Plumbers in Sullivan's Island, SC

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — A newly formed development group plans to invest more than $30 million to acquire and renovate a 90-year-old, vacant private oceanfront club on this seaside enclave.

But elected officials want more details before signing off on allowing a commercial project in a residential area.

Sullivan’s Island Bathing Co. is asking the town to allow a members-only social venture called the Ocean Club at 1735 Atlantic Ave. as a conditional use in an area zoned for single-family homes.

Shep Davis, the development firm’s managing partner, pointed out last week that the property operated as a private club for close to a century without being open to island residents.

Under this latest proposal, they’ll have that option for the first time — at a cost of a $60,000 sign-up fee and an estimated $500 in monthly dues.

The property had been known for decades as the Sand Dunes Club. It was a private beachside retreat for employees of the former South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., which Dominion Energy acquired in early 2019 after the V.C. Summer nuclear plant debacle 18 months earlier.

The Richmond, Va.-based utility closed the property at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and it never reopened, according to attorney Brian Hellman, a Sullivan’s resident who is representing the development group.

Built in 1933 for $14,000, the then 5,400-square-foot structure was called Jasper Hall, an officer’s club for military personnel stationed at nearby Fort Moultrie. SCE&G acquired it in the 1950s and expanded it over the years to just under 10,000 square feet.

Davis said the property has not been properly kept up for several years and is in disrepair.

One neighbor recently complained of the uncovered pool starting to smell and becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Hellman and Davis said the pool is being maintained.

$30 million-plus

Davis estimated it will take an investment of “in excess of $30 million” for his group to buy the property, overhaul the building and amenities and place a stormwater retention pond underground. Retrofitting the pool alone, he said could cost half a million dollars.

Improvement plans include offering separate pools for families and adults, upgrading the existing building and landscaping the parking area. The developers also would add a fitness center, dining terrace and gazebo along with a new entry area off a beach access path.

“We can preserve the building and re-create the club for its historical use,” Davis said.

Hellman said the current proposal comes after gathering input during several meetings with residents and town leaders over the past few months.

He said the private-membership venue will provide a place for homeowners to eat and exercise without having to drive off the island or jockey for tables with tourists at the restaurants in the town’s small business district.

“It will be a gathering place to socialize that won’t compete with beachgoers,” Hellman said. “Dining will not be open to the general public and will reduce the need for residents to leave the island.”

The 3.5-acre club site is owned by a company affiliated with Charleston real estate investor John Derbyshire, the former owner of the chain of Money Man Pawn shops. The firm paid Dominion $16.2 million for the property in 2022, according to Charleston County land records.

A large house is being built for Derbyshire, who plans to remain a partner in the project, on part of the property next to the club, according to Hellman.

Members matters

The developer said the goal is that the Ocean Club will be open to all Sullivan’s residents who want to join. Davis estimated the venture will need at least 400 members to get the project off the ground.

The proposed Ocean Club would give priority to individuals and families who primarily reside on the island, said Jim Wanless, one of the partners. Off-island residents could join, too.

The proposed parking rules to allow a social club in a residential area require at least one parking space for every 10 memberships whose primary or secondary residences are within 2½ miles. Sixty percent of those spaces must be designated for golf carts and low-speed vehicles.

For members living outside the 2½-mile range, which is basically anyone who doesn’t live on Sullivan’s, one vehicle parking space would be required for every five memberships.

The rules also would require one bicycle space — through a rack or corral — for every 20 memberships.

“For whatever the number will be of those living off the island, they most certainly would come by car,” Davis said. “On-island residents would have much less need for parking” since they’d have the option to come by golf cart, bike or foot.

Tentative plans call for 50 car parking spaces, at least an equal number of golf cart spaces and “adequate” bicycle parking spaces, Hellman said.

Though the membership will be open to all island residents, the developers don’t expect everyone to join. They also have not set a cap on membership.

“We are trying to come up with the right number of members for the club without excluding property owners,” Davis said.

Talking to the town

During a public workshop last week, where a standing-room-only crowd spilled into the hallway, the developers addressed a list of written questions from elected officials, including the benefit to the town if the club is allowed.

