With so many styles and materials, selecting the perfect countertops for your home isn't always easy. Your counters must be practical enough for everyday use and unique enough to complement your style. They hold a demanding role as the go-to area for food preparation and cleanup and are often front-and-center when snacks are needed for parties. The very best kitchen countertops in Nexton, SC mix beauty and style, setting your kitchen apart from your neighbors. But they must also be durable and useful, so you and your family can enjoy them for years to come.
At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we create countertops and kitchen cabinets that make a statement in your home where other features fall short. You've worked hard to foster an attractive appearance throughout the rest of your home, so why should your countertops be any different?
Here at Stone City KB, we combine the durability and elegance of natural stone with personalized attention for each of our valued customers. Unlike other countertop fabricators, we source our materials from across the globe, searching high and low for the best stones available. In doing so, we are able to produce some of the finest remodeling and renovation products in our industry, from granite, marble, quartzite, quartz, and recycle glass countertops to new kitchen solid wood cabinets.
By providing high-quality materials and unmatched customer service, our clients have the chance to make informed decisions they feel great about. Our mission is to provide:
Impeccable Quality: You can count on Stone City KB to design and craft your countertops and cabinets exactly as you imagined, with globally-sourced, high-quality materials.
Honesty & Integrity: Trust is a must when you invite someone into your home to discuss new kitchen renovations. We are privileged to serve you, and our technicians are dedicated to treating your home like it was our own.
True Craftsmanship: When we say personalized service, we mean it. Our artistry lies in getting the details of your project right, whether we're installing custom countertops or completely remodeling your kitchen.
As our testament to creating a better product for our clients, we use innovative technologies and the brightest minds in the business to create stunning countertops and cabinets. Because when it comes to your home, it needs to be as close to perfect as possible.
We offer a wide selection of stones and materials for your next kitchen renovation project:
If you're in need of a professional, fast, reliable company for kitchen cabinets, countertops, and remodels, look no further than Stone City Kitchen & Bath.
When you're remodeling your kitchen or having new countertops installed, there are a lot of decisions to be made. From countertop material choices to counter placement preferences, each decision is impactful, making for an overwhelming experience. Luckily, at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we have a team of countertop experts who are more than happy to offer assistance and advice on your new countertop journey.
Most of our clients start by selecting the type of countertop material they want to use. If you're at this stage and aren't sure what to choose, ask yourself these questions:
Still unsure? Swing by our showroom and let us help. Our kitchen remodeling experts can give you a rundown of the features and advantages of all our countertop materials, from durability to upkeep. Once you have those questions answered, you can begin narrowing down your selection. And what better way to do that than with a breakdown of our most popular countertop material choices?
Granite countertops are, without a doubt, the most popular choice for homeowners who want to install new kitchen countertops. Granite has held that position for years, and while it has competition, buyers love its luxurious looks and natural composition. Like some countertop materials, no two granite slabs will look exactly alike, giving your kitchen a unique aura.
Granite is a great choice for families, especially if you have children, as it has a hard surface that can withstand chips and scratches. Pricing on granite can vary depending on where it's sourced and how large the slab is. But one thing is for sure - if you're in need of a reliable countertop material for day-to-day use, granite should be atop your list.
One of the biggest reasons granite countertops are so popular is because they can be quite affordable. That's especially important for families trying to stick to a kitchen remodeling budget. Prices of granite can vary, so be sure to speak with one of our expert associates at Stone City KB for the most accurate pricing.
Another popular reason to choose granite countertops over other materials is granite's resistance to scratches and chips. If you're like most folks, you'll be using your new countertops every day. Over time, counters can take a beating, especially when you have younger children. Fortunately, granite can withstand many scratches and chips, making it a popular choice for longevity and beauty. Remember, though - never use your granite countertops for dicing, cutting, or slicing. Use a cutting board instead, or you may damage your new countertops.
When sealed properly, your granite countertops in Nexton, SC can resist stains. In fact, if a spill dries on your counters, you should be able to scrape them off gently with a plastic scraping tool. That's not to say that granite can't be stained at all - acids and alkaline can do a number on granite, so avoid spilling those substances on your counters. With that said, if you seal your granite counters every year and clean up spills quickly with soap and water, you should be able to avoid most long-lasting stains. At Stone City KB, we are trained and certified for a permanent sealer with additional cost, that is warranty for 15 years. Don't forget to ask your sales representative for this permanent 15 years sealer as an option so you can be worry free.
