Workforce housing is in the works for Hilton Head’s south end. Here’s what it will look like
New workforce housing for the south end of Hilton Head Island got the green light last week from the town’s design review board.
The development is the most recent workforce housing project planned for the island, and the 16-unit building will be located near Palmetto Bay Road, in one of the three areas town leaders identified as crucial for housing if the island expects to keep up with demand.
The two-story Palmetto Bay Lodges would sit on 2.78 acres of vacant land at the corner of Target and Palmetto Bay roads. Sea Pines Resort’s name is on the development plan, but officials from Sea Pines did not return calls Friday about whether the development would be part of Sea Pines or used solely to house the development’s employees.
Architecture firm Witmer Jones Keefer submitted the proposal to build the project. The firm could not be reached Thursday or Friday for comment about construction plans or costs.
The board’s conceptual approval moves the project to the next step, applying for final approval, if the developers make the changes the town has requested.
At the meeting July 24, design review board members peppered the developers with questions and comments about the complex and the options for color schemes, accessibility, green space, exit ways and sidewalks.
“It’s a nice project, and I think everybody in the area agrees that workforce housing is desperately needed,” said Annette Lippert, a member of the design review board. “As a town, we struggle to get labor force who are willing to make the commute.”
According to the project narrative for Palmetto Bay Lodges from Witmer Jones Keefer, the complex includes a clubhouse with a grill area and activity lawn, parking, sidewalks and drives. The sole entrance is through Target Road.
“Building colors are nature blending and plantings selected are native and naturalized species,” the narrative reads. “Please note the one large lawn area is for active use with the design concept being it’s everyones’ yard spilling out of the clubhouse / grill area.”
