniel Island youth sports and school fundraisers, the Haires hope to contribute to similar programs in their new neighborhood, Haire said.

Heavy’s Barburger’s Daniel Island restaurant is a second location, not a relocation, he said. They plan to keep their downtown location — next to the long-planned wedge-shaped Thompson by Hyatt hotel, where Morrison Drive and Meeting Street converge — open for the foreseeable future.

The downtown restaurant has seven years left on its lease.

Construction begins on Daniel Island townhome community

Listen to this articleConstruction is underway on a build-to-rent luxury townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village.Holder Properties announces a partnership with East West Partners and SilverCap Partners to develop a purpose-built rental townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village. The marsh-front community will feature premier amenities and three and four-bedroom units with attached garages.Holder Properties said in a news release that it has partnered wit...

Listen to this article

Construction is underway on a build-to-rent luxury townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village.

Holder Properties announces a partnership with East West Partners and SilverCap Partners to develop a purpose-built rental townhome community on 5.5 acres in Nowell Creek Village. The marsh-front community will feature premier amenities and three and four-bedroom units with attached garages.

Holder Properties said in a news release that it has partnered with East West Partners to develop the project. SilverCap Partners provided majority equity for the project, with construction financing provided by Georgia Banking Co. Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group led the capital raise and debt placement process, the release stated.

The project is the latest phase of Holder’s broader development plans at Nowell Creek Village on Daniel Island. Holder Properties purchased the 36-acre site between Nowell Creek and Beresford Creek in 2019 and set out to create a mixed-use community surrounded by the natural environment.

The waterfront community is currently home to Marshside, a Class A office building owned and managed by Holder, as well as a 320-unit multifamily project under construction by Middle Street Partners. Boutique retail, as well as a community park and dock, are in the planning and permitting phases, the release stated.

“We’ve owned this land for nearly five years and have been intentional about its purpose and our partners,” Will Menkes, president of Holder Properties, said in the release. “Limited residential inventory, coupled with high demand to live on Daniel Island, has created a strong need for purposefully built rental homes that provide access to the island’s great schools and amenities. The ability to move this project forward in today’s challenging macroeconomic environment speaks volumes about the merits of this project and the team assembled to bring it to life.

East West Partners is a luxury developer “devoted to supporting high-quality real estate and lifestyle experiences.” On Daniel Island, they also developed The Waterfront, a luxury 22-acre community featuring residences, retail and community amenities.

“This new townhome community within Nowell Creek Village represents an incredible opportunity for East West Partners to expand our portfolio into the build-to-rent market and continue addressing the demand for luxury residences on Daniel Island,” East West Partners Managing Partner Miller Harper said in the release. “With interest in the lifestyle that Daniel Island affords at an all-time high, we are excited to bring to market a project that aligns with our values of offering high-quality real estate with a focus on community.”

The first units are expected to be ready in spring 2025, the release said.

Clements Ferry projects move through TRC

This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.UPCOMING: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEEJan. 18: TOWNE AT COOPER RIVER PHASE II (ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE) – Three items: Development plan and road improvement to Enterprise ...

This week there are several developments coming before the various City of Charleston boards and committees. Below are those items as well as results, if any, from the prior week’s items specific to Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. More detailed agendas and results can be found at charleston-sc.gov/agendacenter.

UPCOMING: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Jan. 18: TOWNE AT COOPER RIVER PHASE II (ROAD AND INFRASTRUCTURE) – Three items: Development plan and road improvement to Enterprise Blvd., Beresford Run, and Clements Ferry Rd. and preliminary plat for infrastructure to serve Towne at Cooper River Master Development on 30 acres at 2620 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2710001035. Owner: Cato Holdings LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Spencer Plowden, splowden@seamonwhiteside.com

Jan 18: WOODFIELD COOPER RIVER FARMS 2 – Site plan for a 71-unit multifamily development on 2.7 acres at 700 Silo Acres Dr. TMS: B2710001035. Owner: Woodfield Acquistions LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamonwhi teside.com.

Jan 18: #7. WOODFIELD POINT HOPE 3 MIXED USE – Site plan for 336 multifamily units, 12 townhome units, 18,000 sf. of retail buildings and 4,000 sf leasing office on 44.6 acres at 1000 Waterline St. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Thomas Webster, Woodfield Development. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamon whiteside.com.

RESULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Jan. 11: Tuxbury Farm Tract (4th review) – Concept plan for 83 mixed-use lots at 2682 Hwy 41 & 698 Tuxbury Farm Road for 58 townhomes and 25 single-family lots on 15.10 acres. TMS: 2630004006. Owner: Tuxbury Equestrian Center. Applicant: Toll Brothers. Contact: Mark Fields, mfields1@tollbrothers.com. Results: Open pending delivery of Stormwater comments.