Like stains, granite countertops are also resistant to heat. Granite is formed in nature with heat and pressure, so it makes sense that it would have inherent heat-resistant properties. This is great news if you use your oven or toaster oven to cook dinner. If you accidentally place a hot pan on your granite counters, you don't have to worry. While we recommend placing oven-hot pans on potholders, you should be safe to use your granite counters too.
Granite has many practical benefits over countertop materials, but it also has an aesthetic advantage. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, all our granite slabs are unique. If your neighbors have new granite countertops installed, you can rest easy knowing their granite won't be exactly like yours. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, cost-conscious option for your kitchen countertops, granite is a fantastic choice.
Marble is a timeless material that exudes luxury. It has dynamic, detailed hues and is a very popular choice for homeowners in need of a high-end feel for their kitchen. Unlike granite counters, marble needs regular upkeep to maintain its beauty and durability.
Like granite, quartz are engineering countertops are durable and don't require too much maintenance. It is non-porous and doesn't need to be sealed, so scratches and stains are minimal. However, unlike granite, you should avoid placing hot items on quartz countertops or you could risk damaging them. If you like marble with white and gray vein movements, quartz countertops is your best choice.
No kitchen remodeling project would be complete without installing new cabinets. At Stone City Kitchen & Bath, our experienced craftsmen have created and installed hundreds of new cabinets. We know that deciding on your new kitchen cabinets' material, finish, and style can be hard. That's why we're here to help every step of the way!
Our team has the tools, training, and experience to help you choose the best cabinets for your kitchen. We'll consider your current kitchen layout, your color preferences, and more to provide personalized options for your project. And when it's time to install your new cabinets, you can rest assured we'll get the job done right at a price you can afford.
When it comes to kitchen remodeling in Nexton, SC installing new kitchen cabinets is a great idea. If you're already upgrading or replacing your kitchen countertops, having new cabinets that match the aesthetics of your kitchen makeover is a no-brainer.
At Stone City KB, we believe that everyone deserves an elegant, versatile kitchen with stunning cabinetry. That's why our team will work closely with you to discover the material, texture, and style of cabinets you're craving. Once we do, we handle all the heavy lifting, including cabinet design and installation in your home.
So, why should you install new kitchen cabinets alongside your countertops? Here are just a few reasons:
Many customers install new kitchen cabinets because they're already remodeling their kitchen and need their cabinets to match the aesthetics of their updated space. Do you want your kitchen to feel more open and airier? Do you have specific lifestyle requirements that necessitate a particular cabinet material? Our kitchen cabinet experts can help you find the perfect cabinet setup for your needs.
Having a uniform aesthetic throughout your kitchen and home is important. But from a practical standpoint, new kitchen cabinets often mean more kitchen storage. That's a big deal for families, especially when younger children are involved. If you find that your countertops are magnets for clutter, new cabinetry can help remove the mess and stress less. The more storage your kitchen has, the easier it will be to use your kitchen for cooking and entertaining.
Take a few moments and check out the bones of your current cabinets. Low-quality, cheap cabinets are often a turnoff for potential buyers. If you plan on selling your home in the next few years, one of the best ways to boost resale value is with new cabinetry.
Is it a pain in the side to cook in your kitchen? Whether it's due to clutter, design, or something else, many of our customers want new cabinets so that their kitchen is functional again. New cabinets give you more storage, as mentioned above, but they can also make your kitchen more functional, depending on design and remodeling preferences. If you love to cook for your family and get-togethers, investing in new kitchen cabinets can help you do more of what you love.
Whether you're looking to "wow" a new client or work colleague or just want to make your neighbors a little jealous, upgrading your kitchen cabinets is a great way to do so. Of course, first impressions have always mattered, but particularly so in real estate. When the time comes to sell your home, having custom cabinets and countertops in your kitchen can set you apart from other sellers.
Here at Stone City Kitchen & Bath, we specialize in custom kitchen countertops and cabinets designed especially for you. Whether you've been dreaming of traditional wood cabinets or need sleek, elegant granite countertops, we've got you covered. We are committed to affordable options while holding true to our craftsmanship and skills, providing customers with the best kitchen renovations in South Carolina.
If you're looking for the largest selection and the best prices, visit our showroom or contact us today. You've worked hard to make your home special, so why not your kitchen too? From design to installation, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
The company that’s building out a master-planned community in Berkeley County that’s as large as the Charleston peninsula is set to come under new ownership.California-based Brookfield Residential announced this week that it is acquiring Newland, the developer of the 5,000-acre mixed-use Nexton neighborhood between Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 176 near Summerville.The sale of San Diego-based Newland, which is involved in 20 large master-planned projects around the country, is expected to be finalized June 1....
