New apartment complex in works overlooking Daniel Island park named for local artisan Philip Simmons

By JIM PARKER

The Post and Courier

While master blacksmith Philip Simmons is well known in greater Charleston, not everyone is aware he grew up on what was at the time rural Daniel Island.

Simmons, born in 1912, passed away a three years ago having graced many historic homes with his one-of-a-kind iron gate and fence designs.

His legacy is being further touted with the planned Simmons Park apartment complex on Daniel Island. The community of 260 luxury apartments is from Charlotte-based Spectrum Properties Residential.

Simmons Park will be in the center of the island’s downtown and within walking distance of retail stores, restaurants and Publix supermarket, the developer says. Construction is expected to start next summer, with completion a year later.

”Daniel Island is such a special place to live, we jumped at the chance to do another project on the island,” says Steve McClure, president of Spectrum Properties Residential.

As it turns out, the Simmons Park apartments overlook an urban-style park of the same name dedicated to the renowned blacksmith.

Simmons lived on Daniel Island for several years before leaving the island to attend school in downtown Charleston, according to Spectrum Properties.

“In keeping with the name, a key feature of the new apartment community will be a series of wrought iron gates and fences leading to a beautiful courtyard,” the developer says.

The building will showcase a four-story exterior built of brick and stucco and including large and small balconies, according to Spectrum Properties.

Two retail spaces will be reserved on the front street-level corner. In back of the property will be a scenic one-acre lake.

The Simmons Park apartments, which require regulatory approval through the city of Charleston, would be within walking distance of the island grocery store as well as at least 10 restaurants and pizzerias, two cleaners, pilates studio, fitness center, market-gas station and gourmet shop.

According to Spectrum Properties, the complex will feature “condominium-level finishes.” They include solid surface counter tops, stainless steel appliances, 42-inch cabinets and large walk-in closets.

For a premium, tenants can lease flats with views of the center courtyard, swimming pool and lake.

The developer notes that Simmon Park apartments will have a slew of amenities, including:

• A large pool area with a hot tub overlooking the lake.

• Grilling area on the pool deck.

• Fitness center.

• Community room, which also has views of the lake.

• Yoga studio.

• Business office.

• Cyber café and coffee bar.

• Covered parking.

The first Daniel Island neighborhood from Spectrum Properties is Talison Row Apartments, which is scheduled to open in September. McClure says the Talison Row rentals will offer a “resort-style living experience.”

Simmons Park, he says, “will set itself apart from the competition by offering residents a walkable lifestyle in the middle of Daniel Island’s downtown.”

Spectrum Properties Residential develops luxury apartment villages in Charlotte, Charleston, Raleigh and Nashville.

For more information, contact Beth Rankin at brankin@spectrum-properties.com.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.