News Summary
Beaufort, SC is experiencing excitement as plans for high-end housing projects on Cane Island progress. Two developments are in the works, including luxury homes on Upper Cane Island and a larger community on Lower Cane Island, promising to reshape this scenic area.
Exciting New Developments Coming to Beaufort’s Cane Island!
Beaufort, a charming city nestled in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as plans for high-end housing developments on beautiful Cane Island continue to advance. This island, surrounded by the serene waters of the Beaufort River and stunning salt marshes, represents one of the last untouched parts of the area. Just a stone’s throw away from downtown Beaufort and Port Royal, it’s no wonder that developers are eager to transform this picturesque location into a thriving residential community.
The Plans Are Underway
Currently, two significant housing developments are in the pipeline for Cane Island, each going through the review process with the city of Beaufort. Due to some active development agreements from decades past, local residents are facing limited chances for public input on these projects. These agreements actually pave the way for higher density residential and commercial construction and allow for an administrative approval process that doesn’t require any public hearings. This is certainly a hot topic among residents who wish to express their opinions.
Upper Cane Island: Luxury Awaits
The first project, located on Upper Cane Island, is particularly intriguing. It proposes a collection of high-end, luxury homes priced in the million-dollar range. Developers have already submitted a formal plan for the first phase, which will include a total of 16 large lots spanning across 126 acres. All in all, the development agreement allows for up to 495 dwelling units and 285,000 square feet of commercial space in total!
The current proposal remains below what is allowable for later phases, suggesting that the initial development might feature around 220 units, which could include both single-family homes and multi-family residences. Excitingly, construction is set to kick off as early as spring 2025, and an emphasis on the preservation of landmark and specimen trees is an essential part of the plan. Fun fact: this lovely piece of land previously served as a daffodil farm before being sold by the Trask family for a whopping $20 million in 2023!
The Bigger Picture: Lower Cane Island
But that’s not all! A larger-scale development on Lower Cane Island has also been discussed and is generating quite a buzz. This project could potentially include hundreds of new dwelling units, a marina, and even a restaurant. It’s still in the early stages, with developers planning to submit an official application to the city within the next 60 days.
The preliminary sketches for Lower Cane Island depict a vibrant community that would encompass 240 residential units and 130,000 square feet of commercial space sprawled over 164 acres. The vision includes a delightful mix of single-family homes, multi-family condominiums, a community dock, an inn, an event barn, and of course, the all-important restaurant. This development seeks to attract year-round residents as well as those looking for vacation or secondary homes.
Comparisons to Palmetto Bluff
City officials have drawn parallels between the proposed Lower Cane Island development and Bluffton’s famous Palmetto Bluff, known for its vast master-planned community that merges luxury with nature. With vibrant amenities and breathtaking natural surroundings, it’s easy to see why this development is so exciting for Beaufort!
What’s Next?
For residents eager to learn more about these developments or share their thoughts, feel free to reach out to the City of Beaufort Community Development Office. It’s an exciting time for Beaufort as it stands on the brink of new changes and infrastructure. Keep your eyes peeled as more information unfolds about these intriguing housing developments on Cane Island!
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Exciting Developments in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Cane Island
- Houston Chronicle: Cane Island Community Expansion
- Google Search: Cane Island developments
- Katy Times: New Katy Community Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cane Island
- Community Impact: Featured Neighborhood – Cane Island
- Google News: Beaufort housing developments
