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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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 West Ashley, 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.
West Ashley, the area across the Ashley River from peninsular Charleston, offers a change of pace from some of downtown’s more tourist-centric areas of town. Home to more than 40 percent of the city’s population, the area boasts parks, restaurants, breweries and shopping catered to locals.ExploreKnown to some as the “birthplace of South Carolina,” West Ashley is home to the well-preserved colonial village, Ch...
West Ashley, the area across the Ashley River from peninsular Charleston, offers a change of pace from some of downtown’s more tourist-centric areas of town. Home to more than 40 percent of the city’s population, the area boasts parks, restaurants, breweries and shopping catered to locals.
Known to some as the “birthplace of South Carolina,” West Ashley is home to the well-preserved colonial village, Charlestowne Landing. The 184-acre state park off of Old Towne Road offers an opportunity to explore both the city and the state’s modern origins. With walking trails, marsh views and a small zoo, the state park is a site visitors and locals alike can visit multiple times for different experiences.
For the active set, West Ashley is home to Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club and bowling alley Ashley Lanes. Get practice on your swing at Charleston Golf, a combined golf simulator and bar.
Get a breath of fresh air on the 7.8 mile West Ashley Greenway which starts at U.S. Highway 17 and Wappoo Road and ends at Higgins Pier where anglers can cast a line. There’s another opportunity to fish off of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard at Northbridge Park.
For a different scenic walk, meander via boardwalk through marshes and coastal forest at the Stono River County Park in outer West Ashley.
Unlike other areas of the city, West Ashley is home to some large-scale retail spaces that make it an ideal place for furniture stores and other specialty shops.
Residents don’t have to go far to furnish a home with pieces from both local shops and national chains. Some local favorites include Charleston Amish Furniture, Hausful and Warehouse 61.
Consign Charleston offers seemingly endless rows of second hand furniture, clothing and other treasures. The warehouse setting and fun mix of oldies music make it an ideal environment to spend an entire afternoon browsing for unique finds.
Further down U.S. Highway 17, more warehouse-style retail spaces offer a variety of maritime stores for the city’s boaters. Choose from Hankel Marine, West Marine and Seel’s Outboard among others.
In West Ashley, residents and visitors alike can start their day at local coffee shops like Second State Coffee which provides unique seasonal offerings like jasmine lattes in the summer, or Highfalutin Coffee Roasters has a rotating menu of international coffees from nearly every continent.
For more sustenance, New Orleans-style brunch is served at Ruby Sunshine daily. For a French flair, check out La Bonne Franquette’s brunch on weekends.
Those in a hurry can grab an authentic East Coast bagel from Blazing Star Cafe or make a stop at the Bigby Coffee drive-thru.
When lunch time rolls around, West Ashley delivers a bevy of barbecue options. Swig & Swine, Home Team BBQ and Bessingers Barbecue all have outposts in the area. But vegetarians have options, too. Stop at Dellzville for vegan eats including a pizza topped with edible flowers.
For sandwiches try the fried chicken at Boxcar Betty’s or a Chicken Charleston from East Bay Deli. Mellow Mushroom or Paisano’s Pizza Grill will satisfy a pizza craving too.
Spend the afternoon drinking local beers at breweries including Frothy Beard Brewing Company on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, Charlestowne Fermentory’s two locations and Edisto River Brewing Company in outer West Ashley.
Dinner and drinks take many forms in West Ashley. Avondale Wine & Cheese offers a lengthy wine list accompanied by charcuterie and tapas. Across the street, Triangle Char & Bar offers a more laid vibe with beers and bar bites. Further down the road, The Glass Onion serves up authentic southern soul food with menu items like shrimp and grits, gumbo and red rice.
Casual drinks are served at favorite Avondale watering holes Gene’s Haufbrau, and The Roost Bar ’n Grille. Near the Shadowmoss neighborhood try House of Brews and for live music head to Tin Roof on Magnolia Road.
Supermarket, El Molino offers all specialty ingredients needed for a Latin meal including homemade tortillas. But there’s always the option to bail on cooking last minute and order the street tacos they make in-house.
The City of Charleston Community Development Commission met Thursday to discuss the development of the old Piggly Wiggly lot on Sumar Street in West Ashley.CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Charleston Community Development Commission discussed the development of the old Piggly Wiggly lot on Sumar Street Thursday night for the first time since last month after a city council meeting deferred discussions due to ...
