Beach Company board of directors approves Sergeant Jasper settlement agreement
June 27, 2016
In their quarterly meeting June 24, 2016, The Beach Company’s board of directors voted in favor of the Sergeant Jasper settlement to formalize the agreement for the Sergeant Jasper redevelopment, following the unanimous approval of the agreement by Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and approval by Charleston City Council’s 11–1 vote earlier in the week.
“The agreement in place was a true collaboration between The Beach Company and the City that will not only benefit the BAR and its important role, but will result in a world-class project and waterfront park for generations to come,” said John Darby, CEO of The Beach Company. “This agreement is a compromise that incorporates much of the preservation and neighborhood groups’ feedback and will result in a positive outcome for all parties.”
The settlement agreement was characterized as a four-part win for the City of Charleston. First and foremost, the old Sergeant Jasper – universally considered unattractive – can be demolished and replaced by a dramatically more attractive building, improving the west end of Broad Street. Second, The Beach Company will set aside land on nearby St. Mary’s Field for the construction of a new, publicly accessible waterfront park – at no cost to the taxpayer. And for some, the most important agreement is that Judge Nicholson’s April 20 ruling on the Sergeant Jasper BAR appeal will be set aside. Lastly, the agreement will avoid further litigation between The Beach Company and the City pertaining to this matter allowing taxpayers’ money to be put to better use.
In the BAR meeting on Wednesday, June 22, BAR members highlighted the benefits of the settlement agreement. New board member Jerome Clemons stated, “Seeing the building has such a presence, we want to build that presence. I see it as a drawing card for Charleston.” Board member Jay White said, “On the balance it is the right thing to do for Charleston.”
Board member Janette Alexander added, “…One positive for the City is the park…. Having been through the mediation I saw that as the star of the show; something coming to the city that wasn’t a part of the original project …I think that is an incredible benefit.”
Board Member William Applegate said, “We hope this is a blueprint for a partnership with The Beach Company … to continue with that high quality of building in this community.”
About the revised plan
The plan that was the center of settlement discussions was designed by Antunovich Associates, of Chicago, in partnership with LS3P architects and DesignWorks of Charleston. Joe Antunovich has considerable experience in designing and renovating iconic landmarks across the country. Antunovich was named a “Legendary Landmark” in Chicago for his contributions to the city’s civic and cultural legacy, and had an award named after him to acknowledge Chicagoans who are proactively providing services pro bono for perpetuating historic preservation projects.
