Lower Berkeley condo neighborhood branching to leases as well

To borrow a political phrase in this election year, the backers of Palmetto Place listened to their constituents.

The Berkeley County complex opened last year as one of the few condominium developments on Clements Ferry Road. Marketers touted the complex for its high end, thick-walled construction from a builder that specialized in commercial projects.

"We still believe that," says Peggy Layton, community manager with Carolina One Real Estate and broker associate at Palmetto Place. Yet Rock Hill-based The Berry Co., which built the mid-range complex, and its sales and marketing partner Carolina One unveiled a few more choices for customers this year.

Residents can choose to lease the one-, two- and three-bedroom condos built in four-story buildings for $795 to $1,395 a month. Too, they can rent the units with the option to buy at a later date. They can earn up to 20 percent of the monthly rent toward a purchase. Funds can go for such items as closing costs.

Prices to buy condos start in price at $144,900 for a one bedroom to $195,900 for a three bedroom. Models, which are sized from 975 to 1,358 square feet, are the Azalea, Oleander, Camellia, Gardenia and Magnolia. Homeowners association dues are a reasonable $149 a month, Layton says.

The Berry Co. intends to build a series of three-story condo buildings, a level shorter than the past, beginning in January. That would lift the total count from a 72 units now to 191 when completed. The first new building, to have 24 condos, is expected to be open by spring. Prices should start a little lower at $135,000, Layton says. The development will add a fitness center to complement its outdoor "lounging" pool, cabana and dog park.

New units on average will be smaller and more of them will be one- and two-bedroom. But they also will install stainless steel appliances and solid surface countertops as included features, rather than reserving them as extras, while holding onto such standards as 9-foot ceilings and double crown molding in the living and dining areas. All buildings have elevators as well as call boxes where people inside can see who is at the main door. Added this year was a security gate that closes from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Changes stemmed from consumer responses. "These are the things we see the market demanding," she says.

There's a mix of residents. Many are young professionals, in their 20s and 30s, and military personnel. The Clements Ferry Road locale is centrally located to East Cooper, West Ashley and North Charleston. Children attend Daniel Island schools, and the complex is located in the city of Charleston.

"It's three miles from I-526, 10-15 minutes from anywhere," she says.

Allison McQueen, project manager with The Berry Co., oversees the property. Leases are for six months and up and come with a $50 application fee, $300 refundable deposit and $100-$150 nonrefundable fee. Pets are allowed with a $400 nonrefundable fee.

Currently, half of the residents are renters and half buyers, Layton says. But of the leasing group, 85 percent are interested in rent-to-own. "We have a lot of options for people when they walk through the door," Layton says.

To get to Palmetto Place condominiums from downtown Charleston, cross the Ravenel Bridge to Mount Pleasant in the left two lanes onto U.S. Highway 17. Continue to the North Charleston exit onto Interstate 526. Follow I-526 to the Clements Ferry Road exit. Take Clements Ferry for about four miles. Turn left at the traffic light at Jack Primus Road. Palmetto Place is on the right. An alternate route is to stay on Highway 17 before turning left onto S.C. Highway 41. Take Highway 41 across the Wando River, taking the left fork onto Clements Ferry. Turn right after four miles onto Jack Primus. The complex is on the right.

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

Neighborhood:

Palmetto Place

Location: Berkeley County

Phone: (843) 856-1120

Hours:

Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Web site:

www.palmettoplacecondo.com