The company that’s building out a master-planned community in Berkeley County that’s as large as the Charleston peninsula is set to come under new ownership.
California-based Brookfield Residential announced this week that it is acquiring Newland, the developer of the 5,000-acre mixed-use Nexton neighborhood between Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 176 near Summerville.
The sale of San Diego-based Newland, which is involved in 20 large master-planned projects around the country, is expected to be finalized June 1.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
A Nexton spokeswoman declined to comment on the pending sale.
“No major, significant operational changes are expected,” said Brookfield spokeswoman Krista Ellingson.
She said the company’s specialty is supplying homes and lots in constrained real estate markets such as Charleston, where a scarcity of homes on the market has dropped to less than a one-month supply, triggering bidding wars and pushing up prices.
“We just aren’t a homebuilder, we invest in land to build homes and sell to homebuilders,” Ellingson said. “We want to show our partners that we are in it with them.”
Bob McLeod, Newland’s executive chairman, said the Brookfield deal “will provide more opportunities for the continued development of additional mixed-use masterplans well into the future as well as give us significant additional vertical development opportunities.”
As of this week, Nexton has 1,266 occupied single-family homes in four subdivisions — Brighton Park, Del Webb, Midtown and North Creek. About 200 more are under development within the neighborhoods.
Nexton also has about 900 finished apartments in three complexes, with another 600 rental units on the way.
When build-out is completed in about 10 years, Nexton will have about 7,000 residences with about 17,500 residents. That will make it roughly equal to the current populations of Moncks Corner and Georgetown combined.
Brookfield Residential currently has no real estate operations in the Palmetto State. The Newland acquisition will expand its footprint to eight new markets, including Charleston, Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington in the Carolinas, and five other areas where both companies have projects in the works.
Last year, Brookfield’s revenue from home and land sales was $1.74 billion, about $200 million less than in 2019, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the company’s annual report.
During the first three months of 2021, total revenue topped $444 million, about 30 percent more than the first quarter last year, when the coronavirus began to spread throughout the overall economy.
Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Brookfield Residential is part of Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management, which oversees investment totaling $600 billion and is headquartered in Toronto.
Newland oversees the development of the Nexton tract for North America Sekisui House LLC. NASH, a subsidiary of Japan’s largest homebuilder, bought the property in 2017 from paper maker WestRock Co.’s former real estate division for $90 million.
Ample servings of Champagne coupled with a coastal poolside ambiance served as a fitting backdrop to a favorable economic forecast report during an April 4 Nexton luncheon attended by several local realtors at a sun-splashed Midtown Club in Summerville.Following a brief synopsis of Nexton’s recent sales and continued growth as a “third job center” in the Charleston market, the mixed-use development’s marketing coordinator Alicia Smith introduced South Carolina Ports Authority Business Development Manager Marion...
Ample servings of Champagne coupled with a coastal poolside ambiance served as a fitting backdrop to a favorable economic forecast report during an April 4 Nexton luncheon attended by several local realtors at a sun-splashed Midtown Club in Summerville.
Following a brief synopsis of Nexton’s recent sales and continued growth as a “third job center” in the Charleston market, the mixed-use development’s marketing coordinator Alicia Smith introduced South Carolina Ports Authority Business Development Manager Marion Bull to the podium, as he delved into his group’s efforts of recruiting business activity to the Lowcountry.
The guest speaker sang the praises of Nexton — which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as a destination venue in the Summerville community — for its role in providing housing for incoming employees of national and global firms seeking to establish a presence in the Charleston region.
Moving forward, Bull anticipates Nexton continuing to offer corporations an attractive option for its staffers as a source of housing, employment and an ever-expanding array of amenities with new industry emerging in the Jedburg area of Summerville, as well as Ridgeville in the very near future.
“When they want to live somewhere with, you know, a high quality of life that’s affordable, this is a place where business leaders can feel comfortable locating their businesses here,” began the Mount Pleasant resident.
“South Carolina has done a fantastic job as a state, [and] not just as a port, in recruiting business. [We had] $10 billion in investment last year. I think the largest previous year was $3 billion or so. It’s a huge number for our economic development in the state of South Carolina and some of it has happened right here.”
Bull detailed that South Carolina Ports drives about $63 billion in economic impact statewide, with about $8 billion of it emanating from the Lowcountry. In fact, about 30,000 jobs are either directly or indirectly linked to port activity in the immediate surrounding zone — a number that he anticipates will “dramatically” increase due to investments by Volvo, Walmart, Mercedes-Benz and the like.
