Coligny redevelopment to start in fall

The Town of Hilton Head Island is just months away from undertaking one of the most hotly debated and most expensive projects in its history — redeveloping the Coligny area.

Monday, town officials released a bid for a contractor to help them improve the area, which is the town’s primary tourist destination. Plans for the 15-acre site include the construction of a public park, a playground and a new building for The Sandbox children’s museum, said Jennifer Ray, the town’s urban designer. It also will include street improvements to Lagoon Road, Nassau Street and South Forest Beach Drive.

Town Council approved about $15.6 million to redevelop the area in October 2014 using funds from the town’s tax-increment financing district. Exact costs for the project are still unknown.

A contractor could be selected next month, and construction for the 14-month project is set to start in September, Ray said.

While the land was originally purchased in the 1990s to be used as parking, debate ensued on what to do with the prime real estate, said Steve Riley, town manager.

“There have been a variety of plans, all of which had a variety of controversy and were turned down,” Riley said.

“It has just been a matter of getting the details since,” Riley said. “They are finally doing it.”

Scott Liggett, town director of public projects and facilities, said the project is a massive undertaking for the town.

“This is the second most costly construction contract the town has ever taken on,” Liggett said. A $20.7 million renourishment project of the town’s beaches currently underway is the most expensive, he added.

An agreement for The Sandbox children’s museum to lease a 3,500-square-foot building at the site also was approved by the town’s Public Facilities Committee on Monday.

David Ames, town council member and committee chairman, said the museum fits with the vision of what Hilton Head wants the Coligny area to be.

“It gives families another opportunity other than going to beach,” Ames said. “I am glad that we are moving forward with this project.”

Caroline Rinehart, The Sandbox’s director of operations, said the larger facility will allow the museum to serve children of varying ages.

Currently the nonprofit museum leases a 2,300-square-foot space on Pope Avenue where exhibits are geared toward children 8 and under. A larger facility will provide exhibit space for kids up to age 12.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 8:04 PM with the headline "Coligny redevelopment to start in fall."