North Charleston’s Firefly Distillery has expanded availability of its most premium spirit, Bend & Steal American Whiskey. Page 9.
One of the most significant construction and engineering projects in Charleston will never be seen by most residents, but city officials hope everyone will see the results. Page 12
Department of Defense spending accounted for 2.2% of South Carolina’s gross domestic product in 2021, federal data show. That $6.1 billion puts the Palmetto State squarely in 7th place among 11 Southeastern states, an analysis of federal military spending shows.
The amount of spending in South Carolina was nearly evenly split between defense contracts and federal personnel in 2021. The Department of Defense reports that it spent about $3.1 billion on federal personnel in South Carolina in 2021, including 37,459 active duty members of the military among the 66,589 federal employees in the state.
More than 30% of all federal defense spending occurs in the Southeastern U.S., with the largest defense contractors accounting for well over $25 billion for 2021. On average, Southeastern states receive 3.5% of their GDP from defense spending, but that’s somewhat skewed because Virginia accounts for a whopping $62.7 billion in defense spending, accounting for 10.2% of the state’s overall gross domestic product and 11.2% of all defense spending nationwide. Virginia has the most federal military spending nationally, with California close behind with more than $57 billion in expenditures in 2021.
An analysis of federal data by SC Biz News and 24/7 Wall St., an online business news and information portal, shows that South Carolina’s largest defense contractor based on annual spending is Scientific Research Corp., which is headquartered in Atlanta with offices in North Charleston, Alabama, California, Florida and Virginia.
Scientific Research Corp. accounted for $142.2 million in South Carolina in 2021, the data show. The largest defense contractor in the Southeast was Lockheed Martin, which posted defense contracts of $6.3 billion in Florida and $2.3 billion in Georgia.
How defense spending impacts GDP across US, Southeast Graphs show the percentage of military spending in each state as a share of defense spending for the entire nation (left) and the percentage of each state’s GDP that comes from annual defense spending (right) as of 2021.
Percentage of US defense spending by state
Percentage of state GDP from defense spending
Military spending in SC
South Carolina’s share of defense spending came to $6.1 billion, which was 1.1% of the national expenditure on defense for 2021. That number also accounts for 2.2% of the state’s GDP that year.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, 24/7 Wall St., analysis by SC Biz News
Federal spending among Southeastern states 2021 State Annual spending
Virginia $62.7 billion
Florida $30.1 billion
Alabama $15.7 billion
Georgia $14.9 billion
Kentucky $13.8 billion
North Carolina $11.7 billion
South Carolina $6.1 billion
Mississippi $5.6 billion
Louisiana $3.6 billion
Tennessee $3.2 billion
Arkansas $1.9 billion
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
Top 5 states for DOD spending State Spending
Virginia $62.7 billion
California $57.4 billion
Texas $47.3 billion
New York $30.9 billion
Florida $30.1 billion
Lowest 5 states for DOD spending State Spending
Wyoming $475.9 million
Vermont $545.7 million
South Dakota $643.3 million
Montana $647.3 million
Idaho $676.4 million
Source: U.S. Department of Defense
“Stewardship of South Carolina’s public trust resources is a team sport. The Department is pleased with the resolution of this litigation and looks forward to continued collaboration with all of the parties involved for the protection of these resources.” — SCDNR Executive Director Robert Boyles
To expedite the delivery of supplies and gather real-time data in disaster areas, Clemson University students at the International Center for Automotive Research in Greenville have developed an off-road reconnaissance and relief vehicle that can navigate all on its own.
Equipped with lidars, cameras and high-accuracy GPS, the autonomous vehicle can sense and navigate on unknown terrain. The vehicle can reach 45 mph, scale 18-inch high obstacles, maneuver 60% grade surfaces and pivot 360 degrees in place in two seconds, according to a university news release.
Its adaptable series-hybrid powertrain allows for powerful maneuverability and improved fuel economy as well as silent travel in electric-only mode. When the vehicle arrives at its destination, it can deliver emergency supplies and act as a mobile generator in case of electricity disruptions without putting humans in harm’s way.
Commercial real estate markets in the greater Columbia area have not been experiencing the uncertainty and downturns seen in some commercial sectors nationwide so far in 2023.
In fact, recent reports show record strength in the Midlands’ industrial market, the first positive absorption rate in the area’s office market since 2019, and consistently high performance in retail.
Data compiled by Colliers South Carolina shows that the ongoing increase in the number of businesses moving to South Carolina, with the corresponding surge in new suppliers and new residents, has kept commercial markets in the state, the Midlands included, from experiencing some of the ups and downs that markets in other parts of the country are seeing.
The greater Columbia area is reaping the benefits of new companies moving to the area to do business, as well as others coming in because of the area’s proximity to major interstates and the state’s ports. Experts at Colliers say the available workforce in the Midlands is another factor driving positive growth.
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Spirit Airlines on Sept. 7 launched service between Charleston and Las Vegas. The new Las Vegas route will be the only nonstop flight connecting Charleston area travelers to the popular entertainment destination, the company said in an announcement released jointly by Charleston International Airport and Explore Charleston.
Spirit will offer the flight Thursday through Monday each week.
To celebrate the launch, the low-cost carrier also announced new nonstop Florida routes to Tampa and Fort Myers, starting Nov. 15 and 16, respectively.
“Lowcountry travelers have long been asking for a route to Las Vegas, and we are thrilled that Spirit has delivered direct service to the entertainment capital of the World,” Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO of the
Charleston International Airport, said in the news release. “Today’s announcement of new nonstop service to Tampa and Fort Myers, Fla., proves that Spirit Airlines is a great fit for Charleston and for our customers. We look forward to a successful partnership and, hopefully, future expansion of air service in Spirit’s network.”
Spirit Airlines announced entry into the Charleston market in December 2022 and began service in April 2023 with flights to Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia and Newark, N.J.
“Charleston’s world-class hospitality attracts travelers from all over, allowing us to expand service and connect more of our guests to the Lowcountry,” said John Kirby, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “These new, seasonal routes from Florida, along with the kick-off of the only nonstop flight to Las Vegas, grows our Charleston service to five, nonstop flights this winter, It
also gives our CHS guests new options for affordable travel to popular leisure destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast.”
The Tampa route will operate four days per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Fort Myers route will operate three days per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
"Since their initial announcement last December, Spirit's leadership team has consistently demonstrated a desire to strategically enhance service at Charleston International,” Helen Hill, chair of the Aviation Authority and CEO of Explore Charleston, said in the release. “Florida is a top state of visitor origin for us. The addition of seasonal flights to Tampa and Fort Myers increases access between the Lowcountry and these increasingly popular Sunshine State markets and further illustrates Spirit's commitment to the Charleston region." CRBJ
Boeing awarded a $250,000 grant to Coastal Community Foundation for affordable housing and economic mobility projects.
The funding will be divided between CCF's Place-Based Impact Investing, Economic Mobility Grantmaking Fund, and homeowner-occupied repair projects. All three strategies will work together to build generational wealth and opportunity for underserved residents of North Charleston, according to a news release.
“We are thankful for Boeing’s dedication to supporting economic mobility in our region,” CCF President and CEO Darrin Goss said in the news release. “Investment and collaboration between community partners is how we can make impactful change. Making sure residents have safe and attainable housing is one step on the path to creating financial stability.”
A portion of the Boeing grant will support Place-Based Impact Investing to create new affordable housing stock. The Economic Mobility Grantmaking Fund provides technical assistance to these projects as well
as those supporting entrepreneurship and small business development for underserved and rural communities, the release said. The grant will also be used to fund homeowner-occupied repair projects in several North Charleston neighborhoods. The repairs are meant to allow residents to stay in their existing homes to maintain family stability, neighborhood pride and build generational
wealth. Plus, this mitigates the need for the additional affordable housing units required if residents move out of a home in disrepair.
“We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Coastal Community Foundation, an organization that works to create thriving and equitable communities by identifying and addressing the residents’ unique needs,” Lindsay Leon-
ard, senior director of Government Operations at Boeing South Carolina, said in the release. ‘When families have reliable access to necessities such as food security, quality education and a safe home, true transformation is possible,”.
Over the past seven years, Boeing has granted more than $1.9 million to CCF to support economic mobility efforts in North Charleston neighborhoods. The collaboration began with a focus on STEM education and creating access to higher paying jobs. As CCF and Boeing continued to assess community need, the initiative evolved to include an emphasis on affordable housing and critical home repair.
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to create communities rich in equity, opportunity and well-being by uniting people and investing resources so that all community members have a pathway to achieve their goals. The largest community foundation in South Carolina, Coastal Community Foundation's service area includes Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry and Jasper counties. CRBJ
Staff Report
Corcoran HM Properties, an affiliate of the Corcoran Group LLC, has moved into the newly constructed 741 Meeting Street building located in the Upper Peninsula district of downtown Charleston.
Middle Street Partners recently com-
pleted the 30,000-square-foot building for commercial use of office suites, retail and food/beverage businesses, according to a news release.
Corcoran HM Properties is headquartered in Charlotte and expanded its operation into Charleston in September 2022.
A private ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration was held for the agents
and staff of Corcoran HM Properties’ Charleston office on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Corcoran HM Properties was founded by Valerie Mitchener in 2006, and the locally owned boutique firm grew to be a market leader in the Charlotte metro area, the news release said. The expansion to Charleston was Corcoran HM Properties' first since affiliating with the Corcor-
an Group in June 2021.
It was a strategic step in the firm’s growth plan to broaden its reach throughout the Carolinas, the release said. In addition to the Charleston office, Corcoran HM Properties has three offices in the Charlotte region and is working to expand into other areas of the Carolinas. CRBJ
The South Carolina Research Authority has accepted three new member companies and provided grant funding for four others.
