June 26th, 2009 by Currie
Actually, it might be every sixty years according to some mysteriouse mother nature calendar, but Charleston South Carolina has blooming century plants. These exotic plants look like they belong on some distant dessert planet, but you can spot them all over town. This crazy bloom (pictured below) is on Coming Street at the Crosstown.
Exotic Century Plant in Bloom, Charleston, Sc
A native of Mexico, the century plant is so named based on the belief that it bloomed once every 100 years. Botanists say it’s more like 60 years here in the northern latitudes. So much energy is expended in the growth spurt that the main plant generally dies when it’s completed.Indigenous cultures used sap from the Agave americana for medicinal purposes. Its seeds were ground to make flour for bread, and the pulp from its leaves was used to make beer and tequila.
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June 24th, 2009 by Currie
Just a short walk up Cannon and down King and I can have dinner at Hall’s Chop House. I was very skeptical about the place, because I don’t really consider myself the steak house type. HOWEVER, I liked it so much the first time, I needed to go back within the week? That makes it blog worthy. The prices are a bit of an adjustment…but…the quality of the steak is enough to reduce the sticker shock dramatically. Hall’s is a bit of a splurge, but well worth it. It is also loaded with ambiance, and the service is over the top! Make sure to order the Hall’s house salad, it has black eyed peas. Last night they even had a live blues pianist. You can check out the menu on the website www.hallschophouse.com Hall’s Chop House is without question the home of Charleston’s best steak, but is also in the running for Charleston’s best restaurant.
Great Steaks on Upper King at Hall's
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June 15th, 2009 by Currie
Ok, so I finally made it to Shine on Saturday night and I have to say that my expectations were definitely exceeded. I went with a friend from L.A. and was excited about showing off my new neighborhood hot spot and at the same time was worried that it might be a flop. The opposite was true, the whole place was very cool. The decor, the drinks, the food, and the crowd even the DJ was fun and hip and relaxing at the same time. We had a Saki based drink and then switched to red wine followed with the special, lamb curry which was delicious. Shine has my vote for best bar in Charleston. I don’t want to necessarily shout that from the rooftops however because it was difficult as it was to get a seat at the bar.
Shine's multi chandeliered dining room
Shine's Green Tea Sakitini
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June 11th, 2009 by Currie
Shine restaurant on the corner of King and Line St
Charleston’s best and most up and coming neighborhood has a new restaurant. Walk around the corner to Shine. Shine is located at the intersection of Line and King at the crossroads of Elliotborough, and the East side in a really lovely corner store building. The inovative and motivated owners have just included a really well received lunch menu. When driving by around 5pm or so, I have noticed a pretty happening happy hour crowd and although I have not yet been, the word on the street is that the food is yummy and there are many vegetarian menu items. If I go there this weekend as planned, I will be sure to add my comments below, and if you have tried the food, please comment also! To read the menu or find out what upcoming events they are hosting visit them online at www.shinecharleston.com
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June 10th, 2009 by Currie
I can’t believe it, finally, I will not be driving to yoga. I hate to say this because I love blue turtle and Wentworth St. is not far away, but as busy as I am, It becomes hard to justify a twenty minute walk to yoga, BUT SOON, I will only need to walk three blocks to HOT yoga. Opening soon…Charleston Power Yoga on upper King between Morris and Cannon!
Now there will soon be a yoga studio for Elliotborough!
Before
now
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June 3rd, 2009 by Currie
This Taco Boy has a lot of room to roam
Like the idea of Margaritas with a view of the bridge? Just when you thought you knew where the acceptable borders of Charleston lay, a restaurant breaks into uncharted territory.
the fantastic new Taco Boy on Huger street between King and Meeting
check out the new Taco Boy, hours and specifics online at www.tacoboy.net
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May 28th, 2009 by Currie
This Saturday, while you are checking out the all day portrait slam down at 103 Spring St, run around the corner and grab some food and drink in celebration of Fuel. Those of us who remember the gas station corner with the junk cars can really appreciate this anniversary. Fuel turned the blighted site into a downtown oasis, and opened a year ago (time flies). Since then we have had sweet potato fries, fish tacos, snow boarding, fake snow, bocce balls, and live music in our very own corner cabana. Happy Birthday Fuel, and many more! Fuel is located on the corner of Rutledge and Cannon across from the Hominy Grill. View the website online at www.fuelcharleston.com
Fuel is a full service food and drink station
Austin Dandridge/TheDigitel
Fuel restaurant celebrating one year
Fuel is throwing itself a birthday party to celebrate its first year this Saturday, May 30th.
Enjoy your Saturday on Fuel’s back patio with $5 burgers, $3 tacos, $2 Coronas, $3 Margaritas, $3 Grandma and Jager shots, and, of course, a few rounds of Bocce. Rocky Horror will be DJ’ing.