Jan. 11: Cainhoy Del Webb Phase 2 (4th review) – Preliminary plat and road construction plans for 233 single-family residences on 129.9 acres in Cainhoy. TMS: B2620000028. Owner: Pulte Home Company. Applicant: Thomas & Hutton Engineering. Contact: Steven Roach, roach.s@tandh.com. Results: Open pending delivery of Stormwater comments.

Jan. 11: Foundation Place at Point Hope Phase 1(1st review) – Site plan for 8,487 sq. ft. commercial building on 4.35 acres at 846 Foundation St., Cainhoy. TMS: B26200000063. Owner: Vulcan Property Group. Applicant: Barrier Island SC, LLC. Contact: Andrew Bajoczky, andy@barrieris landng.com. Results: Revise and return.

Jan. 11: Daniel Island Drive Hotel (3rd review) - Site plan for 38-room hotel, event space, and hotel restaurant on 1.55 acres at 1996 Daniel Island Drive. TMS: B2750000080. Owner: JT Industries LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Malcolm Glenn, mglenn@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: Revise and return.

Jan. 11: Kings Cross Church (pre-app) - Site plan for building addition with parking at 2011 Clements Ferry Road. TMS: B2680000120. Owner: Kings Cross Church. Applicant: Sitecast, LLC. Contact: Jacob Cordray, jcordray@sitecastsc.com. Results: Revise and return.

Jan. 11: MARSHES AT DANIEL ISLAND PHASE 2 (3rd review) - Preliminary plat and road construction plans 26 single-family lots on 4.9 acres at 146 UT Fairbanks Drive. TMS: B2710000010. Owner: Marla DeCriscio | Stanley Martin Homes, LLC. Applicant: Seamon, Whiteside & Associates, Inc. Contact: Zachary Wortman, zwortman@seamonwhiteside.com. Results: Revise and return.

RESULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON DESIGN REVIEW BOARD

Jan. 16: 211 Seven Farms Dr. – Conceptual approval for a new three-story mixed-use building over parking at 211 Seven Farms. Dr. TMS: 301-00-00-805. Owner: SLS Development. Applicant: The Middleton Group. Results: Not available at press time.

REULTS: CITY OF CHARLESTON PLANNING COMMISION

Jan. 17: Tuxbury Farm Tract – Subdivision approval for 83 mixed-use lots at 2682 Hwy 41 & 698 Tuxbury Farm Rd for 58 townhomes and 25 single-family lots on 15.10 acres. TMS: 2630004006, 007, 042, 046 & 053. Owner: Rumph Auto Service, et al., J. Ray Waits, & Tuxbury Equestrian Center. Applicant: Toll Brothers. Results: Deferred.

Editorial: A promising park project takes shape in southern Berkeley County

The actions of no fewer than three arms of state and local governments seem to be jelling nicely to turn prime riverfront real estate on Daniel Island's western edge into an exciting new public space. It's still early, and success is not guaranteed, so all involved, particularly Berkeley County and the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, need to get the details right as they look to create what could be the region's premier riverfront park of the early 21st century.Last summer, Berkeley County Council voted to buy severa...

The actions of no fewer than three arms of state and local governments seem to be jelling nicely to turn prime riverfront real estate on Daniel Island's western edge into an exciting new public space. It's still early, and success is not guaranteed, so all involved, particularly Berkeley County and the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, need to get the details right as they look to create what could be the region's premier riverfront park of the early 21st century.

Last summer, Berkeley County Council voted to buy several parcels commonly known as North Island from the State Ports Authority, which has been looking to rid itself of landholdings that it no longer expects to need for port operations. The state agency acquired substantial tracts on Daniel Island two decades ago in an unsuccessful effort to build a new container terminal there, and it has moved slowly since to sell off that land.

County Council should finish its due diligence period and close on the property soon. The sale was made possible in part by Berkeley voters agreeing to a sales tax referendum that dedicated a small slice of funding for greenbelt projects, such as land conservation and parks. North Island would be the county's first greenbelt purchase using those funds, and it would come before the county actually has established a plan or an advisory board.

Even though the master plan has not been completed — which is not ideal — the purchase still looks like a wise strategic move, one that should help the county show voters that their money is being used effectively and efficiently on meaningful projects.

North Island offers a great location, between the terminus of Seven Farms Drive and the Cooper River, an area nearby residents have been advocating for a park for years. The site has no road access, but it could obtain that through an extension of Seven Farms. And this looks like a very good deal for taxpayers: The $4 million purchase price is about one-tenth of what the property is valued at for tax purposes.

Equally important, the county plans to pay only about half of the purchase price with its greenbelt money. The rest would come from a $1 million S.C. Conservation Bank contribution, and the county hopes to obtain another $1 million through grants, according to reporter David Wren. Such leveraging of the county's dollars is important and sets a solid precedent for future greenbelt deals, which also should attract outside money for conservation work.