All SCRA Member Companies receive coaching, access to experts in SCRA’s Resource Partner Network, eligibility to apply for grant funding, and the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., according to a news release.
BagValet, FRD Accel and Health Evolve Technologies were accepted as SCRA Member Companies.
BagValet LLC is a Charleston-based mobile luggage storage solution provider that aims to assist travelers in bridging the gap between lodging accommodations and flight times by providing daily luggage storage with door-to-door service.
FRD Accel LLC is a Charleston-based life science company that was formed by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization. Their technology, BabyStrong, consisting of an earpiece and controller, uses vagus nerve stimulation to promote feeding in newborns, especially premature babies, that are having feeding difficulties. The company says the BabyStrong system can eliminate the need for a gastric tube, resulting in earlier discharge from the hospital and reduced stress
for the baby and family.
Health Evolve Technologies LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Columbia-based information technology company builds patient-centered technologies that provide comprehensive and simple tools that equip patients and position providers with clinical insights needed for a personalized care experience.
Aravis BioTech, CloseWise, Ortho-Dx, and Sagacity Solutions received new grants totaling $175,000.
Aravis BioTech LLC received a $50,000 Federal Matching Grant. The Green-
ville-based life science company is developing a medical device implant that will monitor the healing of hip surgery patients. The device informs the provider and the patient about when and how to begin weight-bearing activities. This device is also designed to reduce complications and manage care for insurance purposes.
CloseWise LLC received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Lexington-based information technology company provides a notary database and scheduling software developed for signing agents, signing services, and title and escrow companies in order to digitalize
the signing process.
Ortho-Dx Inc. received a $25,000 Project Development Fund Grant. The Hilton Head Island-based life sciences company has developed a wireless sensor system to monitor the stability of surgically placed orthopedic implants utilizing near-field inductive technology.
Sagacity Solutions Inc. received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Greenville-based startup developed a platform that helps venture capital firms request, collect and analyze portfolio company performance data, thereby freeing up team members’ time to make more informed decisions.
Grant funding is made possible, in part, by the Industry Partnership Fund contributions that fuel the state’s innovation economy, according to the news release. Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, which SCRA says makes an easy and effective way to help one of the fastest-growing segments of the South Carolina economy.
Chartered in 1983 by the state, SCRA is a nonprofit that provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc. CRBJ
By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com
Charles River Laboratories International Inc. is teaming up with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and others interested the wellbeing of the horseshoe crab population to announce a joint resolution of litigation related to the collection and temporary use of holding ponds for horseshoe crabs in the state.
Others taking part are Gault Seafood LLC; Marsh Point Farm Inc.; and the Southern Environmental Law Center, representing Defenders of Wildlife and the Coastal Conservation League, according to a news release.
The parties have negotiated and collectively agreed to a final consent order that provides for five years of enhanced protections for spawning horseshoe crabs and migrating red knots while ensuring continued access to horseshoe crabs for use in biomedical testing. Among other things, this agreement:
• restricts horseshoe crab collection on the beaches of more than 30 islands along the South Carolina coast that are established feeding sites for red knots during their annual migration;
• prohibits the temporary placement of female horseshoe crabs in holding ponds so they continue to spawn on South Carolina beaches and red knots can access horseshoe crab eggs;
• provides additional permitting conditions that include enhanced protection of horseshoe crabs during the collection process; and,
• provides SCDNR with additional data from contract fishermen.
Horseshoe crabs are used in research, the best known use is in medical research where the blue blood is used by pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers to test their products for the presence of endotoxins, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
“Under the supervision of Judge Richard Gergel, all parties worked together in good faith on the important matters of conservation and public health, which are not mutually exclusive,” Charles River’s corporate vice president and general manager for Microbial Solutions, said in the news release. “Our agreement allows for continued conservation of both horseshoe crabs and red knots, while maintaining the security of the biomedical supply chain. Horseshoe crabs play a vital role in ensuring patient safety, and we are glad to
have come to an amicable resolution.”
In the consent order, Charles River agrees to continue to refrain from collecting and processing horseshoe crabs from all areas of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Charles River will also cover the financial cost of an independent monitor, who will report to the court and the parties to ensure ongoing compliance with the joint agreement, the news release stated.
“Stewardship of South Carolina’s public trust resources is a team sport,” SCDNR Executive Director Robert Boyles said in the release. “The Department is pleased with the resolution of this litigation and looks forward to continued collaboration with all of the parties involved for the protection of these resources.”
Catherine Wannamaker, senior attorney for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the agreement was a long time in coming.
“This landmark settlement comes after years of litigation and represents a huge milestone for South Carolina wildlife and the citizens who care about it,” she said in the release. “We are glad that Charles River has agreed to increased protections for red knots and to conduct its operations in South Carolina in a more sustainable way.”
“This is an exciting step in our work toward a sustainable future for the people and wildlife of the Southeast,” Ben Prater, Southeast program director for Defenders of Wildlife, said in the release. “We successfully and collaboratively secured protections for South Carolina's coast, including the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. This agreement will help maintain the integrity of essential habitats for horseshoe crabs, their spawning grounds and critical food sources for imperiled wildlife including migratory birds like the red knot. We value the commitments both Charles River and SCDNR have made to wildlife conservation and our shared responsibility framed by the Endangered Species Act.”
Faith Rivers James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, said in the release: “This resolution allows for smart, focused restrictions on horseshoe crab harvesting that ensures a critical food source for red knots at vital foraging locations along South Carolina’s coastal plain.
The Conservation League is dedicated to protecting the health of our state’s natural resources. We are pleased that this resolution allows these federally threatened, long-distance migrating shorebirds better access to the fuel they need for their transcontinental journeys.” CRBJ
By Ross Norton rnorton@scbiznews.com
Firefly Distillery has expanded availability of its most premium spirit, Bend & Steal American Whiskey. Previously an exclusive product at the North Charleston distillery, the award-winning blended whiskey now can be purchased at more than 100 retailers throughout the state.
“We crafted Bend & Steal American Whiskey as a tribute to hardworking folks everywhere,” Scott Newitt, co-founder of Firefly Distillery, said in a news release. “I’m particularly excited to be expanding distribution throughout the state of South Carolina, allowing more enthusiasts to get a taste of this perfectly balanced whiskey.”
Winner of the Gold Medal in the 2023 Ascot Awards, Bend & Steal has grown rapidly in popularity since its initial release in early 2021, the company said in the news release. The whiskey gets its name from the process of “stealing” bits from the best barrels in the country and “bending” them with Firefly barrels to create a balanced whiskey. A tribute to the art of distilling, aging and perfecting whiskey, each design element of the bottle label highlights the process and tools that bring spirits to life, from the metallic copper barrel, to the lock, whiskey thief and still.
Firefly Distillery, known for creating the world’s first Sweet Tea Vodka, has expanded product lines from vodka and moonshine to whiskey and bourbon including single barrel, barrel proof, and this unique blended American whis-
key. Bend & Steal is the first whiskey to become available outside of the distillery. Select retailers can be found by visiting the company website.
The company says Firefly is South Carolina’s oldest and Charleston’s most visit-
ed distillery.
Firefly Distillery produces 30 craft spirits at the 25,000 square foot distillery in North Charleston.
Reach Ross Norton at rnorton@scbiznews.com or 864-642-5229. CRBJ
family development, GBT Realty, said in the release. “The Village adds a living environment that appeals to young professionals, growing families and empty nesters alike. We designed and planned our community to enhance and connect with the surrounding Carnes Crossroads neighborhoods.”
By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com
ATennessee-based commercial developer and investment company has secured financing for an $88 million project in Goose Creek.
GBT Realty Corp. will build the latest housing development in Carnes Crossroads in Summerville. GBT’s The Village at Carnes Crossroads brings 306 multifamily homes and over 11,000 square feet of retail to the heart of the Lowcountry lifestyle community, according to a news release.
GBT acquired the 11.82-acre site earlier this month from Carnes Crossroads Association, the master developer of Carnes Crossroads, according to a news release. JLL Capital Markets arranged construction financing with Bank of America and Meta Real Estate Partners. JLL’s Managing Directors Matt Stewart and Chip Sykes, and Director Wyatt Strahan represented GBT Realty.
“This is a lifestyle community that epitomizes the best of southern living,” Barry Yoeckel, vice president, multi-
The rental homes are at the intersection of U.S. Highway 17-A and Third Avenue, immediately across from The Marketplace at Carnes Crossroads, a Publix-anchored mixed-use development currently under construction.
The development team includes Atlanta-based Dynamik Design, Thomas & Hutton (civil engineering) and Samet Corporation (general contractor).
“Our plans feature upscale homes and best-in-class amenities that stretch across 11 buildings on the site,” Yoeckel said.
Floorplans offer a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units with upscale finishes, the release stated. Community amenities include separate smalland large-breed dog parks, a resort-style saltwater pool with lounge deck, an outdoor kitchen set on a community lawn, a club room with catering kitchen and golf stimulator, a state-of-the-art fitness complex and a co-working center. A coffee purveyor is set to bring classic specialties to The Village as well as the community at large.
The first units are expected to be available spring 2025. CRBJ
By Jason Thomas jthomas@scbiznews.com
Los Angeles-based sustainable fashion brand Reformation will open its first South Carolina store on King Street in Charleston in early September.
This marks Reformation’s fourth store in the Southeast, a growing region of emphasis for the brand, and 41st globally as it continues its mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone, a Reformation news release stated.
Like all Reformation stores, the Charleston location at 287 King St. incorporates a variety of sustainable elements such as vintage furniture, hangers made with FSC-certified wood, and reusable deadstock totes, and will offset 100% of its electricity usage with renewable energy, the release stated.