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May 28th, 2009 by Currie
This coming Saturday, May 30th from 10am-10pm, awards at 8:30, 16 artists will face off in a portrait contest at Elliotborough’s newest business Eye Level Art. The garage at 103 Spring will be the location for the artists to duke it out while onlookers root for their favorite, and judges make the final call. I can’t wait to go, especially since I will be rooting for my dad, William McCullough. Go to eyelevelart.com or Check out the following video invitation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mio7MGrIStg
Self Portrait by William McCullough
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May 28th, 2009 by Currie
I popped into Velvet Salon on Spring St. today to take advantage of their great new promotion, 80’s Wednesday means 80’s prices on hair services. This was my first visit to Velvet since the dramatic transformation and I was so amazed by how great the renovation turned out. The owner Melissa Pope had an ecco friendly mission and the beauty is just a bonus. Gorgeous bamboo and a dramatic combination of modern and antique (they even kept an original sink) make this a truly unique space. Melissa says she loves the location, she sites convenience along with neighborhood support and a young artistic vibe as well as proximity to MUSC as the Cannonborough highlights. Carrie and Amber enjoy the people watching and friendly neighbors. They point to a beautiful orchid, a gift from neighbor Tiger Lily florist. The salon is giving back to the neighborhood with a fab new idea, today’s haircuts at 80’s prices! The new promotion was like totally awesome! Back in the eighties, hair was big and prices were small. I spent thirty bucks and my hair looks better than it has since high school, if only Kirk Cameron had stopped in for a cut. For more on this great downtown Charleston salon check out their website www.velvetsaloncharleston.com
Eighties Ladies, Carrie, Melissa, and Amber at Velvet Salon
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May 25th, 2009 by Currie
The Charleston Board of Architectural Review
The Charleston Board of Architectural Review decides whether or not to permit changes to the exterior of homes in downtown Charleston South of the center of Line St. The following description from the Preservation society outlines the form and function as well as the history of the board. I recommend attending a meeting. Meetings can be entertaining, educational and sometimes even confrontational. The photo above is not representational of the current members of the Charleston B.A.R.
The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) in Charleston was established in 1931 to ensure “the preservation and protection of the old historic or architecturally worthy structures and quaint neighborhoods which impart distinct aspect to the City of Charleston, the state and the nation.”
BAR meetings are open to the public and held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 4:30 p.m., in the third floor conference room of 75 Calhoun Street. Application forms, deadlines for submissions, fees and meeting schedules may be obtained from
City of Charleston
Department of Design, Development and Preservation
75 Calhoun Street / 3rd floor
Charleston, SC 29401-3506
(843) 724-3781
Composed of seven members who are assisted by the city’s Department of Design, Development and Preservation, the BAR reviews all exterior alterations visible from any public right-of-way. The BAR’s jurisdiction encompasses all buildings in the Old and Historic District of Charleston regardless of age, including new construction. Within the Old City District (south of Line Street), the BAR has jurisdiction over buildings more than 100 years old and buildings rated as a category 1, 2 or 3 in the city’s architectural inventory.
A project must usually receive conceptual, preliminary and final approval by the BAR before work can proceed. Conceptual approval of height, scale and mass is arguably the most important approval for new construction. Some projects must come before the BAR several times before this is granted. Preliminary and final reviews are what their names imply: preliminary issues may address windows, small design issues, etc., while final approval encompasses details such as paint color, materials and craftsmanship.
HCF preservation staff review all agenda items coming to the BAR. Staff also meets routinely with homeowners, architects and developers who want to have the Foundation’s input in their design or restoration process.
In its review sessions, HCF staff seeks to determine if the changes proposed generally follow the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. These standards include making sure that original features are repaired or replaced in kind — for example, a wooden column should only be replaced with a wooden column, not fiberglass. New additions to historic buildings should not harm the original building and should respect it by being subordinate in size and scale. Additions should be clearly differentiated from the original construction, yet at the same time be architecturally compatible.
Requests for demolitions are at the heart of the BAR process. When deciding on the merits of a demolition request, HCF staff looks at the physical state of the building to determine if it is damaged beyond repair. They also seek to determine if the structure has architectural merit. Is it the only example remaining of its kind? What happens to the rest of the street if this one building disappears? HCF has been particularly concerned in recent years by an acceleration of demolitions of Freedmen’s Cottages and some 20th century architecture, such as small garage structures.
The idea of style — traditional vs. contemporary — is a big issue in Charleston these days. Beyond the style debate, important considerations for new development is the articulation of heights, scale or mass. In addressing new construction, HCF staff has generally asked that a new structure be appropriately designed for its location, be built of quality materials and with good crafsmanship and attention to detail. HCF consistently asks for excellence in design.
Charting Your Course
The following are some things to keep in mind as you chart your course through the BAR process:
* Know if your property has any covenants and easements on it. If Historic Charleston Foundation or the Preservation Society of Charleston holds an easement or covenant on your property, you will need to first work with that organization to obtain permission for work.
* In addition to the BAR process, separate reviews may need to be secured from the City of Charleston’s Zoning Division, Building Inspections, and Department of Public Services.
* It is always a good idea to retain the services of a qualified architect and contractor.
* Talk to your neighbors about your plans. This is not only a courtesy between neighbors, it may save you time and trouble as you make your way through the process.
* You may be able to obtain city staff approval for small changes to your property. However, for Category 1 buildings and for larger projects, you or your representative (usually your architect) will have to present your project before a public meeting or meetings of the Board of Architectural Review. In making these presentations, be sure to address the site’s architecture and the architectural merits of your application.
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May 23rd, 2009 by Currie
For those skeptics who have been snickering about the Magnolia “Change is on the way” billboard, here is the latest shot of the bridge across the marsh. Charleston’s most ambitious development is well underway in out of the way locations, and while we didn’t notice, they were connecting an industrial clean up zone to downtown Charleston, Sc. Change is on the way indeed, and a big change especially for the Wagener Terrace neighborhood, which will soon have a large commercial district just across the marsh!