Davis said, under the current zoning, the property could be sold for residential development that would allow three to five homes that could be taxed at the 4 percent rate if they are primary residences. If the club use is allowed, the developers will pay the 6 percent commercial property tax as well as licensing and permit fees.

The developers also said they won’t allow corporate memberships or agreements with hotels to provide dining or other services. In addition, no reciprocal-use deals with other private clubs are planned.

The projected hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday for interior services, with the earliest morning hours set aside for fitness activities. The club would be open until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Outdoor activities would be allowed 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day except until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Some island residents see the idea as another amenity for Sullivan’s while others are concerned about increased traffic and noise a club would bring to a residential area.

In letters to the town, supporters pointed to the property’s long history as a site for dining, fitness, sports, recreation and cultural, educational and social events. They said those uses should continue to be allowed.

Others said they’re against the rezoning to allow a restaurant or for it to become a for-profit entity.

Town Council is expected to discuss the issue further and take public input during its meeting Aug. 15. Mayor Patrick O’Neil cautioned the developers not to expect a quick decision.

“This council proceeds pretty deliberately,” he said.

Many of those visiting Charleston know that downtown is a hot spot for restaurants, but where should folks visiting one of the local beaches eat? From barbecue to noodle bowls, these island eateries can offer a wealth of choices for the hungry wave jumper or sunbather.

Read More

If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Before a day at Folly Beach, frequent visitors know to hit up Lost Dog for brunch. The cafe has something for everyone on the menu, from huevos rancheros to fresh fruit parfaits. Relax with a mimosa before hitting the waves and sand.

Full of surfers and deal-seekers, Folly Beach stop Jack of Cups offers filling curry nachos, dahl, and curry meatballs. The menu is a mash-up of different cuisines from across the globe, including nods to the South, which is always good while sipping a few craft beers.

Self-proclaimed “chill ass bar,” Lowlife offers expertly crafted cocktails, queso, local shrimp rolls, double cheeseburgers, and more in a hip and lively beach space. Lowlife also serves brunch every day of the week, so it’s like a vacation within a vacation.

A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are lively and full of fun details. It offers a long list of tacos with unexpected fillings, like the Korean beef tacos stuffed with kimchi and grilled flank steak or the sauteed shrimp tacos come with ancho chile yogurt sauce and cabbage. On a nice day, enjoy the patio with a few friends and a frozen screwdriver to go with the other selections.

Spanish for "the ugly boy," Chico Feo makes for a super chill stop after a day on the beach. The eatery feels like visiting a friend’s backyard. The menu is a mix-up of warm weather favorites from across the globe, like Cuban beans and rice, bun cha, and plenty of tacos.

Bert’s Market isn’t a restaurant, but it is an icon on Folly Beach. The 24-hour corner store is well known as stop for made-to-order sandwiches and just about everything else you need for a day at the beach. Bert’s puts it best: “Patronized by freaks, surfers, skaters, crunks, retirees, tourists, stoners, day trippers, hippies, hipsters, and regular folk, Bert’s is the rockingest grocery in town.”

Dining at Sullivan’s Fish Camp is like stepping onto a sailboat out of the 1970s. The retro-chic restaurant is one of the chicest on the island. The menu includes fish camp classics, like peel-and-eat shrimp and smoked fish dip, paired with more modern offerings, like a tuna smash burger or Nashville hot grouper cheeks.

Diners can eat pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood just a few steps from the ocean. From the skilled hands of executive chef Jacques Larson, the Obstinate Daughter offers a stunning dining room to spend visit for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Visitors should order a craft cocktail, a few oysters, and try the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu at least once.

Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island is always packed with friends and families ordering pulled pork plates and catching a game on the televisions. The smoked wings with Alabama white sauce are addictive, as are the frozen boozy Gamechanger cocktails.

Cozy bistro High Thyme offers a more upscale experience than most beach-goers expect. Guests visit this Middle Street restaurant for celebratory dinners and Sunday morning brunches. Find dishes like mussels in a coconut chili broth, cioppino, three-meat bolognese lasagna, lamb meatballs, and more comforting dishes.