This location will also feature Reformation’s tech-driven retail concept, which brings the best of its online experience to its physical doors, the release stated. The result is a more customer-centric shopping experience while remaining, as always, environmentally conscious. While visiting, shoppers can peruse a selection of Reformation’s signature, vintage-inspired dresses and fall essentials including denim, tops, sweaters, boots and more, all perfect for tailgate season and back to school dressing.
Reformation’s retail concept, according to the release, includes touchscreens
to send clothes directly to your dressing room without having to physically carry them; additional touchscreens in each dressing room to order new sizes or styles; and fully customizable lighting (“Cool,” “Golden,” and “Sexy Time”) in each room.
At all Ref stores, customers can recycle their pre-worn Reformation goods (Ref Shoes, denim, sweaters, activewear, handbags and outerwear) — including the new Charleston location — through RefRecycling. To participate, customers can drop off their well-worn Reformation pieces and receive credit toward future purchases ($25 for shoes and handbags, $20 for outerwear, $15 for denim, $10 for both sweaters and activewear).
Reach Jason Thomas at 864-5687570. CRBJ
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING/CONSTRUCTION
LISTS: Architecture Firms, Page 24 | General Contractors, Page 26
There’s a lot going on under the streets of Charleston — about $50-$60 million worth of drainage projects happening at any given time.
One of the largest projects to come online in recent history is the U.S. 17/ Spring-Fishburne Project deep tunnel drainage system which is now operational and set to provide significant flooding relief to “Crosstown” or the Highway 17 interchange in downtown Charleston.
The deep tunnel project also folded in the Medical University of South Carolina and medical corridor to its system of drainage tunnels.
Phase 4 was completed earlier this year and currently functions as a “gravity system,” where stormwater runs downhill into the underground tunnels which drain into the Ashley River through huge culverts built between the two bridges that cross from downtown into West Ashley, according to Matt Fountain, director of Stormwater Management with the city of Charleston
“Areas will see greatly improved drainage, to the point where they may not flood at all in some situations where they would’ve previously flooded very badly,” Fountain said.
A major gamechanger in the project is a pump station. It will be construction in the final, critical step of the project and will actively draw water away from the deep underground tunnels and deposit the water in the Ashley River.
It will be another two years before construction is complete, but the system will pump water out of the area, even against the tide and hurricanes.
Fountain said the U.S.-17/ Spring-Fishburne Project has taken 10 years and has a price tag of $200 million, in part funded by grants. It included redoing the surface streetscape of the Crosstown, including plantings and traffic signals.
He said there is no concern that water pumped into the Ashley River would flood waterfront properties.
“The river is seamlessly connected to the ocean and the ocean is so big that as it spreads out it, there’s no way to see that increase (on land),” Fountain said.
The Crosstown is a major throughfare that is often closed during heavy rainstorms as drivers are diverted to other roads. However, there are many neighborhoods in downtown Charleston that are prone to flooding either during rainstorms or a combination of rainstorms and high tide.
The Medical University of South Carolina and the surrounding medical corridor that includes the VA and Children’s Hospital is also prone to flooding — an area that is critical for workers and patients to access 24/7.
Fountain said the city initially did not have the medical corridor in its plans to tie into the deep tunnels, but during the course of the project, the city expanded the tunnel system, thanks to working out arrangements with MUSC’s executive team.
“When the project originally went forward, (we) ended up moving a section of the tunnel out of the medical district because we couldn’t get an agreement of where to put it in the medical district and also shut down roads for years,” Fountain said. “We came back with a modified design in the
2010s and MUSC offered to let us build the infrastructure on one of their properties on Ehrhardt Street and granted us easements underground for the tunnels.”
Fountain said the Medical District Drainage Tunnel Extension at Ehrhardt Street cost around $15 million and used a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for disaster mitigation earmarked to help hospitals.
“It was a great opportunity to leverage grant funding that was available from a disaster and say, “We can really help the hospitals in an area that has been very hard hit during these recent hurricanes.”
Deep stormwater tunnels needed to be strategically placed in order to move water out of the streets effectively. Too many drains into a tunnel can cause a backup.
“You can’t keep adding (additional) neighborhoods without eventually causing problems in the really critical areas you served in the first place,” Fountain said.
A long-awaited flooding project that has been under construction since 2019 includes lifting 850 feet of seawall on The Battery by two feet due to sea level rise and adding a promenade and pedestrian walkway. The final phase, Phase 3, started in April 2022 and is expected to take 18 months to complete.
A new outfall for stormwater to flow into the river was added at Ashley Boulevard and the city increased the size of the Tradd Street outfall pipe from 12 inches to 36 inches.
The nearly $70 million Low Battery Seawall Project includes pedestrian improvements and park improvements along the corridor.
“The stormwater department has been trying really hard in the last four to five years to leverage our projects to make them (serve) more than one thing. The Low Battery is a good example — it doesn’t look like a traditional sea wall project. We’re not just pallet-driving a metal coffer dam, we’re trying to also make it a beautiful linear park.”
Additional drainage improvements the city has added include adding check valves in many areas of the peninsula, which only lets water flow in
one direction, so that during high tide, water can not enter pipes and drain into streets.
“Morrison Drive used to flood all the time and we put check valves in and built a berm. Now the tide has to get well over eight feet, which is a huge tide for us, before Morrison Drive will flood,” Fountain said. “The (valves) have massively reduced flooding everywhere in the peninsula, except areas around Broad Street and Lockwood, because the water comes up over the ground,” Fountain said. “The only way to block that is with a wall or a barrier.”
The third phase of a stormwater drainage project for Market Street is now in the design phase and will consist of constructing a new, larger surface collection system that brings water more effectively to deep tunnel collection shafts. The city is taking the opportunity to add a streetscape project on the Market from Meeting Street to East Bay Street as part of the project.
There is an existing pump station that serves “Calhoun East” around Meeting Street and the Charleston Visitor’s Center as well as a 20-year-old pump station in front of the International African American Museum on Wharfside Street that helps drain that area.
“We’re in the middle of design and early procurement and upfitting that pump station to make it more reliable and higher-performing,” Fountain said. “We have also done some evaluations of looking at the Calhoun West, the southwest side of the peninsula, to see what would it cost to add deep tunnel systems in that area.”
The city continues to be vigilant about finding solutions for stormwater flooding.
“The first stage of any of these project evaluations is doing a computer model for the area to see what the current flooding looks like in addition to photos and information we have from residents and from our own inspections,” Fountain said. “Then we’ll model it (in regards to) how will this change with sea level rise? How will it change with storm intensifications? And we will see if there is a cost-effective project that could provide an improvement to drainage in the area. We reach out to communities and talk to them about what we’re seeing, our ideas for improving flooding in the area and get input from residents. Then, we come to council.”
The department also stays on top of the cost for these projects, which has included increasing the utility fee that people pay for stormwater in the city and securing additional funding.
“We certainly have been very successful in grant applications,” Fountain said. CRBJ
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In the sweltering heat of an August afternoon, a small crowd of people watched a crane hoist a shiny red dome onto the ornate white cupola perched atop the historic Babcock Building, the centerpiece of Columbia’s BullStreet District urban development project.
When the dome finally reached that final destination on Aug. 19, it was the final step of a many-tiered process of putting the cupola back together that took about 30 days — and the culmination of years of work by historic preservationists, developers, architects and builders.
The Babcock building, which once housed mental patients when the BullStreet property was the South Carolina State Hospital, closed in the 1990s and sat as a decaying shell until renovation started in 2020, and then was halted after a devastating fire that damaged the structure and toppled the iconic cupola.
Restoring historic buildings like the Babcock and other historic structures on the BullStreet property is not the same as building new structures or renovating ones without historic status.
Instead, bringing one of these buildings back to life requires developers and architects willing to learn about the structure’s history and consider how a building’s past can be part of its future.
In order to qualify for federal tax credits, redeveloping a historic structure requires strict adherence to standards set by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
“The requirements are designed to make sure the character and defining facets of a building are maintained in order to convey both the cultural and historical importance of the property,” said John Sherrer, director of preservation for Historic Columbia. “There are guidelines that state what can and can’t be done to the property. For most developers and architects who work with these types of buildings, those requirements are not seen as impediments but something to work with.”
Enter someone like Sarah McInerney, senior project manager for WalterPARKS Architects in Richmond, Va., selected by owners Clachan Properties to help bring the Babcock back to life.
Historic buildings are her specialty. She has converted churches, warehouses, mills and office buildings into residences.
“I don’t do new construction because there’s nothing to respond to,” McInerney said. “It’s more challenging for me to explore the building, learn its story and respond to the building to come up with a design.”
McInerney first visited the Babcock building in 2016.
“The building was in pretty bad disrepair at that point — there were some areas navigating it where floors were just missing,” McInerney said. “There were a lot of physi-
cal barriers to getting around it, but this was something that was in my wheelhouse and that’s what made it exciting for me.”
At 254,000 square feet, the Babcock was one of the largest buildings McInerney had tackled. After visiting the site went to work transforming it into a livable place, without destroying the historical integrity.
She said circulation, or how people move about within the building itself, is one of the biggest challenges to preserving a space like a historic hospital or institution.
“Wide corridors are essential to the historic fabric of this building, so we made sure to respond to those,” McInerney said. “The circulation of the Babcock was really interesting, with the hallways as well as so many stairs and ways in and out of the building.”
Figuring out a design to convert all of the smaller rooms that formerly housed patients into larger living spaces was also a challenge because the walls between the rooms were thick, 18-inch masonry.
One of the biggest challenges was dealing with a huge number of historic windows in the building — 1,800 of them — which had to be cataloged, removed from the building and then carefully replaced.
“We actually had a complete window survey done and put together a giant spreadsheet with each of them documented with its own unique number,” McInerney said.
A Richmond company called Museum Resources was selected to work on those windows.
“They repaired or rebuilt every one of them,” she said. “They had an actual window repair workshop on site to do the work.”