Cherokee Development Partner's nearly complete bridge to Magnolia
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May 22nd, 2009 by Currie
The newest addition to the commercial scene is the heavily under construction site at the corner of Coming and Cannon, just across from 5 Loaves Cafe lies the old brick building that is undergoing a major facelift. Formerly a church of some sort, Ann Bowen was lucky enough to make it her own last year. She admitts that the large project has been a leap of faith but is excited about her hard work paying off. Ann has big plans for the spot. The Coming Street entrace will usher guests into the home of ASB Flowers. Ann invisions the space as not only the home to her floral design studio but also a class room, where she plans to instruct small groups in the art of floral design. Additionally the space will have some retail arrangements. All in all, another reason things are pretty rosy in Elliotborough!
Ann Bowen in her new space on Coming at Cannon
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May 22nd, 2009 by Currie
When Helen “Cokie” Berenyi, a veteran financial planner and her engineer husband Tony Berenyi found the space on the corner of Coming and Cannon they fell in love with it. The then vanilla box space anchoring the Midtown Development would soon become a modern haven and juxtaposition to the antiquity of Charleston, Sc. Cokie hired Heidi Walker of Walker Design Group and the collaboration turned out beautifully. Within a cozy yet sleek atmosphere Cokie explains the personalized approach which sets her firm apart. She describes her clientelle as a small select group who she offers an individualized and focused level of service. She loves her Elliotborough location and the high visibility and convenience it offers. Welcome to the neighborhood Cokie, we are glad to have you! To find out more visit www.redtriangle.us
The zen of wealth management and great style at Red Triangle
www.redtriangle.us
Modernism at the Elliotborough intersection of Cannon & Coming
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May 22nd, 2009 by Currie
EyeLevelArt.com
Owner Mike Elder stands in front of his new space at 103 Spring St.
It was over a year ago that Mike Elder and his partner Adrienne Antonston first had the vision that this dirty nasty auto body repair shop could become Charleston’s biggest and best contemporary art space. The space at 103 Spring has so much to thrill and surprise a viewer, and then they add the art…The two biggest shockers are the fact that the building is home to a facade of an early 1800’s house. The facade complete with windows, doors, hardware and even what is left of it’s original coat of paint stands to the left of the room behind an i beam and iron pillars. The back doors of the building open to surprise even more. From the cool concrete space, you emerge into a lush garden with cool blue ponds complete with floating lily pads and orange fish. Overall the experience is something like going through Tolkien’s wardrobe or Carol’s rabbit hole. Eye Level Art @ 103 Spring St. is not to be missed. To keep up with their schedule of events check out EYELEVELART.COM or just stop by, the space is open continuously through Spoleto from 5-8pm. There is always plenty of parking (take Spring St from King cross Coming and the space is on the left before Rutledge Ave.
Finally a Charleston Gallery large enough for BIG paintings!
Art patrons are amazed at the monumentality of the new space
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May 11th, 2009 by Currie
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May 8th, 2009 by Currie
Last night’s opening of Mac & Murphy paper company at 74&1/2 Cannon St was a hit. The chic petite space was standing room only and there was a mob at the register all night. I just snuck out to the lovely garden terrace to enjoy some bubbly (courtesy of Caviar and Bananas) and chat with my friends and neighbors. Among the crowd were Will Milner and Capers White from the Charleston Guide Book, Claire Xidis, president of the Cannonborough/Elliotborough Neighbohood Association, Bonnie Denninger of Carolina Framing located in the neighborhood, Bryte Lesene Van Dalen of the upper King St. shop Lesesne www.shoplesesne.com, Andrea and Gustavo Serrano of Suite Sole an upscale sneaker boutique at 47&1/2 Spring St. along with Bill Bowick and David Bouffard of Sugar Bakeshop at 59 & 1/2 Cannon. The hostesses Liz Macpherson and Ami Murphy were beaming! The store has received rave reviews on the unique space and equally unique inventory.
Co-owner Liz Macpherson greets guests in front of Mac & Murphy
serious shopping for sassy and unique cards and stationery
view of Cannon St from the window of the neighborhood's newest shop
Co-owner Ami Murphy runs the register
Conversations over champagne in the garden terrace
Guests gather around the bubbly
Andrea and Gustavo Serrano of Suite Sole join in the festivities
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May 7th, 2009 by Currie
new art venue on Spring St opening soon
kick off party May 16th 7-11
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April 14th, 2009 by Currie
Velvet Salon opens at 162-C Spring St
When I listed 162 C Spring St for lease, the owner and I never imagined we would find someone so perfect to occupy the old barber shop. Velvet Salon’s owner Melissa Pope had the vision to see the potential in the petite space and the drive to make it happen! Residents of Elliot and Cannonborough now have a hot new salon with great art on the walls and talented stylists in easy walking distance. The salon is also just blocks from MUSC. I’ll take some before and after pictures this week, it looks so different and so good!
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April 1st, 2009 by Currie
Helen and Josh chose Currie to help them with the purchase of 141 Spring St.
In 2004 we started a creative studio called Fuzzco that does web/interactive design, graphic design and experience design. We started out of our downtown apartment - at the intersection of Rutledge and Line Streets.
In 2005 our business started to become a reliable primary job. We wanted to buy a house and couldn’t afford downtown so in early 2006, at close to the peak of the real estate market, we moved to Park Circle and very soon there after started renting an office at Storehouse 10 on the Navy Yard.
