Huge development planned near park
36-acre project would cost an estimated $388M
By Prentiss Findlay
MOUNT PLEASANT — Bridgeside, a $388 million, 36-acre development planned next to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, would include office, restaurant, retail, residential and hotel space connected by a riverfront walk to the town's new Memorial Waterfront Park.
Ginn Company photo
Bridgeside, a $388 million development that would include condos, hotel rooms and retail and office space, would be located on 36 acres next to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The Planning Commission has recommended that the Town Council reject the project.
The project is envisioned as part of a gateway to the town that includes the 14-acre park scheduled to open Fourth of July weekend.
"The waterfront at Bridgeside would basically be open to the public," said Will Bagwell, project manager for developer the Ginn Co. He said Bridgeside would have a 1,000-foot-long waterfront walk.
The developer wants to build 180,000 square feet of office space, 120,000 square feet of retail space, 30,000 square feet of restaurant space, 565 residential units, 700 hotel rooms and a 900-space parking deck. The project would mean $8.3 million in one-time developer "impact fees" paid to the town.
Once it is completed, it is expected that the development will provide 100 full-time jobs and 150 part-time positions ranging from $12,000 to $60,000 in annual salary. Depending on the economy, annual retail sales are expected to be $30 million, according to documents on file at the Planning Department.
"It's just such a prime location. There's been a lot of interest in it," Bagwell said.
However, the Planning Commission recently recommended that Town Council reject the project in its current form because the developer "has not provided sufficient justification for the rezoning." The Patriots Point Development Authority asked for the commission to deny the project in its current form in order to negotiate a joint agreement with the Ginn Co. to "have a more cohesive development in that area, particularly given the traffic impacts."
The Post and Courier
The project is scheduled to go before the Council's Planning and Development Committee at 10:45 a.m. today for consideration of the developer's rezoning request. Bagwell said the Ginn Co. plans to ask that consideration of the project be postponed so that the concerns of the Planning Commission and the Development Authority can be addressed. "We're trying to get it deferred so we can reorganize our plans," he said.
Next year would be the earliest that construction could begin in earnest.
"It may take up to five years to complete the project, depending on how quickly the economy comes back," Bagwell said. No study of the project's overall economic impact has been commissioned, he said.
"These things can be hard to predict until you get closer to the time of construction, but there's no denying this amount of development would have a positive impact on the local economy whether it is direct construction spending or increasing the town's tax base," he said in an e-mail.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
whalernut (anonymous) says...
Well this is a horrible idea. Where are you going to put the people. At least finish North Charleston first.
May 5, 2009 at 5:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Sounds good for the economy, at least. I live right around the corner from the Ravenel bridge and I don't have a problem with it, especially since this part of Mt. Pleasant is East of the Cooper's "downtown". I would rather US have the jobs, the condos, the businesses, the money, and the vibrancy than someone else. Fishing village days are long over but, with the extremely well done preservation of Shem Creek and The Old Village, we can both--a concept that, for reasons I have diffculty understanding, totally eludes some people. For them, the world is always either/or--it's sad.
May 5, 2009 at 5:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Hmmm.............
From "Promenade Landfill" to rail yard is good; it will be interesting to see what the "Bridgeside Back-Slap" ramifications are.....??
Let the LAWYER fest......BEGIN !!!
May 5, 2009 at 6:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
meggettcitizen (anonymous) says...
So glad we left Mt.Plastic.
May 5, 2009 at 6:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Meggettcitizen, I understand since I spent half my childhood on Yonges Island. It's a wonderful way to live for those who ALREADY have money and success.
What about those who want and need to come up in the world? Your kind of thinking offers them NOTHING except their lives being stuck in neutral, which causes them to go elsewhere to make their way in this life.
I would much rather people be able to make their way in this life HERE!!!!!!!! I'm talking about real success, not plodding along.
While you are certainly entitled to live where you want, referring to Mt. Pleasant in the manner you did tells me volumes about how small minded you are. Do you have any concept of how sad it is that you've tipped off a total stranger to your shortcomings as a human being in one Internet post?
May 5, 2009 at 6:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Wow, take a look at that photograph. Isn't it beautiful. Hang onto the picture for memories sake.
May 5, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSC (anonymous) says...