The City of Charleston Community Development Commission met Thursday to discuss the development of the old Piggly Wiggly lot on Sumar Street in West Ashley.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Charleston Community Development Commission discussed the development of the old Piggly Wiggly lot on Sumar Street Thursday night for the first time since last month after a city council meeting deferred discussions due to a split vote.
The meeting lasted for three hours as commissioners argued back and forth, with some advocating for green space to be the focus, and others wanting the project to focus on revitalization.
City officials and the public were asked for their input on three different proposals last month, with the first option including underground parking, outdoor areas and a civic building.
Option one was the most popular with 72% of the community in favor of the design, yet approval failed in a split decision vote by the city council.
“I just want to say I’m a little surprised and disappointed that it seems like the politicians are just not listening to the residents of West Ashley,” community member Sharon Gardner says.
Thursday’s meeting was set with plans of potential action for the project, but after hours of heated discussion, the only decision made was to develop another proposal with a design only including civic building and green space.
“I think we need to develop another option,” Charleston City Councilmember, William Dudley Gregorie, says. “We need to develop another option that is green space, and municipal space, and let the people of West Ashley take a look at that.”
The motion was made even after dozens of members of the public continued to push for option one.
“Having something in our community to allow us to gather is very important,” West Ashley resident William Tinkler says. “I’ve talked with many people in the last couple of months, and I can tell that people in West Ashley, they want action; they want something done now.”
Although the meeting was held by the Charleston Community Development Commission, almost every member of the Charleston City Council joined, saying no project in the city’s history has had this large of a public response.
“Approach this effort in this project through the lens of West Ashley revitalization,” councilmember Ross Appel says. “We need to find a way to jumpstart the economy of West Ashley; because let’s face it, West Ashley does lag behind other parts of the city and other parts of the region.”
Unless one voting member changes their mind, at this rate the decision will simply remain split.
Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg himself is on the side of economic growth.
“If we approve it, we would be able to move forward and get something going, that includes the multi-uses that respectfully many hundreds of our citizens weigh in upon over the last few years,” Tecklenburg says. “It’s a good option; it will revitalize the West Ashley, it’s a good way to go”
A community member who has been involved in the process says this is the nineteenth meeting on the development in the last six years.
Robert Mitchell, Perry Waring, William Dudley Gregorie and Caroline Parker were in favor of Thursday’s motion to develop another proposal with design only including civic building and green space. Mayor John Tecklenburg, Ross Appel and Jason Sakran were opposed.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Big plans are approved for an affordable housing complex in West Ashley. The news sparked excitement among some neighbors, but concerns about traffic and the location as well.The city’s housing department, council members and neighbors agree, affordable housing is a need in West Ashley. But the development does come with a lot of planning and factors to consider when approving a plan.City of Charleston District 2 Councilmember Kevin Shealy says he initially did not support a 2020 zone change of t...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Big plans are approved for an affordable housing complex in West Ashley. The news sparked excitement among some neighbors, but concerns about traffic and the location as well.
The city’s housing department, council members and neighbors agree, affordable housing is a need in West Ashley. But the development does come with a lot of planning and factors to consider when approving a plan.
City of Charleston District 2 Councilmember Kevin Shealy says he initially did not support a 2020 zone change of the property from general business to diverse residential.
“At that time and in 2020, there was a there was an office building sitting there and it’s actually a good location for an office building because people may not have to drive downtown to go to work. They can work and live in the same place which fits in with the West Ashley Revitalization,” Shealy says.
In March of 2023, the planning commission approved initial design plans for the complex. Shealy says he is an advocate for affordable housing, but wants to make sure it’s being put in practical places.
Jerry Gray, who has lived in the area for about 15 years, thinks incoming affordable housing is good news.
“Charleston can be the land of opportunity for a lot of people. And it’s also a window of opportunity for people who want to start out. So having some level of affordable housing where people can start out, start building an American Dream is critical for any neighborhood,” Gray says.
While he says he’s excited about the complex and the opportunities it can bring, he admits that traffic does cross his mind when a project like this is approved.
