Downtown Beaufort Projects Paused Indefinitely

The city of Beaufort, in South Carolina, is currently in a state of anticipation due to the indefinite halt of two significant construction projects. These plans, consisting of a 70-room hotel and a multi-story parking garage in the downtown area, are spearheaded by the developer, 303 Associates. According to Dick Stewart, the chairman and founder of 303 Associates, the projects have been postponed because of years-long legal disputes.

Background of the Disputes

Graham Trask, alongside the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF), filed multiple lawsuits against Beaufort’s developer, 303 Associates. As a result, a shroud of uncertainty now looms over the permits required for these projects. Stewart noted that these litigations made it difficult for them to finance the projects at the agreed-upon rates. This situation exposed them to increasing interest costs and substantial construction expenses. In turn, 303 Associates filed a counter-lawsuit against Graham Trask and his father, George Trask.

Anticipating Future Progress

Stewart indicated that a significant amount of funds were spent on development and infrastructure to secure the permits. Despite the financial concerns, they are optimistically waiting for full circle financing to materialize. He confessed that it’s easier to anticipate progress for the hotel rather than the parking garage. Stewart disclosed, “If we build the hotel before the parking structure, we will be using that space for our existing business opportunities for the hotel.”

Stewart also noted the unlikelihood of a parking structure being built in the current environment due to operational complications. However, he recognized the lack of downtown parking in Beaufort as an issue that needs addressing.

Activities Amidst the Halts

Furthermore, the properties where the parking garage and hotel were initially permitted to be built are currently being used for downtown parking. Stewart stated that they also plan to use the property slated for the almost 62,000-square-foot hotel for parking until being ready to pursue the halted plans. “I don’t know what is going to happen with downtown parking. We tried to help and engaged everybody in probably 20 meetings over ten years or so, and we had forums downtown,” Stewart revealed.

Contentions from Opposition

Responding to the decision to pause construction indefinitely, Graham Trask acknowledged that 303 Associates has always had the permits to build and could continue, had they chosen to do so. Expressing his support for the halt, Trask stated, “I do think it’s good for Beaufort.” He also calls for adherence to the Beaufort Code in the approval of future plans.

Cynthia Jenkins, Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Executive Director, weighed on the issue, pointing out the high costs of construction and litigation that all parties involved have had to face. As for the issue of downtown parking, Jenkins shared an alternative solution—a shuttle service from a more remote parking location.

Moving Forward

While the construction of the hotel and parking structure remains paused, other projects are seemingly underway. There are plans for a 19-unit apartment complex in the 200 block of Charles Street, showcasing that development in Beaufort continues despite these legal challenges.