Best Moving Company in Nexton

Ample servings of Champagne coupled with a coastal poolside ambiance served as a fitting backdrop to a favorable economic forecast report during an April 4 Nexton luncheon attended by several local realtors at a sun-splashed Midtown Club in Summerville.

Following a brief synopsis of Nexton’s recent sales and continued growth as a “third job center” in the Charleston market, the mixed-use development’s marketing coordinator Alicia Smith introduced South Carolina Ports Authority Business Development Manager Marion Bull to the podium, as he delved into his group’s efforts of recruiting business activity to the Lowcountry.

The guest speaker sang the praises of Nexton — which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as a destination venue in the Summerville community — for its role in providing housing for incoming employees of national and global firms seeking to establish a presence in the Charleston region.

Moving forward, Bull anticipates Nexton continuing to offer corporations an attractive option for its staffers as a source of housing, employment and an ever-expanding array of amenities with new industry emerging in the Jedburg area of Summerville, as well as Ridgeville in the very near future.

“When they want to live somewhere with, you know, a high quality of life that’s affordable, this is a place where business leaders can feel comfortable locating their businesses here,” began the Mount Pleasant resident.

“South Carolina has done a fantastic job as a state, [and] not just as a port, in recruiting business. [We had] $10 billion in investment last year. I think the largest previous year was $3 billion or so. It’s a huge number for our economic development in the state of South Carolina and some of it has happened right here.”

Bull detailed that South Carolina Ports drives about $63 billion in economic impact statewide, with about $8 billion of it emanating from the Lowcountry. In fact, about 30,000 jobs are either directly or indirectly linked to port activity in the immediate surrounding zone — a number that he anticipates will “dramatically” increase due to investments by Volvo, Walmart, Mercedes-Benz and the like.

Luncheon attendees were also treated to a breakdown of expectations for the real estate market in 2023 by President of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR) Katesha Breland.

The Charleston-born real estate broker noted the Charleston region’s remarkable 25 percent population growth over the past decade, along with a 17 percent spurt of newcomers in Summerville over that same 10-year stretch.

“We see changes in our local culture, our restaurant scene, our retail opportunities, and of course, we feel it in our traffic as well,” she stated.

“The local economy is booming. The Nexton development offers something that Summerville residents hadn’t seen before, an intentionally-developed masterplan community that gives residents the ease and opportunity to live, work and play right in their backyards ... that’s just what Nexton does. They haven’t built a neighborhood, they’ve built a community. While local media doesn’t always like to focus on the positives of our real estate market, there’s plenty of good news I can share with you,” added Breland without referencing any specific news media outlet.

On that note, the CTAR leader communicated that closed property sales were down in 2022 by 18 percent, but compared to 2019, that total was actually up six percent.

Breland further spoke of a healthy, sustainable pace of growth, as the overall median sales price increased 14 percent, single-family home prices surged 12 percent and townhouse/condos similarly saw a 22 percent uptick.

Summerville and Moncks Corner, in particular, were two of the top areas in terms of home sales in 2022.

“We expect sales will remain at the pace we’re seeing now, which is a good, healthy pace. Prices will also increase likely at a slower pace than we’ve been seeing. But that’s good news for buyers who are challenged by the affordability of our region.”

Breland concluded her address by lauding Nexton for its development of a wide range of home options (single-family, townhouses, rentals, etc.) and a variety of price points for prospective residents.

Newland, the developers behind the master-planned Summerville community, are being acquired by Brookfield Residential, a company headquarterd in Calgary, Canada. The acquisition won’t affect any current plans, including the groundbreaking of Downtown Nexton.

By Teri Errico Griffis

Brookfield Residential has agreed to acquire Newland, the developers of Nexton, an award-winning master-planned community in Summerville.

Along with the acquisition of the management company on June 1, Brookfield Residential is also acquiring the 5% general partner’s equity interest in 15 of the 20 master-planned communities that Newland is currently developing. Brookfield is headquartered with corporate offices in Calgary, Canada.

Brookfield Residential’s Managing Partner, Real Estate and President, Development Adrian Foley said the investment allows the company to expand as a “large-scale provider of lofts to third-party builders” and potentially expand the Brookfield Residential homebuilding brand.