Converting a former hospital into apartments that would be attractive to a wide variety of residents was obviously a big challenge — one that McInerney enjoys immensely.
“The building kind of directs us in what we can do, so we try to work with the building itself in conjunction with the amount of units the clients need,” she said. “It’s a juggle of responding to the building and its constraints and also responding to the developer’s needs.”
The result of all that planning and design was 208 apartments that vary in size from one to three bedrooms, each with its own unique design quirks that exist because of the need to maintain the building’s original layout. By mid-August only 20 of the units remained open.
“The units have really surprised me,” McInerney said. “They felt small when you looked at the plans on the computer, but in reality the amount of windows in each unit and the amount of light don’t make them feel small at all. That was exciting to see. There are so many unit types and that’s a result of the design responding to the building. I love to visit the Babcock now and see what it looks like with people living there, plants in the windows, cats sitting on the sills,” McInerney said.
71 Wentworth
71 Wentworth Street
Developer/owner: East West Partners
Architects: Kevan Hoertdoerfer Architects
General contractor: Trident Construction
Engineers: H&G (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); Forsberg Engineering & Surveying (civil); Lambert Engineering Co., Mount Pleasant (structural)
Estimated completion date: Early 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $14 million
Project description: Trident Construction is providing team build services to renovate this 30,000-squarefoot historic building into luxury condominiums. Originally designed by 19th century Charleston architect John Henry Devereux, the landmark structure was built as a Masonic lodge. It is being redeveloped to add a contemporary design interior. The project includes renovating the 18-foot-tall windows and cathedral ceiling heights.
Albemarle Point—Porter-Gaud, Suites 208 and 320
176 Croghan Spur Road
Developer/owner: Porter-Gaud School
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
Engineers: Barrett Woodyard & Associates, Norcross, Ga
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Project description: This project is an upfit on the second and third floors of an existing building for office space. Included are a new floor plan with new architectural features as well as mechanical, electrical, fire sprinkler and fire alarm modifications.
220 Nassau Street
Developer/owner: Humanities Foundation, Charleston
Architects: Martin Riley Associates, Tucker, Ga.
General contractor: Trident Construction
Engineers: Meca Engineering, Columbia (mechanical, plumbing); Forsberg Engineering & Surveying (civil); Atlantic Engineering, Mount Pleasant (structural); Design Works (landscape); ECS Southeast, North Charleston (geotechnical)
Project manager: Trident Construction
Estimated completion date: Spring 2024
Project description: This project aims to convert the historic Henry P. Archer School into 89 homes for seniors while preserving this historically significant structure.
1235 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant
Developer/owner: Boone Hall, Mount Pleasant
Architects: Goff D’Antonio and Associates
General contractor: SouthCon Building Group, Mount Pleasant
Engineers: DWG, Mount Pleasant (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); EarthSource Engineering, Mount Pleasant (civil); 4SE (structural)
Estimated completion date: July 19 (completed)
Project description: This project consisted of the historic restoration of a two-story cotton gin and the addition of 3,000 square feet of new construction. The historic gin building houses a gift shop plus educational and events space. The new addition includes a two-story glass reception area building connecting the cotton gin and another two-story building that houses restrooms, elevator, storage, kitchen and mechanical spaces.
Thomas Scarborough joined Landmark Enterprises as Vice President of Property Management in April 2023. Thomas brings with him an extensive background working in 3rd party property management. We are confident that his expertise, local knowledge, and strong relationships will be instrumental in expanding Landmark Enterprises’ 3rd party property management services.
www.landmark-enterprises.com
CUC, from Page 17
Butler Snow
25 Calhoun Street, Suite 250
Developer/owner: Butler Snow
Architects: STG Design, Nashville
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Wilson & Girgenti Engineering, Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Estimated completion date: October 2023
Project description: This project is an upfit on the second floor of an existing building for law offices. New partitions, casework, flooring, painting, lighting and other finishes are included as well as mechanical, electrical, data cabling, plumbing, fire alarm and fire sprinkler work.
Camp Hall 8 Buildings A, B and C
1125 Camp Hall Blvd., Ridgeville
Developer/owner: Childress Klein Properties, Charlotte
Architects: Fukui Architects, Pittsburgh
General contractor: Choate Construction, Mount Pleasant
Engineers: Refresco Consulting Engineers, Charlotte (mechanical); Haas Kennedy, Charlotte (electrical); Thomas & Hutton, Mount Pleasant (civil); PEA Associates, Greenville (structural)
Estimated completion date: First quarter 2024
Project description: The 107 developable acres in Camp Hall Industrial Park are home to three industrial build-to-suit warehouses, totaling more than 1,422,680 square feet. The campus 8 tract consists of building A (967,680 square feet), building B (273,000 square feet), and building C (182,000 square feet). Built concurrently, these tilt-wall structures provide dual road connection points and 40-foot clearance heights and offer easy access to the global marketplace via rail, road, sea or air.
See CUC, Page 19
Carolina Funeral Home
7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston
Developer/owner: S. E. Combined Services of South Carolina, dba Carolina Funeral Home
Architects: Goodwyn Mills & Cawood
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Stephens Engineering & Consulting, Easley (mechanical, plumbing); Carolina Engineering Solutions, Greenville (electrical); Barrier Island Engineering & Consulting (civil); Fuller Group, Greenville (structural)
Estimated completion date: December 2023
Project description: This is an interior renovation with exterior modifications. Included are a new concrete entrance, decorative fountain and asphalt driveway. In addition, the remodel includes an embalming room, visitation rooms, a chapel, reception area, offices, front and back porches, a break room,and a porte cochère. The remodel also includes new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems as well as all new architectural features.
Carolina Voyager Charter School
1409 Bluewater Way
Developer/owner: Hubrich Contracting, Durham, N.C.
Architects: Mussman Architects, Greenville
General contractor: Hubrich Contracting, Durham, N.C.
Engineers: Diversified Consulting Group, Raleigh, (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); HLA (civil); Fuller Engineers, Greenville (structural)
Estimated completion date: December 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $15.5 million
Project description: The Carolina Voyager Charter School will relocate to a new construction on 13.303 acres at Bluewater Way and Bees Ferry Road. The slab-on-grade building will include a gym, full-service kitchen, cafeteria, media center and classrooms as well as outdoor dining and playgrounds. Exterior finishes will feature modular face brick, Hardie trim boards, and V-groove and square channel siding.
CUC, from Page 19
Charleston Technology Center — Goodwyn Mills Cawood
997 Morrison Drive, Suite 102
Developer/owner: Goodwyn Mills Cawood, Montgomery, Ala.
Architects: GMC Architects, Columbia
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Barrett, Woodyard & Associates, Norcross, Ga. (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: April 2023
Project description: This project consists of the first-floor upfit at the Charleston Tech Center for use as an architect firm office. A new layout is being constructed with new walls, acoustical ceilings, doors, hardware, casework, flooring, storefront, paint and a feature wall in the lobby. New mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are included, along with fire alarms and fire sprinklers.
Faber Suites 303 & 304
4055 Faber Place, North Charleston
Developer/owner: 4055 Faber Place Partners
Architects: TMD Architects, Mount Pleasant
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Constantine Engineering Associates
Project manager: Charleston
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Project description: This is an upfit of office space in an existing building. The floor plan includes offices, conference rooms, and break rooms with storefront wall systems. Fire protection and fire alarm systems are included, along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades.
Edgewater Pepsi Distribution Facility
9101 Water Tower Road, North Myrtle Beach
Developer/owner: Edgewater Ventures, Raleigh
Architects: HagerSmith Design, Raleigh
General contractor: Choate Construction, Mount Pleasant
Engineers: Bass, Nixon & Kennedy, Raleigh (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); Development Resource Group, Myrtle Beach (civil); Fluhrer Reed, Raleigh (structural)
Project manager: Mount Pleasant
Estimated completion date: November 2023
Project description: Pepsi Bottling Ventures’ newest distribution facility is a tilt-wall concrete structure that will include ten 9-by-10-foot and five 12-by-14-foot doors, an impact-rated storefront, five drive-in truck ramps and a wash bay. In addition, the tenant upfit includes metal wall protection panels on interior walls specific to end-user needs.
First Reliance Expansion
900 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200, Mount Pleasant
Developer/owner: First Reliance Bank
Architects: Shook Associates, Architects, Mount Pleasant
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Charleston Engineering (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: July 2023
Project description: This is an expansion of First Reliance Bank with the addition of five new offices on the building’s second floor. Each office will get new door frames and acoustic ceilings and tiles. The existing floors will be patched, and new paint will be applied to the walls. Also included are modifications to electrical and HVAC systems.
See CUC, Page 21
The Gallery Hair Salon
1374 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 101 & 102, Mount Pleasant General contractor: Harbor Contracting
Project description: This interior upfit in an existing shell building will accommodate a new hair salon. The salon includes five shampoo stations and 16 styling stations.
The Goddard School, Nexton Campus
110 Connectivity Lane, Summerville
Developer/owner: The Goddard School
General contractor: Hill Construction
Project description: Construction on the Goddard School in Nexton will start soon. The 10,000-square-foot single-story building will feature wood frame and truss construction, a combination of brick and Hardie board siding, and a shingle roof, black vinyl windows and an aluminum storefront.
Hudson Summerville Nissan
370 Holiday Dr., Summerville
Developer/owner: Hudson Automotive Group
Architects: Redline Design Group, Charlotte
General contractor: Choate Construction, Mount Pleasant
Engineers: Teeter Engineering Group, Charlotte (electrical); Hoyt + Berenyi, Ladson (civil); Britt, Peters & Associates, Greenville (structural)
Estimated completion date: Fall 2023
Project description: Hudson Automotive is expanding its footprint with a new two-story, 59,028-squarefoot Nissan dealership. The exterior façade will consist of split-faced and smooth-faced concrete masonry units with aluminum-composite-material panels, curtainwall, and storefront. The interior will include administrative and office spaces, customer lounge, a kids’ recreation space, sales, service reception, parts storage, and locker rooms. In addition, the dealership’s campus will have an outdoor lounge, stand-alone carwash, and dumpster.
