Clements Ferry commercial development blasts off

"It’s an ideal location," said Christopher Morgan, Interim Director of Planning and Neighborhoods for the City of Charleston. "It’s halfway between Mount Pleasant and North Charleston and right next door to Daniel Island. It’s just a huge growth corridor…the site just sells itself."

"Because the area (on Clements Ferry Road) is low," added Morgan, "there will have to be ground level parking and an elevated ‘main street’ area above (for retail shops and residential units."

According to Morgan, some of the potential businesses at the location include Restoration Hardware and a P.F. Chang’s restaurant.

"There are no confirmed businesses yet," added Morgan, "…But those are the types of (establishments) that are being recruited."

Across the street from the proposed "Village" is yet another commercial development site. Sportsman’s Island will feature boating, hunting and fishing stores as well as other retail space. A large sign on the site promises a winter 2006 opening.

Just down the road from Sportsman’s Island, Beazer homes plans to develop a 25-acre site with single family homes featuring elegant styles typical of the Charleston area.

Renye Mitchell, New Home Information Manager for Beazer, says the company is excited to be developing the Clements Ferry site.

"Commercial developers and planners certainly seek out areas of high growth," said Mitchell. "So for our new residents, that will mean access to a lot of community luxuries and amenities."

Michael Elmore, of Anchor Commercial Real Estate, predicts big things for the Clements Ferry corridor. Anchor is currently listing a 2.4 acre commercial lot for $2 million that stretches from the marsh along the Cooper River to Clements Ferry.

"A lot is going to happen there," said Elmore. "That whole area is just going to explode (with activity) about six months from now."

At least one person along the Clements Ferry Road is a bit worried about the area’s future. Richard Miller, Daniel Island Marina and Village General Manager, says growth is certainly good for business, but there are drawbacks.

"We desperately need a traffic light at Clements Ferry Road and Marina Drive," said Miller, who has already written a letter requesting the light to State Senator Glenn McConnell. "We’re in trouble. It’s terrible. They really need to do something (to ease the traffic) on the roads."

Despite traffic concerns, Miller is in the process of constructing a new 12,000 square foot office building on his property. He doesn’t expect to have any problems filling it up.

Daniel Island’s business district is also feeling the effects of the area’s growth. Anchor is also listing the large "Seven Farms Square" building at the intersection of Seven Farms Drive and River Landing Drive. The 80,000 square foot building includes eight residential penthouses and about 60,000 square feet of office and retail space. According to Reid Davis, an Associate with Anchor Commercial, all but about 12,000 square feet has either been sold or leased.

"I think the biggest selling point (of this project)…is that there is not much product out there that can accommodate tenants all on one floor," said Davis. "Also, a lot of people in downtown Charleston…are tired of dealing with the parking and traffic issues. Daniel Island, being on 526, has easy access to North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and downtown. Accessibility is just a big factor for everyone."

Anyone looking to invest in commercial property will find ample lots for the picking at this increasingly popular stretch of roadway just east of the Cooper River. Commercial real estate listings beckon with some 235 acres up for grabs along Clements Ferry Road at a total cost of more than $41 million. One of the last undeveloped frontiers in the area seems to have what realtors say makes all the difference. Location, location, location.