“The acquisition of Newland adds phenomenal master-planned communities to our portfolio in exciting new markets that are experiencing tremendous growth and a lack of supply of new homes,” Foley said. “It will round out our existing development capabilities making us one of the few companies that has the breadth of resources, capital and operational talent to successfully scale in this area of the market.”

The company said the acquisition broadens’ Brookfield Residential’s footprint across the country and leverages Brookfield Properties’ development capabilities into new markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Atlanta, Tampa, Seattle-Tacoma, Portland, Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington, in addition to Summerville.

Newland is U.S. real estate land development company with 50 years’ experience in real estate developments.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to team up with Brookfield Properties’ development group,” Newland Executive Chairman Bob McLeod said. “This acquisition will provide more opportunities for the continued development of additional mixed-use masterplans well into the future as well as give us significant additional vertical development opportunities. We are looking forward to becoming part of the Brookfield team.”

A spokesperson for Nexton said the acquisition won’t affect any of the current developments, including the $300 million groundbreaking of downtown Nexton.

The urban-inspired mixed-use development will be situated on nearly 100 acres between Sigma Drive and Brighton Park Boulevard, a Nexton release said. Plans include retail, dining, hospitality, residential, service, office and commercial options within walking distance of Nexton’s residential neighborhoods.

In total, 110,000 square feet of office space will be available for lease.

Construction on Downtown Nexton will occur in phases throughout the next few years with the first stage including multifamily units and a mixed-use building that has ground-level retail beneath loft apartments.

The project is developed by New Jersey-based Sharbell Development Corp., a mixed-use developer with more than 37 years experience in the industry.

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – Nexton, the most innovative and walkable community in South Carolina, reported a successful 2023 that includes the addition of cutting-edge commercial space as well as fresh amenities and housing options. As a new year begins, the community is poised for growth on all fronts, advancing its status as a national model for master-planned communities.

“Nexton’s tenth year was filled with accomplishments. From celebrating 2,800 total home sales to welcoming a multitude of high-quality new businesses and housing choices, it was truly a remarkable year,” said Nexton’s Senior Vice President, Development Brent Gibadlo. “Each new year presents countless opportunities for Nexton, and we are excited to continue this momentum as a forward-thinking master-planned community and thriving economic hub in 2024.”

COMMERCIAL Nexton welcomed a collection of world-class retailers and commercial entities in 2023, including:

• The Hub at Nexton, developed by SL Shaw, added 88,000 square feet of office, retail, and restaurant space. It officially opened its doors in May, featuring local favorites such as The Co-Op and Derrington Dermatology. • Brighton Court: Two additional multi-tenant buildings were added adjacent to Coastal Fertility, offering new medical office and retail options. • Downtown Nexton: Sharbell Nexton LLC, the developer of Downtown Nexton, broke ground on Atelier Downtown Nexton office project in June and secured the first five tenants for the ground-floor retail in the Lofts Downtown Nexton apartments. Woodfield Development nears completion of The Ames, featuring 304 market rate apartments, and broke ground on The Radler, which includes 324 market-rate apartments. • Serendipity Labs, an established brand of co-working and flexible office facilities, celebrated the grand opening of its second Charleston location in Nexton in May. • The Pickle Bar: A new restaurant, retail and recreation concept that combines the growing popularity of pickleball with a bar and restaurant opened in November. • Dayfield Park, new commercial properties featuring office space and residential options, as well as retail and service providers broke ground in September. Tenants include The Goddard School daycare, HYLO Fitness, GoDog, Stretch Zone and Pinnacle Bank. • One Nexton, a Publix-anchored commercial center, broke ground with plans to include a bank and neighborhood-serving retail and dining.

RESIDENTIAL Nexton continued to provide a variety residential offerings and amenities to cater to all lifestyles and preferences, including:

• 492 homes sold in four residential villages including Del Webb Charleston, North Creek Village, Brighton Park Village and Midtown. • Nexton celebrated the 2,800 total home sale milestone. • Brookfield Residential was added to the community’s builder program and introduced their new townhome collection. • Builder Ashton Woods unveiled a new 55+ neighborhood of homes called Hammock Walk, featuring 100 villa-style homes in its first phase. The neighborhood celebrated the grand opening of its first homes and model home in December.