See CUC, Page 22
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Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, Phase III
99 Harry Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant
Developer/owner: Town of Mount Pleasant
General contractor: Hill Construction
Project description: Among the additions in the phase III expansion are a splash pad and water tower, dog park, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a dedicated calisthenics area with exercise equipment. These new features are designed to further enrich the park’s offerings, providing recreational opportunities for all.
Medical University of South Carolina Primary Care and Concierge Medicine
1200 Innovation Way, Mount Pleasant
Developer/owner: Medical University Hospital Authority
Architects: SGA|NW Design
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Charleston Engineering (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: December 2023
Project description: This project is an interior upfit for a medical practice on the first floor of a three-story shell building. The new floor plan includes concierge medicine exam rooms, a waiting room, offices, a procedure room, and exam room areas. New mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are included, along with fire alarms and fire sprinklers. The new layout includes new walls, ceilings, casework, flooring, lighting, paint, window shades, glass and storefront.
Medical University of South Carolina Pharmacy
7771 Palmetto Commerce Way, North Charleston
Developer/owner: Medical University Hospital Authority
Architects: McMillan, Pazdan, Smith
General contractor: M.B. Kahn Construction
Engineers: BR+A Consulting Engineers
Estimated completion date: Dec. 1
Estimated total cost of project: $13,692,167
Project description: This project comprises an approximately 43,500-square-foot tilt-up concrete addition to an existing tilt-up consolidated-service-center warehouse. The addition will include program space for two pharmacy departments: specialty and distribution. The specialty pharmacy will have an automated central fill assembly line, walk-in refrigerators and freezers, and support spaces. The distribution pharmacy will have a Drug Enforcement Administration narcotics vault, automated distribution, and administrative offices.
New Home: Crescent
15 Johnson Road
Architects: TMD Architects, Mount Pleasant
General contractor: Hunter Baker Homes & Renovations
Engineers: Powell Engineering (structural)
Estimated completion date: July 2024
Estimated total cost of project: $5 million
Project description: This new-construction home is located inside the Crescent neighborhood and is sited to take advantage of the views of the water and grand trees on the property. The house is designed with a full stucco exterior and porcelain roof tiles with copper accents. The interior is designed with custom ceilings and finishes throughout and features a free-floating staircase.
North Charleston Sports Complex
1455 Monitor St., North Charleston
Developer/owner: City of North Charleston
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith
General contractor: Trident Construction
Engineers: Meca Engineering, Columbia (mechanical, plumbing, fire protection); GWA, Columbia (electrical); Forsberg Engineering & Surveying (civil); Furman LandDesign, Mount Pleasant (landscape); Aquatics H20, Boiling Springs (aquatic facility consulting)
Estimated completion date: December 2023
Estimated total cost of project: $26 million
Project description: This 55,000-square-foot facility features a 25-meter competitive pool; a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and badminton; five tennis courts; a roller rink for street hockey and roller-skating; and a multipurpose field for youth athletics. The facility is a concrete tilt-wall structure with metal roof joists and a masonry interior.
See CUC, Page 23
Novotech
22 Westedge Street, Suite 500
Developer/owner: Atlantic Companies, Atlanta
Architects: Bello Garris Architects
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Landscape Architecture
CHARLESTON 843.952.7817
WEB REMARKSTUDIOLLC.COM
Engineers: Constantine Engineering (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Estimated completion date: May 2023
Project description: This fifth-floor interior upfit features a new floor plan for tenant office space. The project’s scope includes operable partitions, windows, flooring, cabinetry, lighting and paint. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems are included as well.
Landscape Architectural Services: Commercial, Neighborhood, Institutional, Residential, and Multi-family
Opportunity Center Upfits D1 & D2 8570 Rivers Ave., North Charleston
Developer/owner: Homes of Hope Inc., Greenville
Architects: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
General contractor: J. Musselman Construction
Engineers: Epic Engineering Solutions, Mount Pleasant (mechanical, electrical, fire protection)
Estimated completion date: September 2023
Project description: This interior upfit of tenant suites includes a new floor plan. New architectural features include ceilings, flooring, lighting and paint. Mechanical, electrical, fire protection and fire alarm trades are also included.
programming, architecture, interior design, construction administration, historic preser vation, sustainable design, healthcare, K-12 and higher education, corporate, community, senior living, sports and recreation Liollio Architecture 1640 Meeting Street Road, Suite 202
Inc.
Hibben St. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Novus Architects 656 King St. Charleston, SC 29403
Goff D'Antonio Associates Ltd.
34 Radcliffe St. Charleston, SC 29403
The Middleton Group 4289 Spruill Ave., Suite 100 North Charleston, SC 29405
Bello Garris Architects 76 Spring St., Suite B Charleston, SC 29403
CEMS Engineering Inc. 108 Bentons Lodge Road, Suite B Summer ville, SC 29485
Glick Boehm & Associates Inc.
493 King St., Suite 100 Charleston, SC 29403
Red Iron Architects LLC
4591 Durant Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405
Rosenblum Coe Architects Inc.
1643 Means St. Charleston, SC 29412
Moseley Architects 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 601 Charleston, SC 29403
Goodwyn Mills Cawood 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 102 Charleston, SC 29403
SGA|NW, a GF design company 804 Meeting St., Suite 103 Charleston, SC 29403
Herlong Architects & Interior Design 25 Calhoun St., Suite 310C Charleston, SC 29401
Applied Building Sciences 2308 Cosgrove Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405
Coast Architects Inc. 671 St. Andrews Blvd. Charleston, SC 29407
Spivey Architects Inc. 147 Wappoo Creek Drive, Suite 302 Charleston, SC 29412
Wayne Windham Architect P.A. 1779 Main Road Johns Island, SC 29455
Simons Young & Associates 3 Morris St., Suite B Charleston, SC 29403
Camens Architectural Group
3461 Maybank Highway Johns Island, SC 29455
Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design 20 Broadway St., Suite 101 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Architecture Plus 1044 E. Montague Ave., Suite 201 North Charleston, SC 29405
Cumulus Architecture & Design LLC 42 Warren St. Charleston, SC 29403
843-881-7642 www.smha.com m.delcioppo@smha.com
843-849-7407 www.novusarchitects.com heather.mucci@novusa.com
843-577-2163 www.goffdantonio.com ggoff@goffdantonio.com
843-302-0632 www.themiddletongroup.net
843-640-3566 www.bellogarris.com
843-875-3637 www.cems-ae.com info@cems-ae.com
843-577-6377 www.glickboehm.com isabelle@glickboehm.com
843-834-2677 www.red-ironarchitects.com info@red-ironarchitects.com
843-577-6073 www.rosenblumcoe.com rca@rosenblumcoe.com
843-577-5063 www.moseleyarchitects.com bwhitener@moseleyarchitects.com
843-727-3140 www.gmcnetwork.com info@gmcnetwork.com
843-853-4506 www.sganwdesign.com info@sganwdesign.com
843-883-9190 www.herlongarchitects.com info@herlongarchitects.com
843-724-1456 www.appliedbuildingsciences.com info@appliedbuildingsciences.com
843-763-7064 www.coastarchitects.net connie@coastarchitects.net
843-795-9370 www.spiveyarchitects.com mspivey@spiveyarchitects.com
843-243-0790 www.waynewindhamarchitect.com info@waynewindhamarchitect.com
843-277-0996 www.simonsyoung.com simons@simonsyoung.com
843-768-3800 www.camensarchitecturalgroup.com gina@camensarchitecturalgroup.com
843-937-6001 www.theandersonstudio.com designers@theandersonstudio.com
843-718-3416 www.architectureplusllc.com info@architectureplusllc.com
843-607-3888 www.cumulusarchitecture.com info@cumulusarchitecture.com
Marjorie Longshore 1990
Tommy N. Smith Joshua C. Allison Debra M. Chitwood 1992
R. Garey Goff, Tony Giuliani, Henr y D'Antonio 1991
Laura K. Middleton Blake Middleton 2007
Eddie Bello, Eric Garris 2015
Stephen Mahaffey, Scott Perkins 1989
Shawn Mellin 1981
Emma Souder 2011
Josh Caplea, Steve Coe 1978
Lisa Demmel, Benjamin S. Whitener, Corey McCalla 1969
Jimmy Walker, Gable Stubbs 1947
Kelly Hosack, Bill Eubanks 2022
12 21
8 30
architecture, interior design, programming, historic preser vation, renovation and master planning ser vices for the U.S. southeast region
Preliminar y design, feasibility studies, site analysis, planning and utilization, architectural and interior design, project management, bidding and negotiation, contract administration, post contract
Architecture, interior design, master-planning, environmental graphics, building information modeling, construction administration, furniture, fixtures and equipment coordination, due diligence
6 14 Architecture, interior design and planning for hospitality, education, mixed use, multifamily health care and commercial
6 12
Architecture and interior design, ground up, renovations and additions, project types include adaptive reuse, commercial and medical offices, education, historic, hospitality, mixed use, multi-family, residential
4 7
Architecture, historic preser vation, interior design, city planning, local design
4 59
Architecture, interior design, civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural, fire protection, planning and commissioning
4 12
Architecture, interior design, planning
4 10
Commercial, educational, governmental, hospitality architecture and interior design
4 11
Architecture, master planning, interior architecture, feasibility studies, cost estimating, 3D visualization and virtual reality
4 13
Architecture, interior design, engineering, construction administration
4 9
Architecture, interior design, planning, civil engineering, transportation/aviation engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental ser vices, landscape architecture, electrical engineering, disaster recover y
3 19 Team of design and planning professionals, in-house disciplines of architecture, interior design, land planning and landscape architecture
Stephen Herlong 1986 3 12 Architecture, interior architecture, interior design for residential and commercial projects
Jason Gregorie, Scott Har vey, Al Schweickhardt 2003 3 20
Connie Zafiris Arnie McClure 2003 3
Michael W Spivey 1983
Architecture, building enclosure consulting, roof consulting, structural and civil engineering
Architectural and design ser vices
Custom commercial and residential design ser vices, commercial interiors, tenant upfit, planning, consultation
Gordon Wayne Windham 1981 3 7 High-end residential architecture, single-family custom home design, renovations, 3D visualizations and fly-arounds, light commercial architecture
Simons W Young 2009
Marc Camens 1982
Scott W Anderson 2010
Tim S. Hilkhuijsen, Kevin E. Whalley 2011
Abby F Lesslie, Robert D. Lesslie 2011
3 4
Architectural ser vices for historic building renovations, adaptive building re-use, and new buildings in the historic environment
2 7 Architectural ser vices for high end new construction and renovations
2 10
Architecture and interior design studio, high-end custom residential design and select bespoke hospitality projects, rooted in historical architectural style with influences of modern design
2 2
2 8
Residential, commercial and interior architecture, renovations, adaptive reuse of existing and historic buildings and design of public facilities and investment properties
Custom residential architecture
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.