In mid 2008, business was still going strong and we had saved up a little money. Our lease was 1 year away from expiring, and we failed to negotiate reasonable renewal rates. So we started looking into buying a building that could double as an office and a residence.
The market having tanked put us in a great position to find an old Charleston Single house just south of the crosstown. We did some extensive renovations with a renovation loan and are really happy in our space.
Currie McCullough, a client and friend, had been doing some incredible research for us in the area - and knowing our circumstances - had identified a perfect spot for us. The zoning was perfect, the neighborhood was perfect, the house was in incredible structural condition and it had a huge yard. We immediately put in an offer and within 48 hours had a deal.
It was vital that we worked with Currie because of her experience with this neighborhood and the renovation process we would be facing.
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March 29th, 2009 by Currie
Anyone who has lived in Charleston for over 10 years or if you have friends who have lived here for that long, you have undoubtedly had this conversation. To that I would like to remind everyone: This is still going on! The fact is, the reasons people made fortunes buying houses in less than fortunate areas is that Charleston is growing. The closer to the center of downtown the more security you have with your investment. That’s why people who bought homes on Bogard St in 1989 for $80k (like my father) are amazed to see a million dollar price tag on the same property today. Contrary to popular belief, Charleston prices are not going down. Take Elliotborough for example. Two years ago some friends of mine bought a little defunct shoe shop for $200k, now it is leased to the Charleston Paper Company! The commercial corridor has just begun to establish itself! The corridor now has a website www.cannonelliot.com, it is still under construction but a business owners association is also in the works and with the city planning the street scape and the two way traffic change soon to come; we are in for a dramatic transformation!
Pink House on Spring by William McCullough
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March 24th, 2009 by Currie
This spring it seems that businesses are sprouting up faster than the daffodils on Cannon. Blossoms Events is the latest. The team at Blossoms came in from Myrells Inlet, Sc where they have their headquarters. They specialize in creating event flowers worthy of royalty. They have taken up the tiny freedman’s cottage at 82 & 1/2 Cannon with the kind of enthusiasm, attention to detail and good taste that they bring to their occasions. The newly landscaped yard and flower garden for fresh cut bouquets are to die for. If you are planning a simple or elaborate wedding and love the most fantastic blossoms then don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation, it is worth it if only to check out their truly one of a kind location! To view examples and find out more visit www.blossomsevents.com
Blossoms events florist opens at 82 & 1/2 Cannon St, downtown Charleston Sc
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March 24th, 2009 by Currie
Mia Pomodori opens on Rutledge at Cannon St, downtown Charleston Sc
Great news for the Elliotborough neighborhood! This former location of Dave’s Seafood has undergone a major facelift but still maintains the new world Charleston charm. The owners, second and third generation italians from Brooklyn, are spinning the dough with family recipes and high quality ingredients! We had cesar salads and the house bianca! Wow, thin crispy crust unlike anything else in town and arguably Charleston’s best cesar salad! Mia Pomodori and Elliotborough, now that’s amore! Check out their menu and hours online at www.miapomodori.com
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March 11th, 2009 by Currie
Magnolia Development pushes forward with bridge to Wagener Terrace
| Magnolia is a new, mixed-use community planned for the Charleston Peninsula. The project has been shaped by significant public input to be respectful of Peninsula’s history, environment, and nearby neighborhoods. Magnolia is the largest infill development in Charleston’s history – as many as 4,400 new residential units and up to 2.5 million square feet of commercial space will be built at Magnolia. |
The development will offer residential opportunities for a cross section of society, as well as retail shops, restaurants, hotels, offices, and corporate headquarters. The Magnolia plan incorporates the urban design principles that make Charleston a unique city. Great streets, parks, green space, plazas, and waterfront access define the public realm and provide the foundation for the high quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
visit the website for more information about this bold new development |
Charleston Sc neck area map of redevelopment
Click on this link to read an article from the P&C on the development
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March 10th, 2009 by Currie
5 Houses for sale in the neighborhood near or on Cannon St. open-house-cannonborough are open for viewing on Thursday March 12th from 11:30 to 1pm.
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March 2nd, 2009 by Currie
The following is my list of FREE things to do in Charleston, if you can think of some that I haven’t mentioned here please comment on the blog:
1. Walk the Bridge. Directions: Take East Bay St towards the Bridge take a left on Cooper St. and the first right into the parking lot (do not leave valuables in your car!!), then walk back down to the light at Cooper and East Bay, cross East Bay and turn left heading up the pedestrian ramp, and onto the bridge. Stay in the left lane and watch for bikers on the outside. No pets! The bridge is 2.5 miles across, so a two and from journey is 5 miles with a nice upward grade on the Mt. Pleasant side.
walk the cooper river bridge for great views and exercise!
2. Picnic at White Point Gardens, okay, I know this one’s a little touristy, but sometimes it is fun to be a tourist in your own town. Admission to the park is free, but you must provide your own food.
White Point Gardens Charleston Sc
3. Frisbee Golf at Hampton Park: Hampton Park is my favorite park in town, it once was the site of a race track and the road around (the race track itself) the park is a mile long. Along with frisbee golf they also have a walking/jogging trail with little exercise stations like pull up bars and various other ways of improving your fitness. Dogs allowed, ducks to feed, picnic tables and the best ancient oak trees for climbing in town.