CIVIC • Nexton Middle School, a new fifth through eighth grade Berkeley County middle school, broke ground in December with a planned opening in 2026.

AWARDS + ACCOLADES Nexton received several national and regional accolades for demonstrating its commitment to forward-thinking design and innovation:

• Awarded the Grand Aurora Award in the category Residential Housing Community of the Year – Masterplan. • Awarded the Multi-Housing News Excellence Award in the category Development & Design: Mixed-Use. • Awarded a 2023 Best in American Living Award by The National Home Builders Design Committee for The Villas at Nexton in the category Single-Family Community For Rent. • Recognized as #38 of the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, based on year-end 2023 home sales.

LOOKING AHEAD As Nexton closes another successful chapter, the community continues to set the industry standard for master-planned communities across the U.S. The following can be expected from the Nexton in 2024:

• Page’s Okra Grill opened in January 2024. • Additional homebuilder, Stanley Martin will join the Nexton community as well as new with a new collection of townhomes and condos to Brighton Park. Existing builders are adding new floor plans to Nexton’s Midtown neighborhood. • Brookfield Residential’s model townhome and first homes will open to the public in February. • Del Webb Nexton will break ground on its expanded amenity package with the addition of indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a large gymnasium and restaurant. • Harris Teeter and Publix grocery stores will open. • Dayfield Park, a new commercial property featuring office space and residential options, as well as retail and service providers, will open. • Downtown Nexton: The first phase of the Lofts and Atelier Downtown Nexton will be completed in 2024. • Berkeley County Park will open in the summer of 2024.

More than a dozen tenants are coming to a new grocery-anchored retail development near Summerville that’s almost completely leased several months before construction is set to be completed.

The One Nexton commercial node on Nexton Parkway will include restaurants, service-industry providers, a bank and workout site in addition to a new 48,387-square-foot Publix supermarket.

Food-and-beverage offerings coming to the development include Catrina’s Cantina, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Woodhaven Pizza, Ruby’s Bagels, Indian restaurant Naan Appetit, and Dulce Churros, Ice Cream and Cocktails.

The Packie Wine & Spirits retail shop will join service providers Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Heartland Dental, Noire Nails and insurance firm Swamp Fox Agency. Workout site Basecamp Fitness and Fifth Third Bank round out the announced tenants coming to the site, which is still under construction. One outparcel site remains to be leased next to the 351-unit Camellia One Nexton Apartments under development on the combined 23-acre One Nexton site, Yurfest said.

The multifamily project is expected to be completed in May or June, according to Nexton spokeswoman Cassie Cataline.

Opening dates have not been announced for any of the commercial tenants, but construction is expected to be completed by the fall on the retail center. It sits across Nexton Parkway from a developing Harris Teeter-anchored commercial site. Harris Teeter is tentatively set to open in the spring.

On the way

A rhyming round of slushy sweet adult beverages is on tap for Upper King this spring with the planned arrival of Zachary’s Daiquiris.

The bar, opening in the former Basil Thai restaurant site at 460 King St., is being touted as “Charleston’s Chic Daiquiri Destination.”

Zachary Elliott, a South Carolina entrepreneur, filed for a liquor license recently for the property, and his social media accounts tease the spring opening of the sing-songy locale.

Elliott is also affiliated with Charleston’s Bourbon & Bubbles, Mesu and Republic Garden & Lounge, and is a partner with the Sweetberry Bowls franchise that has locations in the Carolinas, Georgia and New Jersey.

Elliott did not immediately respond for comment on the daiquiri venture.

The space at 460 King, a former bicycle shop and Huddle House, has been empty since spring 2021, when Basil closed its longtime downtown restaurant.

Gassing up

A Savannah-based convenience store chain is looking to add its first location in Mount Pleasant.