Luncheon attendees were also treated to a breakdown of expectations for the real estate market in 2023 by President of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR) Katesha Breland.
The Charleston-born real estate broker noted the Charleston region’s remarkable 25 percent population growth over the past decade, along with a 17 percent spurt of newcomers in Summerville over that same 10-year stretch.
“We see changes in our local culture, our restaurant scene, our retail opportunities, and of course, we feel it in our traffic as well,” she stated.
“The local economy is booming. The Nexton development offers something that Summerville residents hadn’t seen before, an intentionally-developed masterplan community that gives residents the ease and opportunity to live, work and play right in their backyards ... that’s just what Nexton does. They haven’t built a neighborhood, they’ve built a community. While local media doesn’t always like to focus on the positives of our real estate market, there’s plenty of good news I can share with you,” added Breland without referencing any specific news media outlet.
On that note, the CTAR leader communicated that closed property sales were down in 2022 by 18 percent, but compared to 2019, that total was actually up six percent.
Breland further spoke of a healthy, sustainable pace of growth, as the overall median sales price increased 14 percent, single-family home prices surged 12 percent and townhouse/condos similarly saw a 22 percent uptick.
Summerville and Moncks Corner, in particular, were two of the top areas in terms of home sales in 2022.
“We expect sales will remain at the pace we’re seeing now, which is a good, healthy pace. Prices will also increase likely at a slower pace than we’ve been seeing. But that’s good news for buyers who are challenged by the affordability of our region.”
Breland concluded her address by lauding Nexton for its development of a wide range of home options (single-family, townhouses, rentals, etc.) and a variety of price points for prospective residents.
Smith topped off the information session by filling in listeners on the imminent additions of Harris Teeter and Publix retail outposts in the Nexton area in Q1 of 2024 and Q2 of 2024 respectively.
Also mentioned were the opening of Pickle Bar, as well as a new hospital and middle school site that are both in the works.
Connoisseurs of rare and/or vintage vehicles are welcome to partake in The ARK of SC’s second-annual Car Show on March 25 at 201 Sigma Drive in Nexton. The free, family-friendly event features food, coffee, prizes, along with a slew of classic automobiles.Participants are invited to enter all makes and models for a $25 donation by March 24 in order to qualify for one of many awards on hand at the weekend extravaganza.“The Car Show allows us to host a community event where we can meet people and raise awareness for o...
Connoisseurs of rare and/or vintage vehicles are welcome to partake in The ARK of SC’s second-annual Car Show on March 25 at 201 Sigma Drive in Nexton. The free, family-friendly event features food, coffee, prizes, along with a slew of classic automobiles.
Participants are invited to enter all makes and models for a $25 donation by March 24 in order to qualify for one of many awards on hand at the weekend extravaganza.
“The Car Show allows us to host a community event where we can meet people and raise awareness for our critical mission,” said The ARK’s Executive Director Peg Lahmeyer. “We understand the stresses that come with being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s, and we work to ensure that those caregivers know that they are not alone.”
Monies raised at the event will support the organization’s goal of providing hope and relief to families coping with Alzheimer’s Disease or related forms of dementia.
A corresponding press release from the non-profit details that there are currently more than 95,000 South Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 199,000 family members and friends providing care for them, per The Alzheimer’s Association. Also in South Carolina, 12.1 percent of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that affects memory, awareness, social conversation, and speech.
The Summerville-based ARK of SC furnishes community members with services, such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops and support groups.
Areas serviced include Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties, along with Harleyville and Summerville.
For more information, visit at https://bit.ly/ARKcarshow.
All of the maple trees of the world belong to a genus which has been named “Acer.” There are well over 100 different species, and practically all of them are native to the northern hemisphere.
Maples play an important role in various ecological settings and forest types, and several species have considerable economic value. For instance, there is sugar maple, from which maple syrup comes. Maybe that’s the best example. Otherwise, the wood of different maples is useful traditionally in making musical instruments, bowling pins (although I can’t imagine that some sort of plastic is now more commonly used for them), and just good for carving, too. Oh right, and also baseball bats.
Maples are some of the most attractive canopy species in temperate forests, especially in the autumn, with really colorful foliage, one of the big reasons to spend time driving around in the mountains around here at “peak” season.