Hampton Park Gazebo, Charleston Sc
A good place to take photos and paint and draw is the Magnolia Cemetery. The oldest public cemetery in Charleston, founded 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River, is listed on National Register of Historic Places. It is the final resting place for generations of Southern leaders that include governors Thomas Bennett, Langdon Cheves, Horace L. Hunley and Robert Barnwell Rhett. The hundreds of Confederate soldiers buried here include five generals - Micah Jenkins, Arthur Manigault, Roswell Ripley, James Conner and C.H. Stevens. It is a creepy out of the way spot that shows you a different side of Charleston.
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A visit to Magnolia Cemetery is a free activity in Charleston Sc.
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February 26th, 2009 by Currie
The City of Charleston is offering a workshop on March 5 to help small businesses navigate landlord-tenant and lending issues.
The workshop is the first in a series called “Weathering the Economic Storm,” developed to help local businesses address problems caused by the economic downturn.
The March 5 workshop, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the American Theater, 446 King St., will provide information on how small businesses can cut operating costs and find sources of short-term money.
Three speakers will discuss how to work with a landlord on lease issues, work with a commercial lender on existing loans and seek additional financing through the Charleston Local Development Corp. or other sources. Following the short presentations, members of the audience can ask questions.
Speakers for the first workshop are:
- Jeff Vinzani of Nexsen Pruet, who will speak on landlord-tenant issues.
- Gary White of Wachovia/Wells Fargo, who will talk about commercial lending.
- Cindi Rourk from the Charleston Local Development Corp.
Mayor Joe Riley recently announced plans for the workshop series as part of a local economic stimulus plan. Topics will address concerns that city officials have been hearing over the past several months from local business owners, lenders, property owners and other constituents.
Each workshop will be unique, with a panel of local professionals speaking on specific issues, city officials said. The city’s Business Services Office, the mayor and Comcast Business Services are hosting the first workshop.
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February 25th, 2009 by Currie
Spring, Cannon to be converted to two-way streets
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Spring and Cannon streets will soon join the list of one-way Charleston streets converted to two-way traffic, City Council agreed Tuesday at the urging of neighborhood residents.
The action came at a meeting in which William Dudley Gregorie was sworn in, having won a special election for the District 6 seat.
“This journey is not complete, for in November I have to run again,” said Gregorie, who is filling the unexpired term of former Councilman Wendell Gilliard. The seat is up for election to a four-year term this fall.
Among Gregorie’s first votes was the Spring and Cannon streets conversion to two-way traffic, which he and other council members supported. The city, at the urging of neighborhood associations, has been converting some streets to two-way in order to slow the traffic in mostly residential areas.
“Spring and Cannon are the spine of our neighborhood and run the extent of our neighborhood,” said Claire Xidis, speaking for the Cannonborough/Elliotborough Neighborhood Association. “They are treated like highways, but there are residences and businesses on those streets.”
Xidis said 86 percent of those at an association meeting supported the conversion, and about 200 people signed a petition calling for the change.
“This did not happen overnight, and the neighborhood really, really needs to see this happen,” said Councilman James Lewis.
Sections of King, Wentworth and Beaufain streets were previously switched to two-way traffic, along with parts of Rutledge and Ashley avenues. After Spring and Cannon streets, Coming Street could follow.
Councilwoman Yvonne Evans said the earlier two-way conversions have “been working beautifully.”
The city expects to put the street work out for bid after some final revisions to the plan, which involves street beautification and changes to parking, signage, and street markings. The city spent about $77,000 converting a section of Rutledge Avenue to two-way traffic.
In other business, the council gave final approval to changes in the city’s sidewalk dining regulations aimed at increasing the number of eateries putting tables on city sidewalks wide enough to allow the practice.
The changes eliminate a fee of up to $9 per square foot for using the sidewalk, eliminate a security deposit, and extend operating hours until midnight, or the closing time for the business, whichever is earlier.
Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.
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February 25th, 2009 by Currie
last night at the City Council Meeting the conversion of the one way traffic on Spring and Cannon to two way traffic was approved!
2 way traffic approved last night at City Council
Surprisingly there was no opposition to the conversion of traffic from one way to two way on Spring and Cannon Streets. Despite the fact that this has been in the works for several years, the fact that it has finally come is a real boost for the fledgling commercial district. There were loads of people in the room to show the City Council the overwhelming support for the change and as soon as the lower King St. street scaping is complete the City promised that the work is next on their list. Just as an aside the City Council Meeting is without a doubt an eye opening experience that every citizen should have at least once. A great way to keep tabs on your tax dollars.
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February 25th, 2009 by Currie
In the February 18 issue of the Charleston City Paper, Erica Jackson interviewed Chris Price of the PrimeSouth Group. (Click here for the complete article)
“Is King Street losing its luster? I don’t think so whatsoever,” says Chris Price, co-founder and principal at the Prime South Group.
“…All the tenants that are leaving Upper King Street … look what they’re being replaced with. They’re being replaced very quickly with higher-end, better-funded retailers and restaurants. Artist and Craftman is being replaced by Halls Chophouse, a high-end steakhouse. Wonderland’s space is already home to SIG, a bathroom and kitchen fixtures store that has moved from West Ashley. And Abmey & Company was replaced with SieMatic, a German-based kitchen outfitter. Other businesses joining the area include a restaurant called Shine and Mac & Murphy, a paper company.