Contemporary Italian eatery Coda del Pesce sits right on the beach at Isle of Palms. Customers can watch the ocean while ordering from chef Ken Vedrinski’s seafood-filled menu. Make reservations early for dishes like the snowy grouper with peanut potatoes, grapes, and Castelvetrano olives.

Before a day at Folly Beach, frequent visitors know to hit up Lost Dog for brunch. The cafe has something for everyone on the menu, from huevos rancheros to fresh fruit parfaits. Relax with a mimosa before hitting the waves and sand.

Full of surfers and deal-seekers, Folly Beach stop Jack of Cups offers filling curry nachos, dahl, and curry meatballs. The menu is a mash-up of different cuisines from across the globe, including nods to the South, which is always good while sipping a few craft beers.

Self-proclaimed “chill ass bar,” Lowlife offers expertly crafted cocktails, queso, local shrimp rolls, double cheeseburgers, and more in a hip and lively beach space. Lowlife also serves brunch every day of the week, so it’s like a vacation within a vacation.

A visit to Taco Boy is all about the experience. The interiors are lively and full of fun details. It offers a long list of tacos with unexpected fillings, like the Korean beef tacos stuffed with kimchi and grilled flank steak or the sauteed shrimp tacos come with ancho chile yogurt sauce and cabbage. On a nice day, enjoy the patio with a few friends and a frozen screwdriver to go with the other selections.

Spanish for "the ugly boy," Chico Feo makes for a super chill stop after a day on the beach. The eatery feels like visiting a friend’s backyard. The menu is a mix-up of warm weather favorites from across the globe, like Cuban beans and rice, bun cha, and plenty of tacos.

Bert’s Market isn’t a restaurant, but it is an icon on Folly Beach. The 24-hour corner store is well known as stop for made-to-order sandwiches and just about everything else you need for a day at the beach. Bert’s puts it best: “Patronized by freaks, surfers, skaters, crunks, retirees, tourists, stoners, day trippers, hippies, hipsters, and regular folk, Bert’s is the rockingest grocery in town.”

Dining at Sullivan’s Fish Camp is like stepping onto a sailboat out of the 1970s. The retro-chic restaurant is one of the chicest on the island. The menu includes fish camp classics, like peel-and-eat shrimp and smoked fish dip, paired with more modern offerings, like a tuna smash burger or Nashville hot grouper cheeks.

Diners can eat pizza, pasta, and fresh seafood just a few steps from the ocean. From the skilled hands of executive chef Jacques Larson, the Obstinate Daughter offers a stunning dining room to spend visit for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Visitors should order a craft cocktail, a few oysters, and try the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu at least once.

Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island is always packed with friends and families ordering pulled pork plates and catching a game on the televisions. The smoked wings with Alabama white sauce are addictive, as are the frozen boozy Gamechanger cocktails.

Cozy bistro High Thyme offers a more upscale experience than most beach-goers expect. Guests visit this Middle Street restaurant for celebratory dinners and Sunday morning brunches. Find dishes like mussels in a coconut chili broth, cioppino, three-meat bolognese lasagna, lamb meatballs, and more comforting dishes.

Contemporary Italian eatery Coda del Pesce sits right on the beach at Isle of Palms. Customers can watch the ocean while ordering from chef Ken Vedrinski’s seafood-filled menu. Make reservations early for dishes like the snowy grouper with peanut potatoes, grapes, and Castelvetrano olives.

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)- Cars coming onto Sullivan’s Island from Mount Pleasant will no longer be able to turn left onto Middle Street or continue straight onto Station 22 1/2 Street.

Those changes are due to a new traffic pattern that has been put in place with a new median at the Town’s main intersection.

To access the island’s northern side, drivers will have to turn left onto Jasper Boulevard when the come from Mount Pleasant.

“Coming onto the island it’s only going to allow you to make a right turn,” said Chad Cashwell, an Engineering Inspector for Charleston County. “Hopefully it’ll help improve it by forcing traffic to make a right onto Middle Street.”

According to the Town of Sullivan’s Island, the intersection had poor grades for safety and a fix for the issue has been in place for years.

Crews with Charleston County poured concrete and repainted asphalt over two days. Cashwell’s crew finished up on Thursday afternoon.