Swallowtail Architecture 814 N. Cedar St. Summer ville, SC 29483
Tyler A. Smyth Architect LLC
386-A Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29403
Vinyet Architecture 56 Broad St., Third Floor Charleston, SC 29401
Cobb Architects 67 Washington St. Charleston, SC 29403
LFK Architects
886 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Mead & Hunt 5595 Core Road, Suite 515 North Charleston, SC 29406
MRB Group Consulting P.C. 134 Meeting St., Suite 100 Charleston, SC 29401
Add & Dwelling Group LLC 806 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 205 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AJ Architects LLC 538 King St. Charleston, SC 29403
Alice B. Lanham Architect 2978 Cane Slash Road Johns Island, SC 29455
b Studio Architecture 1103 Justice St. North Charelston, SC 29405
Berenyi Inc. 49 Immigration St., Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29403
BRPH 229 Huger St., Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29403
Byers Collaborative 314 E. Erie Ave. Folly Beach, SC 29439
Dolphin Architects & Builders 3730 Bohicket Road Johns Island, SC 29455
Epps Architecture 1 Pinckney St. Charleston, SC 29401
James P. Verkaik Architect LLC 4846 Causey Pond Road Awendaw, SC 29429
John Douglas Tucker Architect 2962 Hut Road Johns Island, SC 29455
Kevan Hoertdoerfer Architects 538 King St. Charleston, SC 29403
KW Designs LLC 2744 Samuel Gibbs Road Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
Michael E. Karamus Architect LLC 3690 Bohicket Road, Suite 3A Johns Island, SC 29455
843-885-9400 www.swallowtailarchitecture.com info@swallowtailarchitecture.com
843-724-7787 www.tylerasmyth.com info@tylerasmyth.com
843-619-7662 www.vin-yet.com contact@vin-yet.com
843-856-7333 www.cobbarchitecture.com dac@cobbarchitecture.com
843-330-8940 www.lfkarchitect.com info@lfkarchitect.com
843-486-8330 www.meadhunt.com mailbox@meadhunt.com
843-992-0275 www.mrbgroup.com info@mrbgroup.com
843-856-5022 www.add-dwelling.com info@add-dwelling.com
843-810-0029 www.ajarch.net ashley@ajarch.net
yl A. Cobb 2000 2
Losse F Knight III 2006
Dan Moses, Robert Moore 1900
David Doyle, P.E., Ryan T Colvin, James J. Oberst 1927
Ronald J. Denton, John Abess 2010
Ashley K. Jennings 1997
843-795-8735 alicelanham@aol.com Alice B. Lanham 1994
843-608-1858 www.bstudioarch.com info@bstudioarch.com Chris Bonner 2009
843-284-2000 www.berenyi.com
843-743-0222 www.brph.com info@brph.com
843-814-8544 www.byerscollaborative.com sanford@byersdesign.com Sanford E. Byers 1999
843-768-2404 www.dolphinbuilders.com info@dolphinbuilders.com
843-577-2080 www.eppsarchitecture.net eppsarch@att.net
843-200-3509 james.the.architect.llc@gmail.com
843-303-1594 www.tuckerarchitect.com tuckerarchitect@gmail.com
843-724-6002 www.hoertdoerferarchitects.com studio@hoertdoerferarchitects.com
843-990-1923 www.kwdesignsllc.net kwoudstra@kwdesigns.net
843-768-9980 www.mkarchllc.com mkaramus@aol.com
Noel Kade Jonathan Marshall Christopher Ibsen 1990
2 14
2
full-ser vice design, custom residential architecture, historic renovations and restorations, custom primar y and vacation
Custom homes, renovations, small commercial
Commercial and residential architecture, planning and feasibility studies, new construction, upfits and renovations
Planning, design, engineering, architecture, interior design, dams and hydro power, food processing, militar y, municipal infrastructure, transportation, EPC, water and wastewater
Architecture, higher education, adaptive re-use, civic/community, healthcare, hospitality, municipal, vivil engineering, wastewater, water, roads, structural engineering, municipal planning
accessor y dwelling units
vice architecture, design, interior design, engineering, construction ser vices and mission solutions firm ser ving clients in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, entertainment, hospitality, commercial and education.
commercial and residential new and renovation, boutique firm
Custom design and build firm featuring fully-licensed architecture, interior design and construction expertise
Robert E. Epps 1985 1
James P Verkaik 2002
John Douglas Tucker 2003
Kevan Hoertdoerfer 2003
Kyle Woudstra 2020
Michael E. Karamus 1999
1 1
1 1
1 4
1
Architecture and interior architecture
Multi-stor y Class A tilt concrete office buildings, Class A tenant upfit, medical, dental and surger y center work, custom residential on new homes and addition, remodel
Residential and commercial architectural ser vices
Architecture, master planning, interior design
Architecture, master planning, design, construction administration; full commercial and residential ser vices
Site planning, residential design, interior architecture, small commercial design
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.
www.tridentconstruction.com chappy@tridentconstruction.com
www.gulfstreamconstruction.com info@gulfstreamconstruction.com
Thompson Turner Construction 111 Coleman Blvd., Suite 401 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Dooley Mack Constructors of South Carolina LLC 620 Dobbin Road, Suite 200 Charleston, SC 29414
Hill Construction 295 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 301 Charleston, SC 29492
Balfour Beatty US 306 Meeting St., Suite 100 Charleston, SC 29401
Mashburn Construction Co. Inc. 1202 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
M. B. Kahn Construction Co. Inc. 148 1/2 E. Bay St. Charleston, SC 29401
Linden Construction of South Carolina Inc. 350 Seacoast Parkway Charleston, SC 29464
Vannoy Construction 2457 Aviation Ave., Suite 105 North Charleston, SC 29406
HITT Contracting Inc. 216 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492
Contracting Inc. 1147 Pleasant Oaks Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Charles Blanchard Construction Corp 2845 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC 29405
K-Con Inc. 6543 Fain St. North Charleston, SC 29406
Arnett Construction 1 Cool Blow St., Suite 322 Charleston, SC 29403
Berenyi Construction LLC 49 Immigration St., Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29403
www.sametcorp.com general.inquir y@sametcorp.com Carson P Knizevski
843-225-6066 www.thompsonturner.com info@thompsonturner.com
843-762-6690 www.dooleymacksc.com
843-884-6888 www.hillcon.com robert@hillcon.com
843-974-4590 www.balfourbeattyus.com info@balfourbeattyus.com
843-853-4303 www.mashburnconstruction.com lyarborough@mashburnconstruction.com
843-990-7700 www.mbkahn.com nstroud@mbkahn.com
843-637-4375 www.lindeninc.com lfranks@lindeninc.com
843-998-7194 www.jr vannoy.com melvin.cline@jr vannoy.com
843-308-9400 www.hitt.com info@hitt-gc.com
843-884-3434 www.harborcontracting.net info@harborcontracting.net
843-747-5757 www.blanchardconst.com ronnie@blanchardconst.com
843-745-0434 www.kconinc.com info@kconinc.com
843-271-8668 www.arnettconstructionsc.com office@arnettconstructionsc.com
843-284-2000 www.berenyi.com
Paige Carlton, Liz Rhoads
John O. RossJr , Jeff Boyer 2008
Chip Crane, Gene Garrett, Bart Bodkin 1956
Jeff Sandeen, Scott Skidelsky 1933
Lee MashburnJr , Paul Mashburn 1976
William H. Neely, Robert A. Chisholm 1927
Brandon Linden, Greg Munzel, Leland Franks 2009
Mark Vannoy, Eddie Vannoy 1952
Industrial and manufacturing, corporate office and base building, health care, technology, education, historical renovations, senior living, multifamily, civic and sports facilities
New construction and renovation ser vices throughout South Carolina, educational facilities, commercial and industrial buildings, and complex renovations
Ground-up, renovation, remodel, retrofit, demolition for commercial projects, focus on retail, restaurant, banking, automotive, medical and professional office, light industrial and amenities sectors
Pre-construction, design-build, construction management and general contracting ser vices across ever y segment of commercial construction
Highways, bridges, tunnels, water and wastewater treatment plants, light rail networks, heavy rail, commuter rail, city streetcars, short line, Class 1 freight railroads, corporate offices, education
Preconstruction, construction management and design-build ser vices to historic, healthcare, education, hospitality, office, industrial, religious, public and multi-family clients
18 33 General contracting, construction management, construction management at risk, integrated project deliver y, facility planning and design-build ser vices
Ground-up construction, multifamily, Class A office, mixed-use, interiors, major renovations to existing structures, medical, retail
Ron Revia Patrick Kiernan Michael Kiernan 1984
6 17
Travis Arnett 2008 $19,500,000 17 18
Jordan Behringer Razvan Cojocaru 2008
44 7
corporate office, mission critical, higher education and government
process piping, welding, pipefitting
Design-build general contractor specializing in renovations, up-fits, commercial, government and light industrial construction
Commercial, historical, small multi family
Design-build with in-house architecture and engineering, preconstruction and planning, construction management, general construction, specializing in heavy industrial and commercial markets
Because of space constraints, sometimes only the top-ranked companies are published in the print edition. For a full list of participating organizations, visit scbiznews.com/buy-business-lists. Email additions or corrections to Listresearch@Bridgetowermedia.com.