“When you lose a wonderful tenant and a fine two-story arts store, and you replace that with a first-class chophouse, Halls Chophouse, the level of tenant has dramatically increased.
“Let me give you an example,” Price says. “Halls. It’s a mom and pop operation, banking with a local bank, using a local contractor. They are locals, they live here. That’s what people do not see. They see a new steakhouse coming in and they think, it’s some rich guys from New York. But that’s not the case. They are local people. It’s not a typical chain store coming in and losing the local flavor, the local identity. And that is phenomenal.”
Price predicts that the upscale design trend will continue to take over the area.
“It’s not just Upper King Street, it’s downtown Charleston, it’s the region,” he says. “People are coming to Charleston to shop for things they can’t get anywhere else … It’s becoming more of a destination shopping/design area and that’s wonderful for the community as a whole.
“I love the diversity up here,” he adds. “You can eat, you can shop, you can go and design a new kitchen for your home, and you can have that glass of wine, or you can go to the ballet and walk out and go to Chai’s to have a nightcap. It’s just a very unique environment that needs to be built upon.”
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February 25th, 2009 by Currie
LOWCOUNTRY INNOVATION CENTER OPENS ON NAVY YARD
By: Molly Parker
mparker@scbiznews.com
Published Feb. 24, 2009
Lead Dog LLC owner Alan St.Clair believes the new high-tech business center he just opened in North Charleston could lead to the creation of 100 new jobs with average salaries of at least $70,000.
The company announced recently that it has officially completed the Lowcountry Innovation Center at the Navy Yard in North Charleston. St.Clair said he is looking to locate about 15 businesses in the 40,000-square-foot renovated structure on the former Navy base. The building is aimed at fostering the Lowcountry’s high-tech industry, St.Clair said, allowing the region to compete for high-paying jobs against other Southeastern cities such as Savannah, Raleigh and Charlotte.
As a past member of the Charleston Digital Corridor’s board, St.Clair said he has seen the need for this type of affordable creative space.
He has already located one business there called Myconostica Ltd., a United Kingdom-based medical diagnostic company that specializes in rapid and highly specific tests for life-threatening fungal infections.
The Lowcountry Innovation Center is a first-of-its-kind building in the region designed specifically to serve as incubator space for creative industry firms and knowledge-based companies, he said. St.Clair is renting offices in the renovated building ranging from 800 to 8,800 square feet. The cost is about $15 per square foot. Since announcing the building’s completion, St.Clair said he has received inquiries from 10 businesses seeking details about the space. The offices are located in a Navy building originally constructed in 1943.
St.Clair said he imagines a host of companies from a variety of fields will share the building. Those workers will share ideas and insight, and lend a creative and sympathetic ear to one another in the coffee break room, he said.
“When you bring a Web site designer and an architect and a microbiologist into one building, you never can be sure what you’re going to get,” St.Clair said. “They will sit down and talk about their problems even across fields. They will all have a great set of skills that complement each other.”
St. Clair said he was able to keep the costs down — he is renting space at about 30% below market value — by employing efficient building practices such as high-impact windows, compact florescent bulbs, a low-flow water system, LEED certified dry wall and paint, and local plantings that do not require irrigation.
St. Clair, who has developed similar buildings on a smaller scale in downtown Charleston, says that the Lowcountry Innovation Center offers free parking, office spaces that allow on-site presentations, and a quality space at a lower cost, thus meeting the demands of company expansion and contraction as needed.
Other Lead Dog LLC projects include properties in peninsular Charleston, including 525 King St., for upscale retailer Maine Cottage and Bill Huey & Associates Inc., a local architectural firm; 392–394 Meeting St., for the Charleston Digital Corridor, Charleston School of Law and KHAFRA Engineering Consultants, an Atlanta-based, multi-disciplinary firm.
Reach Molly Parker at 843-849-3144.
http://charlestonbusiness.com/news/26665/print
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February 24th, 2009 by Currie
If you love to live downtown and have a business then you should consider purchasing 53 Cannon. The layout is perfect for a live/work situation and I should know, because I operated an art gallery out of the space for several years before taking the plunge into real estate. If you enjoy summer parties on the lawn and listening to the creaking of the timber bamboo in the wind or picking my very own backyard bananas for daiquiris then you will love 53 Cannon St. Add those features to a three block walk to upper King St, and three doors down from Sugar Bakeshop, oh and I should probably also mention the fact that the house was expertly renovated by an award winning design builder who restored almost all of the original plaster walls and moldings including incredibly ornate ceiling medallions. This house is too good to be true, and when I had a party here, the biggest problem was that there were too many people in attendance.
Downtown Charleston Commercial/ Residential Home for Sale
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February 18th, 2009 by Currie
This post is is courtesy of A New Leaf Studio:
Victory! Elation! New beginnings, of the earth, organic - A New Leaf Studio…
Dorky… yes, I know - but yesterday on my way to work I was ecstatic to see the fruits of last fall’s guerrilla gardening project continuing to bless Spring Street. The daffodil bulbs that the 25+ participants of the guerrilla gardening party in October planted are now in bloom!A little bit of bright yellow in the plant wells along Spring Street adds happiness and hope of good things to come. Something we can all probably use right now in the midst of tough economic times and at the end of a long winterGreg Watkins, of Islandscape Landscaping, and I got so excited by the daffodils that we began discussing our next Guerrilla Gardening adventure. Stay tuned for something fun this spring!