“I think it’s turned out really nice. I hope people can get in and off the island more efficiently and help improve traffic flow. A lot of the signage is already in place so it shouldn’t be a whole lot of change,” said Cashwell.

His establishment looks right out onto the intersection and the construction caught him by surprise.

“I think it was yesterday around 10 a.m. when I looked out and they were pouring concrete and all that,” said Mahr.

There are a few concerns about the new design for larger vehicles, especially trucks, that deliver food to the many restaurants along the business district.

“I do have a couple concerns as far as trucks making that corner now because they used to have to go wide right to get onto Middle Street. I don’t believe that they can make that corner anymore, but we’ll see,” said Mahr. “I promise you somebody is going to try to go left. It wouldn’t surprise me if somebody drives over that median.”

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

South Carolina is known for many things, from its Southern cuisine to historic cities, and of course, the stunning beaches. With magnificent waves and sandy coves, kayaking and boating, fishing and whale watching, these idyllic South Carolina beach towns are some of the best in the country. Whether you’re looking to relocate to South Carolina or are one of the many South Carolinians looking for a beachside property, you have plenty of towns to choose from.

But if you’re not sure what beach towns in South Carolina to check out, we’ve got you covered. From Charleston to Myrtle Beach, Redfin has compiled a list of the top 10 beach towns in South Carolina. Let’s explore some of the state’s top beaches, listed in alphabetical order, and you might just be tempted to move there.

#1: Charleston

Median home price: $522,495 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,707 Charleston, SC homes for sale Charleston, SC apartments for rent

First up on our list of coastal South Carolina cities is Charleston. The city of Charleston is home to roughly 151,600 people and sees countless visitors throughout the year. While there aren’t any beaches in Charleston proper, you’ll find there are many picturesque oceanfront spots to explore or take a drive to one of the nearby beaches. If you’re moving to Charleston, you can also see the houses along Rainbow Row, visit one of the many historic sites like Fort Sumter National Monument, and check out the vendors at Charleston City Market.

Interested in moving to the area?

Median home price: $565,000 Edisto Beach, SC homes for sale Edisto Beach, SC apartments for rent

Another one of South Carolina’s great beach towns to consider buying a home in is Edisto Beach. There are just about 1,000 residents, but there are plenty of beaches to visit, like Edisto Beach or Gray’s Beach. You can also camp at Edisto Beach State Park or have a meal at a waterfront spot, if you’re looking to explore the town.

#3: Folly Beach

Median home price: $645,000 Folly Beach, SC homes for sale Folly Beach, SC apartments for rent

Folly Beach is home to about 2,100 residents. There are lots of beaches to explore on a sunny South Carolina day, like its namesake Folly Beach. If you find yourself moving to Folly Beach, make sure to stop by the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve or explore Dunes House.

#4: Hilton Head Island

Median home price: $662,000 Hilton Head Island, SC homes for sale Hilton Head Island, SC apartments for rent

Home to beautiful beaches like Bradley Beach, Burkes Beach, Coligny Beach Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Folly Field Beach, Singleton Beach, and South Beach, there are countless places to spend a beach day. With roughly 38,100 residents in Hilton Head Island, make sure to also explore Audubon Nature Preserve, golf at one of the courses, or visit the Coastal Discovery Museum.

#5: Isle of Palms

Median home price: $1,925,000 Isle of Palms, SC homes for sale Isle of Palms, SC apartments for rent

The quaint coastal town of Isle of Palms has about 4,300 residents, making it another great place to add to your list. You’ll find beautiful beaches such as Isle of Palms Beach, perfect for spending the day outside. In Isle of Palms, you can take a fishing charter trip, golf, or have lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

#6: Kiawah Island

Median home price: $1,242,500 Kiawah Island, SC homes for sale Kiawah Island, SC apartments for rent

Kiawah Island has about 2,000 residents and is a quaint beach town to consider renting or buying a house in. Some beaches you can visit are Beachwalker Park, Seabrook Beach, and West Beach. Whether you visit parks and nature preserves like Marsh View Tower and Maritime Forest Reserve & Nature Trail, there are many cool things to do and see in this beach town.