“Highway 61, we want to keep it as a scenic road. So yeah, traffic would be a problem and a consideration but again, there’s work around for that,” Gray says.
Shealy says he also worries about traffic for people who live in his district. He explains that the South Carolina Department of Transportation grades state roads on a scale from A to F.
“Ashley River Road during peak times grade is an E, and it’s very close to an F. And it probably will be one day unless we can do something about those roads. Hopefully we get some help from the state, state or county and maybe they can help with traffic flowing,” Shealy says.
Gray referenced how widening Glenn McConnell Parkway and the development of Bees Ferry Road has created a connector between areas and will solve some of the traffic woes.
“So those things can be overcome with good planning,” Gray believes.
Shealy says he wants to see hard workers in Charleston like firefighters, police officers and teachers live and enjoy the same area where they work.
“We need affordable housing in the right locations. Live work and play. That’s kind of what the West Ashley revitalization idea said. But that’s also a reason for us to make sure we have commercial properties out in West Ashley out in the western part of West Ashley so that everybody’s not driving to downtown, causing these traffic congestions,” Shealy says.
Shealy says while he initially did not approve of the housing complex, now that it’s on its way, he is dedicated to making sure it fits into the neighborhood.
Gray says he is excited to see more people enjoying the area and hopes the city does its due diligence incorporating plans for runoff, traffic and other aspects of development in the plans.
To learn more about the details of the complex, click here.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Shane Melton, who lives in West Ashley, received a big surprise during what should have been a routine visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles.CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Shane Melton, who lives in West Ashley, received a big surprise during what should have been a routine visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles.Melton learned he is a dead man walking.“There’s just nothing I can do,” he says.The Social Security Administration incorrectly declared him dead, he says. He discovered this when he we...
Shane Melton, who lives in West Ashley, received a big surprise during what should have been a routine visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Shane Melton, who lives in West Ashley, received a big surprise during what should have been a routine visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Melton learned he is a dead man walking.
“There’s just nothing I can do,” he says.
The Social Security Administration incorrectly declared him dead, he says. He discovered this when he went to renew his driver’s license. Instead, he was shuffled into a back room and was accused of impersonating a dead man and stealing his identity, Melton says.
“They started interrogating me saying I was deceased and told me they’re going to call the cops on me,” he says. “They confiscated my ID, so I left.”
Melton says this initially didn’t seem like a major issue, but then he was laid off from his job.
“This has upended our entire lives,” his wife, Morgan Key, says.
Because the government considers him dead, Melton says companies won’t hire him. The family even had to move in with his parents to cut costs.
“He’s done interviews, job interviews, and everything,” Key says. “He’s doing everything that he can to get that job but they just can’t hire him legally.”
Being incorrectly declared dead can cause a lengthy list of problems, according to attorney Mark Bringardner.
“That’s going to prevent you from being able to take out a loan, apply for a job, pass any sort of background check, and your credit score will instantly go to zero,” he says. “So, that will present a whole host of challenges that can’t be fixed overnight and will take several months, if not longer, to fix between submitting the paperwork to the social security administration, as well as the credit score company to restore your credit.”
This issue is not uncommon, Bringardner says.
“It’s estimated this happens between 6,000 to 12,000 times a year or more, so that’s roughly 20 to 30 people a day,” he says. “Usually that occurs because of a clerical error at the Social Security Administration office, a hospital, a doctor’s office, or somebody filling out a form incorrectly and checking the wrong box.”
Catching and correcting the problem quickly is key, Bringardner says.
“Anyone who’s been wrongfully declared dead by the social security administration should contact them immediately and try to submit the paperwork,” he says.
But Melton says he’s gone to the social security office three times with various paperwork. He says the issue is the items the Social Security Administration can use to prove he’s alive either require a valid ID to obtain, like a passport or certified medical records, or only apply to certain people, such as military records or a church membership.
Melton says he doesn’t have an ID, any of the other documents or a path forward—leaving him frustrated and trying to fix what seems like an unfixable mistake he didn’t make.
“It can happen to anybody,” he says. “I never thought it would happen to me until I go to the DMV one day and boom, I’m dead. There’s nothing I can do about it. I didn’t cause the problem and they’re pretty much making me fix the problem when it’s impossible fix.”
The Social Security Administration did not respond to a request for comment.