In the meantime… Next time you are driving down Spring Street in the Elliotborough neighborhood of Charleston, SC - check the plant wells between Coming and Rutledge Streets for little pockets of yellow love.
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February 17th, 2009 by Currie
In a new analysis of the DIRECTIONS Travel Performance/Monitor, among cities visited by couples the following were rated as providing the best value-for-the-money, according to D.K Shifflet and Associates, the leading U.S. consumer travel research company.
- Charleston, SC
- Williamsburg, VA
- Asheville, NC
- Nashville, TN
- San Diego, CA
“While Charleston comes out on top, a common thread among these cities that make the top 10 value list is their significant offering of free or nearly free cultural exhibits, galleries, walking tours, and reasonably priced romantic dining” noted Cheryl Schutz, DKSA’s VP of Account Services. She further points out that “Flowers are nice, but a romantic getaway to one of these high value cities can generate a lasting memory and still be within a couple’s budget.”
King Street in Charleston has every value offering possible in the DKSA list including the free exhibits at SEWE and theFarmer’s Market in Marion Square, our lovely art and antique galleries, world-class shopping, evening strolls down King Street and dining that can’t be beat.
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February 17th, 2009 by Currie
The city of Charleston has scheduled workshops this week to define the diversity and architectural character of a few neighborhoods. These appraisals will guide the city as far as its future preservation efforts. A workshop on Old Windermere and Byrnes Downs will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at St. Andrews School of Math and Science, 30 Chadwick Drive. A workshop on the Cannonborough-Elliottborough neighborhood will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, 68 Spring St. For more information, call 724-3783.
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February 15th, 2009 by Currie
The Cannon/Spring commercial corridor is the natural progression/extension of upper King St. Therefor it is always exciting to hear about events we can walk around the corner to, and this one sounds so interesting.
In conjuntion with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and McCradys Charleston Pops performance, Neuvo Tango with Pablo Ziegler on February 21st, you can tango down King Street! Watch for more on this fun event, as the stores and restaurants of Upper King Design District feature dancers fromLunatango and some great Tango music.
When it comes to tango, Pablo Ziegler is the authority. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and having performed with Astor Piazzolla for ten years, Latin Grammy winning pianist Pablo Ziegler artfully blends classic tango rhythms with jazz improvisations. Don’t miss Ziegler with his guitar and bandoneon players. Playful, sensual and romantic – grab your sweetheart for the perfect date!
Thanks to Charleston photographer Gerardo Leccese for the beautiful tango image.
Hopefully soon events like this one will turn the corner and dance up Cannon and Spring!
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February 13th, 2009 by Currie
Feb. 17th, 4:00 p.m. at City Hall (80 Broad St.) - Public Hearing on the two-way conversion of Spring and Cannon Streets. This is the rescheduling of the hearing that was abruptly rescheduled by the City in January. If this is an important issue to you, you should plan to attend this hearing and comment.
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February 11th, 2009 by Currie
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February 6th, 2009 by Currie
On Wednesday I met some friends at Lana Restaurant www.lanarestaurant.com on the corner of Cannon St. and Rutledge Ave. to catch up on much needed gossip. The neighborhood restaurant famous for delicious mediterranean food is now also a hopping happy hour spot for the locals. Great tapas and a wine special ($10 Carafe!!!) is all it took for me to visit at least weekly. The atmosphere is always friendly and the perfect combination of casual and upscale. The gossip was mainly about two new businesses moving onto Cannon: Charleston Paper Co. and Blossoms Events, more to come…
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February 3rd, 2009 by Currie
Yet another business has opened in the neighborhood and it’s a good one! We really needed a great little take out deli. These guys did a really nice job on the space too. Here are the menu highlights: 3 Salads: House, Greek and Chef small $5.99 large 6.99. Pizzas 14″ $9.99 add toppings for $1.99 each. Subs in three styles: Panini Pressed (yum!) Wraps or Classic 7″ $6.99 or 14″ $8.99. Free Delivery call 843-727-4530. I will let you know what I think of the food after I have tried it!
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January 29th, 2009 by Currie
Of all the acclaimed Charleston, Sc restaurants the one that gets the most press has got to be Hominy Grill, click to visit the Hominy Grill Website, located in our Elliotborough only a half a block from Chez Moi (where very little home cooking happens). Flip through a New York Times and you might just see an article on our little neighborhood grits place, or surf over to the Food Network and check out Robert Stelling cooking something delicious (click to view food network Hominy Grill). I always order a salad and the fried green tomatoes along with several sides like fried okra and collards or the pork chop if it is on the special board. The desserts are fabulous too! On Sunday the line is halfway down the block so I go for breakfast during the week and they have a newspaper box and open up at 7:30 so it’s a quick place to grab the paper and a coffee (and maybe a granola) to start the day. 
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January 26th, 2009 by Currie
Watch this interesting video and ask me about the commercial spaces for lease right next door to “Suite Sole” !
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January 26th, 2009 by Currie
So I ventured out Sunday morning to meet the owner and check out this space on Spring. It is a commercial residential zoning and has plenty of square feet for a small business office. The space is a little rough around the edges, but has potential and the owner is a really nice guy, who’s wife owns an art gallery next door. A big bonus to the space is that there is lots of parking, so if you are trying to get your foot in the door downtown and a sign up on Spring, this spot might be a good fit! Just be prepared to do some work or to overlook the rough edges.