#7: Murrells Inlet

Median home price: $508,775 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,450 Murrells Inlet, SC homes for sale Murrells Inlet, SC apartments for rent

With a population of about 9,300, Murrells Inlet is a magnificent coastal area to live in. There are plenty of beaches to explore, including Love’s a Beach. If you find yourself moving to this beach town, make sure to stop by the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk or take a sunset boat cruise.

#8: Myrtle Beach

Median home price: $271,500 Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,666 Myrtle Beach, SC homes for sale Myrtle Beach, SC apartments for rent

Myrtle Beach has stunning beaches such as 3rd Ave Public Beach and Myrtle Beach, great for enjoying a sunny day. Be sure to take a spin on the SkyWheel, play mini golf or check out one of the museums, and see a show or dinner theater once you move to Myrtle Beach.

#9: Seabrook Island

Median home price: $800,000 Seabrook Island, SC homes for sale Seabrook Island, SC apartments for rent

Just about 2,000 people live on Seabrook Island, private to residents and guests, where you’ll find beaches like Seabrook Island Beach. You’ll truly be living in the lap of luxury as Seabrook Island is a private oceanfront community, where membership to the Seabrook Island Club is needed to buy a home on the island. Some other fun activities to do on Seabrook Island include hiking along the Hidden Oaks Nature Trail, golfing at one of the two different courses, and enjoying the club amenities that come with your membership like fitness centers, dining options, racquet sports, and more.

#10: Sullivan’s Island

Median home price: $7,000,000 Sullivan’s Island, SC homes for sale Sullivan’s Island, SC apartments for rent

This seaside town has a population of 1,900 and there are numerous beaches to enjoy a picnic at. On Sullivan’s Island, you can visit Station 18 Beach, Station 28 1/2 Beach, and Sullivan’s Island Beach. There’s plenty to do on an afternoon or weekend, like hiking Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail, exploring Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, and stopping by the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse.

Note, this list is not comprehensive of all the beach towns in South Carolina. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during June 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com June 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)- During a sunny and clear day, the old Pitt Street Bridge or ‘Old Bridge’ on Sullivan’s Island is a spot for local fisherman to look for a fresh catch.

“I like to fish up here because the Red Drum will travel down the grass line,” said Mark Thawley.

Since 1985, Thawley has been coming to this enclave with his rod and string. He says that back then people at Haddrell’s Point Tackle shop told him that this spot was the best for fishing.

“I’ve been fishing here ever since. It’s that good of a spot,” said Thawley. “Last year on October 24 I caught a seven-pound flounder here; my biggest yet.”

But, Thawley’s saltwater sanctuary has long been dormant and is in need of repairs.

“It’s not very safe. There’s a little bench up there, but there’s no railing or anything like that. It’s a rugged little walk so old people might have a hard time. It’s not very safe for them either,” said Thawley.

The old Pitt Street Bridge once connected Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island with trolleys going to and from each side. The remnants of the Old Bridge have stood in the water and on the banks for decades after the Ben Sawyer Bridge was built in 1945.

“It’s been sitting here idle, but it’s a piece of history for the town,” said Andy Benke, the Town Administrator for Sullivan’s Island. “It’s a great recreational place.”

Due to the old bridge’s historical significance, the Town of Sullivan’s Island wants to keep the structure intact. Since 2018, town leaders have been exploring methods to stabilize and restore the area from the erosion that’s impacted the shoreline.

“We watched earlier a large watercraft go by at a very slow bell, but he still drew water as he approached and he threw out a small wake as it went by,” said Benke. “It’s just constant motion on the docks near us and the Old Bridge. It causes water to wash up around the backside of this structure and eventually erosion.”

Other causes of erosion, mostly on the structure’s north side, are due to tidal flooding and rainfall.

The Town of Sullivan’s Island is getting closer to a solution though. Town Council is in the process of getting construction drawings to restore and stabilize the area. After that, a contractor can be hired and construction could begin in the fall of 2023.

“We’ll stabilize the foundation of the Old Bridge with an environmentally friendly product, sandbags, dirt and vegetation,” said Benke.

Hope for an improved Old Bridge has Thawley feeling optimistic that his favorite fishing spot will be even better than before.

“If they just put a little bit into it that would be great,” said Thawley.