Kiawah Island Club and its owners, South Street Partners, joined Greg Olsen, NFL analyst and former Carolina Panthers tight end, and his family to host the second Heartest Yard Celebrity Classic, presented by Lexus in June at the club’s Tom Fazio-designed River Course.
Olsen and his wife, Kara, started the Heartest Yard Program in 2012 after their son T.J. was born with hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. Their goal is to help families of kids with congenital heart disease have access to the best cardiology and cardiac surgery care in the country.
The program helps fund a range of services like private nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy. Last year’s event raised $300,000, which went
Striped Pig Distillery has joined with Web3 companies Passbird Research, The Illusion Factory and Reality Kraft on a slate of augmented reality marketing promotions for the Striped Pig portfolio. Striped Pig is certified woman-owned by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
First steps for this AR partnership include leveling up the beverage industry with blockchain tech, launching an interactive game, and bringing artists together from throughout the world to perform and to record AR holograms of historical memories at the recently expanded facility.
The first of this series kicked off in August with the release of a virtual pet striped pig.
With Sizzle Wallet, which is secured by MetaKeep, Striped Pig seeks to bring new users into Web 3.0 in a promotion that eliminates technical jargon, needless seed phrases, and gas fees. Once a consumer has created a free wallet, the Sizzle perks will start rolling in to stimulate audience engagement and purchasing through a marketplace where everyone gets paid to purchase and share content.
Passbird Research is the creator of the MetaKeep web3 wallet. The Illusion Factory is the creator of the technology platform Sizzle Global Trans Media Network, which makes all media and all locations instantly interactive and transactional, embedding perks of all kinds into that wallet.
Rumbo recently received a Telly Award in the Online Commercials General-Product and Services category for its “Take It From Agnes”
toward funding the expansion of the pediatric cardiovascular foundation’s services to patients and families in the Charleston area. Greg Olsen presented the event proceeds to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
This year’s two-day event featured a Sunday evening reception at the River Course Club. Following an auction, Mark Bryan, of Hootie & the Blowfish, led a celebrity concert with Chicago’s Jason Scheff; Thomas McClary, of the Commodores; Taylor Hicks, from America n Idol; and others. The celebrity golf outing included Olsen’s NFL TV partners Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Rinaldi as well as former teammate Luke Kuechly.
Under the auspices of Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte,
the Heartest Yard program was founded to assist families of babies born with congenital heart disease and to provide healthcare support and services to ease the transition from hospital to home. Through a partnership between Atrium Health Foundation and Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation, the Heartest Yard Fund offers a range of services—including in-home private nursing care, physical therapy, and speech therapy—at no charge to families. The program ultimately aims to help prevent children’s complications from congenital heart disease and improve their long-term health.
In December 2020, the Olsen family opened the Heartest Yard Congenital Heart Center at Levine Children’s Hospital to provide comprehensive medi-
Real estate developer Magnus Development Partners has broken ground for Vantage Point 1, a 152,880-square-foot industrial spec building at Camp Hall in Berkeley County. The project sits directly across from Volvo’s North American facility, where two next-generation all-electric sport utility vehicles will be produced.
cal care to cardiac patients from birth through adulthood. In its first year of operation, more than 25,000 patients received treatment in the heart center. The services provided by the Heartest Yard program will soon also be offered at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.
merville recently earned the Elite Agent Designation from Allstate, thanks to its 56 percent year-over-year growth and a 90-plus percent policy retention rate.
The designation adds to the agency’s list of achievements, including recently being named as the number one local insurance company in the Summerville Journal Scene Reader’s Choice Awards.
ProLift Garage Doors online commercial. The Telly Awards’ 44th annual edition drew nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe.
The spot, selected and featured on Ads of The World earlier this year, celebrates the bond between two animated garage doors as they deliver the commercial’s message.
ProLift Garage Doors reached out to Rumbo to create its first online video campaign; Rumbo celebrated the win by creating a parody video spot with the original talent and animation featuring their Telly Award.
The automaker, whose cumulative investment in the South Carolina operation totals roughly $1.2 billion, recently announced plans to add a battery-assembly facility and additional production space. This Magnus Development Partners project is its second spec industrial building within the 6,800-acre campus.
DoubleTree Resort and Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach has partnered with TravelBoom to enhance its online presence and engage with a wider audience.
By leveraging TravelBoom’s strategies and techniques, DoubleTree Resort plans to showcase its offerings, amenities, and the experiences it provides guests. In addition, by teaming up with TravelBoom, the resort aims to amplify its online reach and connect with existing and potential guests.
The Farnsworth Family Agency Sum-
Adams Property Group has broken ground on a retail and medical village at 1198 Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley. New tenants that have already been secured include Southside Animal Hospital, Pediatric Dentistry, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery, a local nail spa, and Kickin’ Chicken. Limited medical and retail spaces remain available.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by December and a grand opening is planned for spring 2024.
Training Concepts acquires PST Training Concepts has acquired PST. Training Concepts, headquartered in Columbia, has specialized in technical, application, and business training since 2004.
It offers instructor-led courses in a variety of formats on a flexible schedule to students entering the information technology field or working to advance skillsets as well as team training.
A OpExChange plant tour hosted by SixAxis in Andrews in May addressed the effectiveness of lean manufacturing and whether it brings tangible benefits to a company’s bottom and top lines. The tour’s primary focus was to showcase SixAxis’s implementation of lean principles, which earned it the Global OpEx award in 2020.
In his remarks, chief operating officer Jason Merschat said that SixAxis is constantly engages in continuous improvement, seeking opportunities to refine processes and products. Merschat emphasized the role of people in any improvement endeavor and expressed the company’s commitment to foster a culture of ongoing learning and advancement.
Doug Odum, vice president of operations, led the group discussion on the key elements of the company’s lean journey, which officially began in 2018. The approach adopted by SixAxis resembles lean systems observed in various organizations. These systems ensure alignment between the system and the corporate Hoshin Kanri,
The Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s board of directors has elected Chris Fraser, principal and managing director of Avison Young’s South Carolina offices, as its chair. The board consists of leaders from South Carolina’s largest employers and strongest economic development assets.
As principal and managing director of Avison Young’s offices in South Carolina and Savannah, Fraser oversees office leasing and development. Among his honors, he has been named one of Charleston Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential and inducted into the Hall of Fame, received the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Charleston Distinguished Leader Award, and earned a spot on the prestigious SC Biz Real Estate Power List.
As chair, Fraser leads the board, whose members serve as advisors to the alliance. The board focuses on global marketing and ways to attract business; attracting talent to provide employees for new and existing companies; innovation within and across industry clusters; and increasing the region’s resiliency and economic
or policy deployment, to connect the plan with top-level objectives. In addition, they employ Kojo Kanri, known as lean daily management or factory management, for floor-level deployment.
Concurrently, SixAxis has implemented total productive maintenance practices. Notably, it places significant emphasis on their kaizen, or continuous improvement, activities, emphasizing the utilization of the eight-disciplines problem-solving method. Throughout the transformation period, SixAxis completed 49 eight-disciplines activities.
In the course of the discussion, Odum and Merschat underscored the importance of training and educating their workforce. They emphasized the significance of offering ongoing learning opportunities to enrich employee skills and knowledge. To accomplish this, they use a blend of internal resources and such external sources as the OpExChange and South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. This approach helps them tap into a wide range of expertise and viewpoints, thereby fostering the professional development of their workforce.
Within the SixAxis daily management system, there are several tiers of reporting and communication. The first tier is tailored for team leads and shop floor personnel, the second tier entails team leads interacting with the leadership team, and the third tier is designated for the site management team to engage with the executive team.
These levels constitute an essential component of their Hoshin Kanri and policy deployment framework. They begin their daily operations with a tier one meeting
promptly at 7:00 a.m., followed by a tier two Gemba walk, or workplace walkthrough.
The Gemba walk is an all-inclusive activity, inviting participation from frontline operators to top executives.
As for the tier three board, it consists of distinct sections dedicated to safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and morale.
The tier one and two boards concentrate on matters within the purview of the shop floor, including safety, quality, delivery, and cost as well as a six-step process devised by Toyota Production Systems to help streamline production with less waste. During the discussion, Odum emphasized two points. First, prioritization follows a left-to-right sequence, with safety taking precedence, followed by quality. Second, the boards highlight the concept of internal customers, underscoring the importance of fulfilling the needs of internal stakeholders.
in Berkeley County. The project is located directly across from Volvo’s North American facility where two new next-generation, all-electric sport utility vehicles will be produced. The automaker, whose cumulative investment in the South Carolina operation totals roughly $1.2 billion, recently announced plans to add a battery assembly facility and additional production space.
The project developed by Magnus Development Partners will be their second spec industrial building within the 6,800-acre campus.