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January 26th, 2009 by Currie
One of my greatest accomplishments on the daily scale is finding a good parking space, and since I have lived in Charleston off and on since before hurricane Hugo, I have an ever evolving bag of parking tricks for different locations around the city, the Gibbes Museum for example…never mind. That said, I would like to introduce the smart card as the latest way for the city to take your money. Having the SmartCard means you no longer have to walk around with a pocket full of quarters for the parking meters, just insert your credit-card size SmartCard and you’re good to go. I prefer broken meters or freind’s driveways or unpatrolled lots, but to each his own. SmartCards keep you from having to carry coins and they even refund unused minutes, but they don’t extend the time limit on the meter. You can pick up a SmartCard–or in my case pay your parking ticket–at 180 Lockwood Blvd., where parking is free, if you can find a spot in the lot. Despite the rumors to the contrary, there is lots of parking downtown and by the way, it would not kill any of us to walk more!
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January 23rd, 2009 by Currie
The price has come down below 200k on this perfect first home or pied-a-terre in downtown Charleston. Call me about owner financing or a lease to purchase! If you love to walk to Hampton Park and Downtown shops from your home, you should take a look at this house!
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January 22nd, 2009 by Currie
There are some new businesses working hard, renovating to open up in the Spring Cannon Commercial Corridor. I had a hand in finding some of them their new locations. Coming soon to 141 Spring St is Fuzzco design studio. Fuzzco has been amazing Charleston with their extremely inventive and unique style since 2005. They were previously located at 10 Storehouse Row in the Navy Yard at Noisette, but made the bold move last summer of purchasing a large home on Spring and putting it through a major renovation. The results are fantastic and while they do not yet have a sign up, rumor has it they are already hard at work in their newly renovated offices at 141 Spring. Also on Spring at number 162 is the innovative new salon Stela Blu, they are still working on renovation but plan to open in March, more on them will be forthcoming. Mac & Murphy a Charleston Paper Company is poised to open very soon at 74&1/2 Cannon. They report a unique line of stationary, cards, note pads and journals along with a meditative garden and a postage area so customers can purchase, write notes, and post correspondence all on location using their one of a kind paper products. On the food front, two new adorably petit restaurants are scheduled to open within the next month or so. On Rutledge, right next to the incomparable Cafe Lana is Mia Pomodori, a much anticipated Pizza restaurant in the tiny house formerly occupied by Dave’s Seafood Carryout. They have built a deck on which reportedly they will be serving up beer, wine and some very fresh and authentic italian cuisine. On the other side of the block on Coming is a tiny building that is being painted and renovated to house a sandwich shop, paper on the window hides the layout but I suspect a carry out situation, more to come on this as well.
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January 19th, 2009 by Currie
Last night I was driving and listening to a broadcast of Johnny Cash’s Live from Fulsom Prison recordings with commentary from inmates and guards at the prison. This morning I saw an article in the Charleston P&C about Noisette Foundation helping to rehabilitate prisoners by putting them to work on construction sites. The redevelopment of North Charleston continues to amaze me. The worst neighborhood is becoming the best neighborhood and the people who are skeptical just need to be better informed. The opportunities brought by development (in this case) are far outweighing any negative effects. The effort commonly associated with rehabbing buildings is now crossing over to rehabbing people. In the photograph below: Maurice Simmons, a graduate of the Lowcountry Civic Justice Corps, helps with the cleanup of a construction site on Cypress Street. The program is working; sending people out into freedom with skills they can use to keep them from going back to their old ways.
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January 18th, 2009 by Currie
I decided to write this post because I have so many first time homebuyers that I am trying to find an affordable home for right now. Even though the market is a bit deflated the rent is still strong so there are still not that many homes you can buy for cheaper monthly payments than what you pay in rent, and still, with most of my first time buyers, this is the goal. Monday, I closed a house with my clients Eric and Ann Marie and we were able to do just that. They actually bought the house next door to their rental and were able to purchase it at a price that makes their payments the same as what they were paying in rent at the equivalent house next door. It was a fun closing and a real success story. The only hiccup was the need to call in some subcontractor friends of mine to do some repairs at the last minute. Luckily, I have a very good team, and the sellers were more than willing to pay for the majority of the repairs. Yeah! Happy first time homebuyers in a home they love for a price they can afford! Call me if you are thinking of buying your first home.
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January 15th, 2009 by Currie
Things are changing in the development plan of Noisette, they are beginning to sell and lease commercial buildings! Perfect for offices and artists lofts there are some unbelievable properties, if a little pricey. Call me if you’d like a tour of North Charleston’s Noisette Project. Currie 843-853-2004
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January 15th, 2009 by Currie
A good friend and talented painter Lisa Shimko will have her paintings in a new show at one of my favorite boutique galleries on lower king, Plum Elements! For more information visit Plum Elements online at www.PLUMELEMENTS.com Come see the works from January 25th through February 28th
at Plum Elements
161 1/2 King Street
from 10-ish a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
from Noon on Wednesday
and until 7 p.m. on Thursday.
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January 15th, 2009 by Currie
This gorgeous home on half an acre on James Island is just reduced to $435,000. It was designed by architect Elizabeth Ramsey with wrap around porches and an open floor plan. The multiple sets of french doors across the back of the home allow a beautiful view of the estate style lot with century oaks and a water view. Call today for a tour of this unique close in property.
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June 15th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Currie, like the new site design. Hope you are well!