All maples are what we say are dioecious. This is a term we’ve used before, and it refers to a species whose individual plants are either staminate (“male”) and producing pollen, or pistillate (“female”), producing seeds. The leaves are always opposite, that is, two at a time on a twig. The leaves are simple, with a single blade, and usually equipped with lobes, most of the time angular, and often toothed. Think of the maple leaf on the Canadian flag. Or maybe a Japanese maple. The fruits are distinctive, and they are called “samaras”: each is equipped with an elongated wing which allows it to helicopter through the air once dropped.
Our Mystery Plant is a maple, but a bit of an oddball: its leaves are compound, with three leaflets. The twigs are green. It’s a tree which is frequent in most of the eastern USA, and it is generally found in damp forests.
And now, for some true confessions. Those of you who have ever gone on one of my botany field trips will remember that I am fond of being naughty with my students at times…I’ve enjoyed teasing them occasionally with little snippets of botany humor. I have, I shall admit, used our Mystery Plant as one of these subjects, announcing to the gathered class that this tree is an example of the astounding “POISON-IVY TREE”! And that the kids need but to gaze upon its fearsome trunk and bright green “let-it-be” foliage to know and tremble!
Of course, and as we have learned, our Mystery Plant has foliage which does look a lot like that of poison ivy. But poison ivy is never a tree … it often grows on trees, however, and large vines of it with their horizontally spreading stems can make it look like a tree itself. If you are fond of hikes in the woods, it’s a good idea to be confident about knowing what is and what is not poison ivy: mistakes involving its identifications can cause serious torment, if you are susceptible to its biochemical power. Our Mystery Plant, though, shouldn’t cause any problems.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
All of the maple trees of the world belong to a genus which has been named “Acer.” There are well over 100 different species, and practically all of them are native to the northern hemisphere.Maples play an important role in various ecological settings and forest types, and several species have considerable economic value. For instance, there is sugar maple, from which maple syrup comes. Maybe that’s the best example. Otherwise, the wood of different maples is useful traditionally in making musical instruments, bowli...
All of the maple trees of the world belong to a genus which has been named “Acer.” There are well over 100 different species, and practically all of them are native to the northern hemisphere.
Maples play an important role in various ecological settings and forest types, and several species have considerable economic value. For instance, there is sugar maple, from which maple syrup comes. Maybe that’s the best example. Otherwise, the wood of different maples is useful traditionally in making musical instruments, bowling pins (although I can’t imagine that some sort of plastic is now more commonly used for them), and just good for carving, too. Oh right, and also baseball bats.
Maples are some of the most attractive canopy species in temperate forests, especially in the autumn, with really colorful foliage, one of the big reasons to spend time driving around in the mountains around here at “peak” season.
All maples are what we say are dioecious. This is a term we’ve used before, and it refers to a species whose individual plants are either staminate (“male”) and producing pollen, or pistillate (“female”), producing seeds. The leaves are always opposite, that is, two at a time on a twig. The leaves are simple, with a single blade, and usually equipped with lobes, most of the time angular, and often toothed. Think of the maple leaf on the Canadian flag. Or maybe a Japanese maple. The fruits are distinctive, and they are called “samaras”: each is equipped with an elongated wing which allows it to helicopter through the air once dropped.
Our Mystery Plant is a maple, but a bit of an oddball: its leaves are compound, with three leaflets. The twigs are green. It’s a tree which is frequent in most of the eastern USA, and it is generally found in damp forests.
And now, for some true confessions. Those of you who have ever gone on one of my botany field trips will remember that I am fond of being naughty with my students at times…I’ve enjoyed teasing them occasionally with little snippets of botany humor. I have, I shall admit, used our Mystery Plant as one of these subjects, announcing to the gathered class that this tree is an example of the astounding “POISON-IVY TREE”! And that the kids need but to gaze upon its fearsome trunk and bright green “let-it-be” foliage to know and tremble!
Of course, and as we have learned, our Mystery Plant has foliage which does look a lot like that of poison ivy. But poison ivy is never a tree … it often grows on trees, however, and large vines of it with their horizontally spreading stems can make it look like a tree itself. If you are fond of hikes in the woods, it’s a good idea to be confident about knowing what is and what is not poison ivy: mistakes involving its identifications can cause serious torment, if you are susceptible to its biochemical power. Our Mystery Plant, though, shouldn’t cause any problems.
John Nelson is the retired curator of the Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or email johnbnelson@sc.rr.com.
The master-planned Nexton community will soon become a medical destination for Berkeley County.Medical University of South Carolina has proposed a $130 million hospital within the Summerville community. The 128-patient bed facility will include four operating rooms, eight labor and delivery rooms, diagnostic testing and imaging, and emergency services, MUSC Health Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Bacik ...