Some additional advice from Bringardner: make sure you’re periodically checking your credit report to ensure this same mistake hasn’t happened to you. If it does, be prepared to involve a lawyer to help sort things out, especially your credit.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Some members of Charleston City Council squealed when they saw the price for reviving a dead pig.And apparently they aren’t hog wild about any of the other options, either.That leaves the fate of West Ashley’s Sumar Street redevelopment plan murky for another week, and that’s too bad. Because this is more important than some folks realize.You see, the trajectory of revitalization in the biggest area of Charleston hinges on this decision. Not that you’d know it from council’s response....
Some members of Charleston City Council squealed when they saw the price for reviving a dead pig.
And apparently they aren’t hog wild about any of the other options, either.
That leaves the fate of West Ashley’s Sumar Street redevelopment plan murky for another week, and that’s too bad. Because this is more important than some folks realize.
You see, the trajectory of revitalization in the biggest area of Charleston hinges on this decision. Not that you’d know it from council’s response.
Back in April, several council members said $45 million was way too much to spend on a redevelopment of the three-acre site of that old Piggly Wiggly off Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.
Which is kind of on-brand for the city’s historical treatment of West Ashley.
A little background: The city bought the site of the former grocery store years ago, at the demand of local residents, to keep it from becoming a convenience store. People who live in the area argued that the property, as the gateway to the city’s largest population hub, deserved something more substantial.
So the city contracted with a developer who came up with a design for West Ashley’s first significant municipal services building, along with neighborhood meeting space, a public park and some room for small businesses and restaurants.
Which, not coincidentally, is exactly what surveys showed West Ashley residents want there.
So that’s what architects designed … along with underground parking to make the most of a tight space. But evidently that seemed too extravagant for a part of town that doesn’t even rate a Logan’s or Bonefish Grill.
Council members demanded the developer give them some more, uh, cost-effective options.
Well, a City Council committee saw the cheaper options on Monday … and didn’t have much to say. Probably because they also saw how public opinion is running on this.
At a packed-house public meeting last week, residents were given three choices. 1) The current design. 2) The same development, only smaller, with a multistory parking deck that might save $8 million to $9 million … but unsurprisingly eats up much of the open space. 3) A development with about one-third the building space and a huge surface parking lot.
The results were telling: 72% voted to stick with the underground parking. Charles Smith, a member of the West Ashley Revitalization Commission since its inception, says there’s a reason for so much community unanimity these days.
“We have accepted less than the best for long enough,” Smith says. “This is a gateway project that sets the bar for everything that comes after it.”
He’s right, and here’s an example. Right now, the owner of Ashley Landing Shopping Center — which sits next to the Sumar Street site — is planning to move its Publix into the strip center across the parking lot and replace the grocery store with apartments.
Residents rightly worry about the developer getting all that right for the neighborhood. The city, Smith says, needs to set the example.
“How can we ask that developer to bring their A-game to that site if we’re not willing to bring our A-game next door?”
Yep. And all this will have a cascading effect down Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and along Savannah Highway. Smith notes the West Ashley Revitalization Commission understands the area is destined for more urban-level density, but would like to keep it in the areas currently covered in old, needing-to-be-replaced strip malls.
You know, instead of building them farther out and adding to everyone’s commute.
But some folks on council, which never blinks at spending twice as much on grout for the Italian marble at the Gaillard, are trying to be cheap here.
And it all seems to revolve around the difference in cost for underground parking versus a parking garage. But it’s not that big a deal.
The city’s portion of this redevelopment would be paid for with parking revenue and tax-increment financing — the same model considered for the infrastructure at Union Pier’s redevelopment. Can you imagine asking downtown residents to accept a cheaper alternative?
“You’d get laughed out of the room,” Smith notes.
Well, Charleston’s biggest population center deserves no less.
The council’s Committee on Real Estate heard the options on Monday, but didn’t recommend one plan over another. The usually plain-spoken council members didn’t really say much of anything that suggested how they feel about this latest development. What’s that mean?
Well, it means the showdown at next week’s City Council meeting could go any number of ways.
But you can bet if they send the developer back to the drawing board, literally, it will only bolster the perception that Charleston’s biggest community is considered its least important.
And that’s why we can’t have nice things.