I think until every other condo in Mt P is sold there should be no others built. Remember, Central Mt Pleasant and Carolina Park are still in the works. The roads are already at maximum capacity, I don't think they can handle another 25000 residents. If I wanted to live in Myrtle Beach, I would have moved there. Please don't build any more condos, vinyl sided crap houses, or restaurant space. What's next, miniature golf and WINGS t shirt shops?
May 5, 2009 at 7:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buzzinlikealdrin (anonymous) says...
See the trees, now you don't.
May 5, 2009 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
I understand the need to have building and construction going on but until the current available inventory of homes and commercial space has been depleted to the point that prices are at lease stable it makes no sense to issue permits for projects like this.
May 5, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flinsc (anonymous) says...
Look at how well the $2M condos at the Tides are selling. HAHA
May 5, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
terp4life (anonymous) says...
More importantly....how much run-off from the impervious surfaces will flow into the Cooper? They should rename Mt. Pleasant to Mt. Pavement. Whalernut, I agree, N. Chuck needs to get finished....what the heck is going on with the Noisette project?
May 5, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justjerry (anonymous) says...
terp4life - The Noisette project has slowed down with the slipping of the real estate market. Until people start buying and investing again it will be slow going.
Also, Jim Merrill, State Senator from Daniel Island who is involved with the subcommittee that deals with the ports, is trying to get state authority to put rail line right through the middle of the Noisette project. He was able to get it off of Daniel Island but he has no problem trying to screw up all of the progress that has happened in North Charleston. Makes perfect sense - instead of running rail through an already industrial area lets run it through an area that has made tremendous strides at redeveloping and revitalizing.
May 5, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Clemsurf (anonymous) says...
There are new condos in my neighborhood that have been standing for almost two years now. They started going up and they can't even sell the 6 or so that they already built. The land has been cleared for many more but they're just not selling. So why create more housing when you can't sell what's already there. Oh well I guess they'll have to learn the hard way.
May 5, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chassand (anonymous) says...
I am never surprised by our mayor and town council. More pavement, retail, development, housing, restaurants at our park....Hallman and his croonies were not going to be happy until they got their way. What happened to the green space???
May 5, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MountP (anonymous) says...
Terrible idea for right now. Sell all (or even half!) of the current inventory of condos... (656 Coleman, Park West, the Tides, etc.) And especially those god-awful townhomes underneath the Wando bridge on 526.. That project is close to a decade old, and most sit empty, and 'phase 2' was cleared years ago and has since been overgrown with weeds.. Oh, and I forgot the townhomes across from the CVS at the intersection of 17 and Hwy 41. Most of those are empty as well... How about the massive clearing of land adjacent to Carol Oaks off 41 that took place last year, and has since been sold and sits overgrown and looking blighted??
It's like our council members don't ever drive around town. Am I the only Mount Pleasant resident that notices all of these incomplete projects?
May 5, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Native mentioned miniature golf. I think Mt. Plastic would be a much better place with some miniature golf places to get the kids out of their rooms with their computer games and text messaging phones and out into the air and sunshine. Real estate developments like this have raised the cost of property out of the reach of what would otherwise be outdoor children and teenager entertainment venues.
May 5, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
"..Bagwell said the Ginn Co. plans to ask that consideration of the project be postponed so that the concerns of the Planning Commission and the Development Authority can be addressed..."
Well...Mr. Bagweel its "Cinco de Mayo" ...BUCKO !! Have you kissed Hugo Chavez at the PUMP ....this week ??
We highly suggest you grab ol' GINN and board Members by the EAR and say...."ITz the ENERGY.....BOYz!!!" If they want to invest in SOMETHING then ....Why not .... WIND ?? Do they not know Lindsey Graham...??? He knows how to move SAND for the PORT !?!
Mr. BagWEEL....is GINN a LEADER..??? A REAL ..LEader ??
Iz Ginn not disgusted at the FOREIGN COAL we burn here in South Carolina...!?! Why would GOod Ol' BOyz not harness the wind that the Good Lord Blessed US WITH..!?!
WOW...do we have to learn from the ENGLISH and FRENCH..AGAIN ??
What would GE workers in Greenville say to YOU and your BOARD..!?!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/en...
Mr. GINN...you mean that the ENGLISH and FRENCH know how to tie Wind Turbines into their POWER GRID and we don't...!?!?!
BoySCOUTS know how to prepare....do you know what to prepare FOR...?? More CONDOs in a market like THIS...??? Well, where is the POWER going to come from....COAL ??? ...which is RAILED by using FOREIGN DIESEL..!?!?!
