Bluffton approves controversial plan for three large, mixed-use buildings in Old Town
A plan to build three large, mixed-used buildings in the heart of historic Old Town Bluffton was officially approved by a Bluffton commission late last week after a lengthy review process.
The controversial development, planned for the empty lot at Calhoun and Bridge streets, was met with a significant amount of community opposition throughout the process.
The plans illustrated the divide among developers, residents and town officials about Bluffton’s complicated identity and the difficulty in preserving the town’s rich Civil War-era history while managing the growing pains associated with large developments.
Matthew Cunningham, the property owner and its main developer, said the development is necessary if Bluffton wants to continue growing.
He said the three buildings planned at the empty lot across from May River Montessori and Moonlit Lullaby could serve as a gateway to the town’s mix of small retail shops in Old Town.
“I agree with the passion to make sure that this town maintains its historical context, and I think the majority of the [public’s] comments are oriented around that passion,” he said. Bluffton “needs to allow for growth that is thoughtful. I want my kids to stay here, not move away.”
He said the Old Town Master Plan ensures that new development in the area will maintain the town’s “historic context,” while allowing for “thoughtful growth.”
For the past few years, neighborhood kids have used the small dirt pile as a bike ramp.
Longtime Bluffton residents remember the vacant lot as the site of an old filling station that was renovated and for 25 years served as the Eggs N’ Tricities store.
Now, Bluffton has given final approval to Cunningham, a Bluffton-based healthcare technology consultant and recent co-founder of SLAY, an economic and community development organization promoting arts in the Lowcountry, and his architecture team from Court Atkins Group.
Marketed as The Bridge at Calhoun, the plans call for three large. mixed-used buildings to house a “destination restaurant,” 12 residential units and six retail spaces that could entice business owners to open coffee shops, art studios, boutique stores or a fitness center.
The plans include a slew of on-site parking spots.
When the development was presented to the town’s historic preservation committee in May, many residents spoke against the plans. They said the 2 1/2-story buildings didn’t fit the Old Town Master Plan, which focuses on the area’s rich history. They argued, as many residents have for years, that Bluffton’s development boom has finally reached, and will soon take over, historic Old Town.
“We all know the development was inevitable, but not like this,” Bluffton resident Charlene Gardner posted on Facebook in May. “So much opportunity and this is the choice from a city architect! It could have been so Bluffton. Help town council make more ordinances against this type of massacre of our historic district we hold so dear.”
Nancy Golson, who used to own Eggs N’ Tricites when it was located at Calhoun and Bridge streets, told columnist David Lauderdale in May that she couldn’t believe what was being proposed at the site of her former store.
“It’s time for me to go home and not worry about it anymore,” she said.
Josh Cooke, owner of Corner Perk Brunch Cafe, said he doesn’t “have a problem with” the development.
“There was no other option except to build something there,” he said. “I think the architect’s done a really nice job. It’s nice to see that someone is making use of it. I get that it may cause further challenges in terms of parking, but you can’t try to prevent growth. That’s not helpful.”
Town Manager Marc Orlando said town staff “worked through a lot of the issues” with the project after it was first proposed, and every time it came before the historic preservation commission, “it changed for the better.”
“I believe the applicant has done a great job bringing his project forward, and HPC and staff have made improvements,” he said.
The Bluffton Historic Preservation Commission, finding that the plans comply with the town’s master plan, approved the three buildings separately late Thursday night after a 10-month review process. The approval came with several conditions, including some minor design changes and a plan to protect the large live oak tree on the property.
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Cunningham said the review process for the development was long but an “important step to ensure The Bridge properly represents the feel of Old Town.”
James Atkins, partner with Court Atkins Group, said Thursday a certified arborist will be on site before and after construction to protect the large oak tree.
“It’s honestly one of the best features of this property,” he said. “It would be an absolute tragedy if that disappeared. It’s one of the beautiful things about this project.”
Cunningham said the buildings will help preserve Bluffton’s identity, a town that has grown rapidly in recent years. He said the project will focus on promoting the arts — culinary, contemporary and the Gullah community.
After the lengthy approval process, Cunningham, who will be business owner for three of the properties, said the ground breaking will be soon. Residents can expect to see construction activity at the property in December and January, he said.
“A year from now will be the likelihood to complete,” he said.