Parker’s Kitchen plans to build a 5,175-square-foot shop on S.C. Highway 41 at Wood Park Drive, next to the Lowes Foods-anchored Market at Mill Creek Shopping Center.

Site plans presented to the town show three options for the building’s placement: with fueling stations parallel to the store facing the highway, with gas pumps in the rear, and with the store on the corner near the street and pumps set perpendicular to S.C. 41.

The 6-acre site where the store is planned near the entrance to The Gates at Dunes West subdivision is owned by Highway 41 LLC, an affiliate of auto supplier Oakwood Group of Dearborn, Mich. It bought the property for nearly $1.3 million 16 years ago.

Heads up

A new salon focusing on relaxation and rejuvenation of the scalp and hair is now open in West Ashley.

Charleston Head Spa at 1420 Ashley River Road offers a serene atmosphere and personalized treatments to improve scalp health, according to its website. The business, owned by Molly and Josh Smith, is open weekdays by appointment.

Dance steps

A new place to twirl and tumble is being proposed in Mount Pleasant.

The owners of Tapio School of Dance and Gymnastics want to build a 9,500-square-foot studio between existing buildings at 600 and 608 Seacoast Parkway, a frontage road next to the Mark Clark Expressway west of Long Point Road, according to site plans presented to the town.

The school is currently at 455 Long Point Road in a shared-use structure. The proposal is making its way through the town’s review process.

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While Charleston's population is booming with new transplants, the Summerville and Goose Creek areas are developing just as quickly to accommodate the area's growth.

Summerville is located roughly 45 minutes from Downtown Charleston, serving as the ideal location for folks who want to move close to the city without being directly in the middle of the excitement.

Goose Creek is only 35 minutes from Downtown Charleston and is seeing a demographic of young families who hope to live near the city while finding affordable housing and nearby employment.

In recent years, both Summerville and Goose Creek have expanded with the development of several master-planned communities that offer housing, lifestyle, retail, dining, outdoor recreation and so much more. These areas have also developed several new businesses, restaurants, workspaces and corporate offices.

As Goose Creek's economy grows and thrives, many new projects and ventures are on the horizon in this Charleston community, specifically in Carnes Crossroads.

According to Post & Courier writer Barry Waldman's piece about new development in Carnes Crossroads, Carnes is now co-owned by Lennar Builders and Boston-based Freehold Communities, with approval to build about 4,500 homes.

This community is technically only a quarter built, with new projects on the way, such as the concept of "agrihood," a working farm and community gardens. Professional farmers will grow and supply produce, herbs and flowers to the community.

In September 2022, the city of Goose Creek announced a plan for growth in the community, including a walkable space for restaurants, offices and a green lawn for town events. Soon, this multi-planned community that is currently primarily residential with some outdoor amenities will expand to be more similar to larger communities like Cane Bay and Nexton.

While there are currently a few dining options available, like East Bay Deli, Steel City Pizza Co., and Mi Fiesta, plenty more options will be coming soon as well.

As for business development in Summerville's large Nexton community, according to Warren L. Wise for the Post & Courier, Atelier Downtown Nexton is a new project coming soon to Nexton, planned by an affiliate of New Jersey-based Sharbell Development on 7.5 acres on Brighton Park Boulevard off of U.S. Highway 17A.

Located in the Nexton community, the project will include multiple two-story buildings up to 18,000 square feet. Office, service and commercial space will be for sale or lease.

In addition, The Hub in Nexton is expanding. This project is a collection of office and commercial buildings under development on Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard, and new expansions will include commercial tenants Lombardi's Pizza Kitchen, The Co-op Frosé & Eatery, The Backyard Biergarten, Lowcountry Yoga and children's gym KidStrong.

Big things are also happening over at Cane Bay Plantation in Summerville. Buck Investments, led by Eddie Buck, recently paid $13 million for nearly 45 acres on the northwest corner of the future Fair Winds Boulevard intersection at U.S. Highway 176. The buildout of this section will happen over the next four years.

Cane Bay has also been selling multiple large parcels of land for new housing developments as it expands, and the community is now roughly the size of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

More growth and business developments are coming quickly for these three large, multi-planned communities that are shaping up to be more like cities in their own right.