The master-planned Nexton community will soon become a medical destination for Berkeley County.
Medical University of South Carolina has proposed a $130 million hospital within the Summerville community. The 128-patient bed facility will include four operating rooms, eight labor and delivery rooms, diagnostic testing and imaging, and emergency services, MUSC Health Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Bacik said.
“A large percentage of our current patients originate from Berkeley County, and this is going to really allow our patients to have access within our communities,” Bacik said. “It’s not a surprise to anyone that the growth has outpaced some of the infrastructure.”
MUSC has asked the state for approval to build the community hospital through a certificate of need.
The build is expected to take two and a half years.
Nexton’s Vice President of Operations Brent Gibadlo said a hospital offers a service to the surrounding areas and residents because health care options have become a growing priority for homebuyers.
“There are certain basic things that are important for everyone that don’t change,” he said. “Certainly good schools if people have children and then good health care options. So having a world-class hospital in close proximity is always a wonderful compliment to a community."
Downtown Charleston’s MUSC campus will remain the hub for the educational hospital, while the Nexton campus will book end it with satellite campuses and ambulatory services in between, Bacik said.
“We’re full downtown, and we need to make sure that we can continue to have access to those more acute patients,” Bacik said. “It’s really about getting the patients the right level of care at the right place.”
The need for a community hospital in Berkeley County is critical, said Dr. Dave Zaas, CEO of the Charleston division of MUSC. The hospital’s co-location in Nexton will help with the area’s continued growth.
“That is a lot of our strategy not just in tri-county but around the state,” he said. “Not only delivering the highest quality ... but more convenient and ideally at a lower cost. I think that drives our ambulatory growth as well as our statewide strategy.”
Gibadlo said Nexton is just starting to explore the possibilities with MUSC and its idea of community health care, of being more proactive and going out into the community to initiate health and wellness programs. Preventative care could then decrease the need for hospital visits.
“We’ve had conversations with MUSC on how to incorporate some of those programs into Nexton,” Gibadlo said. “That’s everything from community gardens to community fitness programs to even potential opportunities for some of the coordination between MUSC and some of the companies at Nexton.”
Other suggestions include incorporating companies’ health care programs through MUSC and creating wellness programs employees can participate in.
Bacik is already excited for both caregivers and patients because she believes the best care is delivered conveniently to patients, many of whom come from across the state.
“A lot of our patients and staff travel to the peninsula today to receive care or to care for our patients ... so if they could receive care 30 minutes closer, that’s a benefit for the communities as well,” Bacik said.
Gibadlo is going on 13 years at Nexton and said there is has another 13 or 14 years left in the business plan. He still remembers those early years, though, sitting in a Welcome Center trailer praying that builders and homebuyers would think outside the box.
Convincing people to give Nexton a chance was hard a decade ago given the location.
Over time, Gibadlo has found that if he pushes the envelope to create value, the innovation is well-received.
“I think the potential for Nexton is really evolving continuously. What we used to think was possible we’ve exceeded now. Maybe we can take it another step,” he said. “A hospital was something we only dreamed about 10 years ago. Now that’s happening.”
Nexton now receives calls almost daily from groups, retailers and home builders who want to create something exciting at the community. Gibadlo said the biggest challenge is prioritizing. If he reacts to every call, he risks losing focus of the long-term vision that Nexton is systematically moving through.
“At the same time, you have to be flexible enough that if you get a call, like from MUSC, you change track a little bit because that’s a great opportunity,” he said.
A community with a master plan allowed Gibadlo and his team to be deliberate about adding a hospital. They could look at the map of the 5,000 acres to find a plot that was accessible, wouldn’t disrupt homeowners with traffic and had surrounding space for businesses the hospital could bring in. Gibadlo believes they will come.
As an educational institution, MUSC’s research and development could lead to job opportunities and potential spin-off businesses, he said.
Together, Gibadlo and his team’s vision for Nexton stem from a love for the region. He knows, however, that with any growth, there will inevitably be challenges. The objective then is to figure out how to make those obstacles positive.
“We look at it and say hey, we can create this employment center in the Charleston region, take some of the pressure off downtown, 526, everyone commuting and bring some of the great things that people love about this region from a quality of life and bring them to another location that can spread them out a little bit,” he said. “Maybe we can play a small role in helping this region continue to be a great place to live. At the heart of it, that’s what motivates us every day.”