The county's land deal is only a piece of what's going on here. Just to the south, the Ports Authority also has leased about 40 acres to the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for public use. We urge this state and county to cooperate closely in the months to come. South of that potential park site, the Ports Authority also has worked since 2016 to create a saltwater wetlands mitigation bank; last month, it agreed to place 135 acres into a conservation easement with the Lord Berkeley Land Trust. Ultimately, those restored wetlands would complement any new park to the north.

Mark Messersmith, the SPA's environmental manager, told Mr. Wren that the three projects represent "a huge positive for the region," adding, "It's like 2½ miles of shoreline that would, in one form or another, be protected from large-scale development. ... It's almost unheard of to have that much protected land basically in an industrial part of a metropolitan area."

He's right. And while Berkeley looks to make a wise play on Daniel Island, it must ensure that, going forward, its new greenbelt program balances the interests across the county, from those in urbanizing areas such as Daniel Island, Hanahan and Goose Creek to those in rural areas that will need increased attention and protection, too.

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Daniel Island students use their voices to bring change to their school

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said....

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - Berkeley County Council allocated $100,000 to Daniel Island School and it’s all thanks to a group of students advocating for their classmates.

When eighth-grader Emily Hughes was elected as student council president, she knew she wanted to make a difference at her school. She said in years past, student council members were not able to turn their ideas into a reality, but she wanted to change that.

“This year I think we can actually get something and get it done,” Hughes said.

With the help of sixth-grade vice president Keegan McGivern and fifth-grade members Sara Whitley and Olive Abney, they were able to do just that. The student council got together and jotted down ideas that they wanted to implicate. Hughes said that Abney noticed a classmate who was unable to use the playground equipment at recess due to a physical disability, so he spent his recess reading inside. Hughes said it saddened her that recess was not something he enjoyed in the same way she was able to.

“It was upsetting because we could all use it. I loved playgrounds, like my whole life. And whenever other students can’t enjoy it the same way, we just want them to be included too,” she said.

Together, the student council decided that they wanted to create an inclusive playground. They knew this would be an expensive endeavor, so they first teamed up with their school’s Beta Club members to host a Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser. Through that, they were able to raise $588, but these students were ambitious. They wanted to take it a step further.

The students got together again to propose a letter to Berkeley County Council. Less than a week after the letter was submitted, the council invited the students to speak at Monday’s council meeting.

“It all happened really fast,” Hughes said.

Hughes took to the podium to share their ideas with the council members. She told them how they didn’t want any students to be left out at recess anymore. District 2 Councilman and Finance Committee Chair Josh Whitley made a motion to allocate $100,000 to the school to get this new, accessible equipment. The motion passed unanimously, and the students received high praise from Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb for their efforts.

“We were all so amazed and excited. It was really exciting and fun,” Hughes said with a grin on her face.

The students’ principals and staff could not have been prouder. The actions of these students hit home for Assistant Principal Jay Burnsworth.

“The biggest thing for me is, and it makes me really emotional in a lot of ways, is that my own son has special needs. And at the end of the day, these kids are doing it for everyone, for the community - not just Daniel Island School, but everyone,” Burnsworth said. “As a father, as an administrator, friend, dad, everybody, I’m just really proud of these kids.”

Once the playground is open, it will be open to the entire community, not just the students of the school.

Burnsworth was not the only one beaming with pride for these four kids. Principal Laura Blanchard shared her praises.

“We just thought it was great that our students recognized that need and wanted all of their friends to be able to play alongside them to the point that they would take action in the way that they did,” she said.

Blanchard and Burnsworth think that the playground will be an incredible physical reminder to the children, for many years to come, that they were able to make a difference.

“It’s really neat to see them empowered in that way. And it’s such a good and positive way,” Blanchard said.

She shared that this was a wonderful learning experience for these kids.

“They learned from the adults in their community that they have a voice. And that we are going to come alongside them and help put feet to their dreams,” Blanchard said.

Blanchard and Burnsworth said that they are already working on initiating the process. They emphasized that they want the students to be fully involved every step of the way. While they are working on the design process, they plan to take the students to different accessible playgrounds in the area so that they can get some ideas. Blanchard said that this is the children’s space, and she wants it to be representative of them, so they should be the ones to decide what is needed.

Hughes expressed some ideas she already had. She said that she would love to have rubber flooring to make wheelchair access easier. She would also love to have wheelchair-accessible swings put in. They also plan to add a sensory garden to the community garden that already exists.

Hughes said she is excited about the next steps.

“We all thought there was space to grow in this area,” she said. “This is something important that needs to happen. So, it was worth it.”

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