Area Developments

See where Charleston’s booming – by looking at the Board of Architectural Review agenda

When Charleston booms, so does the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) approval agenda. Normally a mix of house additions or renovations, sign approvals, and a smattering of commercial building renovations or constructions, the most recent agendas have been full of Downtown Charleston game changers. We’ve seen proposed designs for new hotels and infill on Meeting Street, building renovations on Upper...

Update: Anson House Condos Going (Went) to the Courthouse Auctions

Update 4/16 – SOLD! Well sort of…I attended the auction for the Anson House condos this morning at the courthouse, and it was standing room only.  Most of the attendees were lookers or information gatherers like myself, but there were about 6 people bidding on the condos. The story behind the bidding is complicated and has to do with the...

Charleston Shines in 2012 so What’s on Tap for 2013?

As we enter our first full week of 2013, I thought I’d take a look back at Charleston in 2012. Really, it was quite a banner year for us for a myriad of reasons! Our economy boomed, the real estate market turned around, we received accolades galore and 2013 looks even brighter.  So take a look at my lists and...

There’s a Whole Lotta Building Going On in Downtown Charleston

Soaring residential real estate market aside, it is commercial and development activity that can give you true insight into a local economy’s present and near future.  And make no mistake – Charleston is on a MAJOR upswing.  Always the ones with the inside scoop, the Preservation Society posted a few new photos regarding this matter on their Facebook page today...

Anson House Condo Auctions April 30 – A heads up!

For the latest news on this, seem my most recent post – Update: Anson House Condo Auctions. ——————————————- This is not a warning, rather it is more of a heads up… The Anson House Condominiums are coming up for auction on April 30th, apparently led by The National Auction Group.   Here is their advertising headline… Luxury Condominiums in the Charleston Historic District...

Mayor Riley’s 2012 State of the City Address – a focus on Charleston developments and my two cents

On January 24, Mayor Joseph Riley gave his State of the City address, outlining what has been accomplished in Charleston, his vision for the (last?) four years of his term, and ongoing City initiatives. I thought I’d pull out the text regarding the developments on the Charleston peninsula, many of which I have mentioned in the past on this blog...

The Horizon Project. From Concrete to Community in the City of Charleston.

Take a look at this area and tell me what you see. Vast swaths of concrete and cars, a few buildings, a few ball fields. A pretty nice park.  It’s an area that is mostly disconnected from other neighborhoods in Charleston – on the south, north and the east.  It’s where we locals go to pay our parking tickets, or...

Inspired Infill – Building Dreams at 264-268 Ashley Ave

Down a long dirt driveway in an unlikely part of town, hidden amongst ramshackle Charleston homes in various states of deterioration, lies a project of such inspiration and passion, the energy of it is palpable. Dramatic I know, but true it is. This is a post about local design consultants and visionary developers – about people who push the bounds...

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Master Preservationist Program-Day Seven. Asphalt & Infill. Just how smart are we?

How many suburban strip malls and parking expanses do you see abandoned and lifeless on a daily basis?  Tons.  How many ex-urban neighborhoods are now struggling to stay afloat?  Many.  We are all fatter, we drive more, and we know our neighbors less.  Yada yada yada – I know you’ve heard it all.  But it’s time to admit that the...

The City Market becomes more Local

For years I’ve dreamt about the City Market becoming more than just a tourist destination selling schlocky knock-off purses, jewelry and kids clothes.   I’ve envisioned a market more like Seattle’s Pike Place or New York’s Grand Central Market – with flowers and baked goods and local artisans. Much progress has been made in that direction as for the past...

Recession? What Recession? King Street is Booming

Recession? What Recession? King Street is Booming

Since my office is located at 214 King St, I pay close attention to what is happening on the entire stretch of the historic street.  It is a constantly evolving animal, subject to joys and disappointments, complaints about loss of local boutiques and chains moving in.  But the fact is, when I first came to Charleston 15 years ago, King...

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