MidTown Square, a new housing development on a block and a half of long-neglected land in Beaufort’s Northwest Quadrant, celebrated its ribbon-cutting Thursday to the applause of city leaders, neighbors, real estate agents and developers.
The two-plus acres is slated for up to 16 homes and six “live-work units” developed by Steven Tully and John Trask III. Beaufort city leaders already have in place plans for $1.3 million in streetscape improvements in the area of Bladen, Prince, Duke and Adventure streets. The improvements are being paid for through two federal Community Development Block Grants.
Jon Verity, chairman of the Beaufort Redevelopment Commission, hailed the project as an example of public-private partnerships that are the goal of the Redevelopment Commission.
“The MidTown Square project will make a huge difference in the look, feel and texture of a big part of interior Beaufort,” Verity said.
“This type of infill is what we are seeking as we move Beaufort into its fourth century — encouraging the filling in of open and vacant spaces in the city to create new homes and new jobs. It’s happening because private investors are responding to the investment made by the city to improve Beaufort,” he said.
The project is the first approved under the city’s new Bladen Street Redevelopment District zoning code — a form-based code that emphasizes how a structure fits into a neighborhood rather than how it will be used. The form-based code work, led by the Redevelopment Commission and the city’s Office of Civic Investment, is being done in conjunction with Port Royal and Beaufort County.
Three MidTown Square homes already are under construction. Custom homes in Midtown Square will start around $260,000 and pre-designed homes will cost less, said builder Allen Patterson. By design, homes will be built close to the road with parking in the rear to encourage interaction with neighbors walking past.
Beaufort’s Office of Civic Investment along with its Planning and Public Works departments came together to keep this project moving forward, Tully said. “The level of communication and cooperation, and the desire by the city to help make things happen in this area, really impressed us,” he said.
The property is a few blocks from Beaufort Elementary, a few blocks to the city’s core commercial district, a few blocks to USCB and a few blocks to the city and county government offices.
“We have been talking about public-private partnerships and we have been working to create a more walkable, liveable and financially sustainable Beaufort where residents can enjoy all that Beaufort offers. This project is exactly what we are talking about,” Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling said.
“In the past, the city has used funds to improve streetscapes, drainage and sidewalks and then adjacent property owners put signs on their properties asking higher prices because of the public investment. This time, the public investment is being used by land owners as a way to improve their property rather than seeking a windfall. It is a win-win for all and sets a precedent for the future,” Keyserling said.
The ribbon-cutting came a year after intense clean-up help by the city and neighborhood associations removed some 400 tons of debris from the area.