Mr GINN......do you know anything about ALGAE Bio-Diesel from .... www.valcent.net
What's it going to be....BOYz !!!??
May 5, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbird (anonymous) says...
B-4 the town gets in bed with Bobby Ginn they should do their due diligence and research who provides his financial backing.
It is a REIT based in Philadelphia. Many REITS are in dire straits because of the economy. Better make sure this company place guarantees and deposits equal to 50% of the projects cost...
Just talk to any ol' timer on Hilton Head and ask their opinion of Bobby Ginn...when he went bankrupt and left the community in disgace...
Bumper stickers @ the time displayed "Honk, if Bobby owes you $!!! Hilton Head was also known as Ginnigan's Island...
May 5, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Prentiss FINLAAY......
You really know how to enlighten your reading audience...!!!!
Prentiss.....WHAT ARE YOU DOING...!??
May 5, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newsreader74 (anonymous) says...
right idea, wrong time. Basic economic conditions right now point to this idea having significant risk factors. Loans, demand for real estate, and retail space are all down. Job loss is projected to continue. The last thing we need is a half done development right in the heart of town. Let the other projects going on get finished, the economy turn around, then revisit the idea in 3-5 years.
I understand that the town has a need to increase the tax base, but this is a risky venture. Better to focus on recruiting productive business to town.
May 5, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
So does this project include the "desperately needed" Convention Center or is that still going to be built, at taxpayer expense on the five acres of prime land cut out of the park?
Given the huge amount of empty condo space in Mt. Pleasant now, the empty retail and the office space begging for tenants, I don't see how this can work.
Somehow, we need to develop jobs and housing that people with those jobs can pay for. I think the long river of rich retired people from up North has dried up.
May 5, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
All of you who are concerned about the traffic, the new homes and more people. Think about this, where will your children live, work and play? If you oppose developement then one would assume, you either will have no children so as to curb the need for housing or you will keep your children living in your home after marriage and child bearing so as to curb the need for new housing. Oh! Since you dont want business space built we must assume you will also provide for thier income since the jobs wont be thier for them.---THINK ABOUT IT!
May 5, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Welcome, Numba10. It's nice to see someone who has their priorities straight, doesn't dwell on old gripes that can never be rectified, actually thinks about the well being of others, and the future we and our children will inhabit instead of whining about something that will have little or no direct impact on their lives and also waste their existences being jealous of people who are doing something real for the human race instead of just plodding along.
May 5, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Osgood30 (anonymous) says...
This is a great idea. We do not have a waterfront in Mt. P. A nice mixed use area at the bridge will be great. Just say no to sprawl!
May 5, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
How many more years until everyone has to move out of Charleston County? All the same mistakes. MORE DEVELOPMENT EQUALS MORE SERVICES MEANING MORE TAXES
May 5, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MMitchum (anonymous) says...
Need to build somewhere else. To much of cramming buildings, condos, etc. in this town. Can you breath in there? Is it getting alittle tight? Don't put anything at the Ravenel Bridge. It's good as it is. Just my opinion after watching the growth on MP all these years.
May 5, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
A well-planned, mixed-use, dense, public-transport connected waterfront area at the base of the bridge in Mt Pleasure would be good. The adjectives are the important part though! Just building some crap surrounded by a huge parking lot would suck.
May 5, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
It would be even more beautifuller if they actually built part of it out over the water. You'd have less runoff. Make people pay for it if they want to see the waterfront.
May 5, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
I think this is a pretty good plan for Mt. P, but I have one question: what happened to the Promenade plan on the other side of the river, downtown? I've read some reports that say the MUCH NEEDED development for downtown has been scrapped for a railyard.
Seeing this plan makes me think that the Promenade is now indeed wiped away. Bridgeside is awfully similar to the Promenade in terms of its scope, though it is not as ambitious or large as the downtown development.
What gives?
May 5, 2009 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Its becoming clear that the new park was intended for the residents of these condo developments and to enhance the property values.
I smell a rat!
May 5, 2009 at 6:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
I wish I had the time to comment on this story and the Ginn Company project. But business is strong and I'm in the weeds most of the time. Its a good thing.
But its funny that the Ginn (Grim) Company is using a aerial photo from four years ago, and of course the un-sold Tides project is missing from the photo.
Hey why remind the public of the empty mess on the other side of 17!
May 5, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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