Specialty running retailer Fleet Feet expects to open its new location in the Ashley Landing shopping center, West Ashley, in the fourth quarter of 2023. The 3,000-square-feet store will offer such high-end running brands as On, Hoka, Karhu, and OOFOS as well as popular brands such as Brooks, Asics, Nike, Lululemon, Vuori and New Balance.
Each Fleet Feet location is locally owned and operated and serves runners based on the belief that “running changes everything.” Other greater Charleston area locations owned by Minkel and her husband, Chris, include Mount Pleasant, Summerville and Carnes Crossroads.
Magnus Development Partners broke ground on Vantage Point 2, a 152,880-squarefoot industrial spec building at Camp Hall
Lauren Hansen of Aston Properties represented Faison in the transaction. Ashley Landing is a 347,541-square-foot shopping center anchored by Publix; built in 1972, it was West Ashley’s first indoor mall. Faison is in the process of planning the revitalization of Ashley Landing to enhance safety and infrastructure and to bring quality up to today’s standards. CRBJ
sustainability.
Fraser is involved with volunteer leadership roles in education and the arts, having chaired both the Charleston County School Board and the Trident Technical College Foundation. He currently sits on the Global Diversity and Inclusion Council at Avison Young.
The new department head for Hussey Gay Bell’s Charleston civil department is William “Bret” Godwin. Godwin joined the firm in 2022 as a civil department supervisor, responsible for managing and overseeing design efforts for the firm’s civil projects in industrial, commercial, residential, education, health care, public safety, transportation and water and wastewater domains.
Projects of note include a 385-unit residential development in Santee, a 770unit residential development in Orangeburg County, a 700,000-square foot
industrial building development on 82 acres in Berkeley County, and a fire and emergency-medical-services station in Charleston County.
A retired Naval officer with more than 21 years of active-duty service, Godwin has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Old Dominion University and is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina.
Twin Rivers Capital has added Kaylee Hurych as associate development manager. Previously, she worked in Tommy’s Express’s real estate department as a regional real estate manager, helping franchise partners identify trade areas for new development.
Brendan O’Neill has joined MassMutual South Carolina as a financial services professional in the Charleston office, where he focuses on helping individual and business clients
secure their financial futures. O’Neill graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Previously, he was employed at Lincoln Financial Services.
Michael Wiseman has joined UFG Surety, enabling the surety bond carrier to expand its service in North Carolina and South Carolina. He has 30 years of surety experience in the Carolinas and Georgia,
Wiseman stepped into the surety territory manager role in May after service at large national carriers, including the last seven years in an underwriting directorship role.
Lauren A. Trigleth is now an associate in Clement Rivers’ Charleston office. She practices primarily in the construction law practice group.
Target your market in an upcoming issue of the Charleston Regional Business Journal
OCTOBER 9
SUPPLY CHAIN
Lists: 3PL, Warehouse Services
Advertising Deadline: September 25
OCTOBER 23
MANUFACTURING
Lists: Manufacturing Companies, Aerospace Companies
Advertising Deadline: October 9
NOVEMBER 13
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Lists: Restaurants, Restaurants with Banquet Facilities
Advertising Deadline: October 30
DECEMBER 4
FINANCE
Lists: Banks, Accounting Firms
Special Section: Reader Rankings
Advertising Deadline: November 20
Trigleth received her undergraduate degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and her juris doctor, magna cum laude, from the Charleston School of Law. Prior to law school, she worked as a claims service representative, paralegal, deputy clerk of court and court recorder.
For advertising information, contact Ryan Downing at rdowning@scbiznews.com
Six Realtors from The Cassina Group were named to America’s Best Real Estate Professionals List. The annual list, compiled by Real Trends, is based on production from 2022 and honors the top 1.5% of more than 1.6 million real estate professionals in the country.
Cassina Realtors Robertson Allen, Jimmy Dye, Ashley Graham, Jackie Kelly, Charles McIntosh, and Caroline Perkins Mollica were all recognized on this year’s list for their 2022 sales volume.
Hayley Murphy is now with Handsome Properties. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Murphy studied hospitality and event management and started her real estate career at a real estate brokerage in Ohio.
At Avison, Drew Scharf is joining the brokerage team as an associate, focusing on industrial sales and leasing in the greater Charleston area.
Scharf joined Avison Young in 2021 as a brokerage assistant, supporting retail and industrial brokerage teams, and gaining valuable experience in research and business development. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in real estate from the College of Charleston.
Realtor Bhavna Vasudeva has joined Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than 25 years of real estate experience, she specializes in Charleston and Columbia residential
real estate. Vasudeva earned a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and public relations, with a minor in marketing, from the University of South Carolina.
Savannah River National Laboratory researcher Carol Eddy-Dilek has been named a laboratory fellow for her contributions to her area of expertise, the laboratory, and the nation.
The honor is the highest scientific/engineering achievement within SRNL and is granted by the laboratory director upon the recommendation of the fellow committee and review panel.
As a senior technical adviser in SRNL’s environmental and legacy management directorate, Eddy-Dilek contributed significantly to laboratory, Savannah River Site, and Department of Energy missions. In doing so, she applied her knowledge of geology and environmental sciences and her program management skills to advance SRNL’s competencies in environmental characterization and remediation. Her responsibilities included leading and supporting high-quality applied technology development research, as well as strategies to support high-priority needs for the DOE’s Office of Environmental Management and Office of Legacy Management.
Eddy-Dilek was a classic geologist when she first came to SRNL to oversee the completion of the SRS geologic map and never imagined having the opportunity to work on a such a wide diversity of complex and challenging groundwater and soil contamination problems.
Over the last two decades, Eddy-Dilek managed more than 50 national technical assistance team evaluations of high-priority issues related to environmental restoration in concert with researchers across SRNL to focus on timely project delivery and cost savings for DOE-EM. In addition, she and her teams developed new initiatives within the federal complex, including the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, DOE-LM, international programs, and DOE-EM field sites, including Portsmouth, Paducah, Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, and Richland.
More recently, Eddy-Dilek and scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory worked collaboratively to develop new cost-effective strategies for long-term monitoring, incorporating geophysical and artificial-intelligence tools that utilize each laboratory’s competencies and technologies. She also led the development of a new paradigm of long-term monitoring that the DOE-EM can implement across
The budget problem has arrived. Budget deficits are averaging $2 trillion which means that the government must issue an equivalent amount of debt every year to pay its bills. As a result, debt in relation to GDP is expected to climb to 119% by 2033.
The previous record was 106% following World War II. Politicians can no longer kick the can down the road. We must soon find a solution to the problem because Medicare will exhaust its reserves in 2031, Social Security will follow in 2033.
Once its reserves are depleted Social Security benefits will be cut by an estimated 23%. Any candidate who says that they will not touch Social Security benefits is implicitly advocating a 23% cut in Social Security benefits for 70 million older Americans. Sorry, wrong answer!
Government spending has surged in the past two years as the government intervened in 2020 and 2021 to lessen the impact of the COVID pandemic. After a reprieve to “only” $1.4 trillion last year the budget deficit is poised to exceed $2.0 trillion once again in fiscal 2023
with a string of $2.0-3.0 trillion deficits looming every year for the foreseeable future. And if that is not bad enough, should a recession occur at any point in the upcoming decade the projected deficits will be even larger.
Make no mistake the deficit problem is not a shortfall of tax revenue. In fact, over the next decade those revenues are already projected to surpass their average over the past 50 years. There is not much room for tax increases to solve the deficit problem.
The problem is spending. Government expenditures will average about 24% of GDP compared to their historical average of 20.5%. The solution to the problem is to cut spending.
Given these bloated deficits, debt outstanding will increase by $2.0-3.0 trillion every single year because that is what the government must do to pay its bills. As a result debt in relation to GDP will climb from 100% this year to 119% by 2033.
To put this into perspective, the prior record debt to GDP ratio was 106% in 1946. But in the late 1940’s and 1950’s government spending plunged because wartime spending ended. That will not happen today because the bloated deficits are caused by excessive spending in general, ballooning entitlements in particular.
What are entitlements? They are simply payments by the government direct-
ly to individuals to supplement income. The list includes such giants as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, as well as veterans and unemployment benefits amongst others.
In the 1960’s such benefits were roughly 25% of all government spending. Today they represent nearly two-thirds of the total. And, unfortunately, no politician ever wants to cut benefits. To do so will negatively impact the income stream for a large number of voters in their district. They regard a cut in Social Security benefits as the “third rail.”
Cut them and your term in office will end at the next election. Like it or not, they will soon need to address the issue.
Why? Because the trust funds for many of these entitlements will soon exhaust their reserves. Medicare will be insolvent by 2031. Social Security will suffer the same fate in 2033. The Social Security Administration estimates that if that happens, 70 million retirees will see their monthly benefits shrink by 23%.
While retiring baby boomers are a large part of the problem, the recent shrinkage of the labor force, declining birthrates, and increased life expectancy compound the problem.
The solutions are well known. Gradually raising the retirement age, trimming the annual cost-of-living adjustment, a reduction in payments to high income benefi-
ciaries, and increasing the threshold for which benefits are taxed, will undoubtedly be parts of the ultimate solution.
The problem is not how to solve the issue but, rather, finding the courage to act. With divided government, achieving the solution will be challenging but it must be done. Significantly cutting benefits for 70 million older Americans is unacceptable. Any politician who says he or she will not cut benefits for Social Security recipients should not be viewed as a serious candidate.
From 1980 until 2003, when he retired, Stephen Slifer served as chief U.S. economist for Lehman Brothers in New York City, directing the firm’s U.S. economics group along with being responsible for forecasts and analysis of the U.S. economy. He has written two books on using economic indicators to forecast financial moves and previously served as a senior economist at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. Slifer can be reached at www.numbernomics.com.
