Board of Architectural Review unanimously approves final Jasper plan
June 14, 2017
CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR) unanimously granted final approval of The Beach Company’s application for The Jasper property. Setting a new standard for large buildings in Charleston’s historic district, the approved plan, designed by Antunovich Associates of Chicago in partnership with LS3P architects and DesignWorks of Charleston, includes Class A rental residential, office, enclosed parking, and retail spaces.
“Since day one, The Beach Company has remained steadfast in its commitment to stand up for the rights of property owners while creating a world-class building for this site,” said John Darby, CEO of The Beach Company. “We applaud the City of Charleston for the important work they’re doing and progress they’ve made to improve the BAR’s 1931 ordinances.”
Since 2006, The Beach Company has presented more than five plans to the City of Charleston and held dozens of public meetings to discuss the site’s future. When the BAR arbitrarily denied The Beach Company’s plan in 2015, the company pursued – and ultimately won – an appeal. The judge ruled that the BAR overstepped its powers and authority by denying a project that complied with applicable zoning requirements, stating that the power to rezone a property lies with elected officials on City Council, not those appointed to the BAR. This case paved the way for the 1930s ordinances to be updated, which will provide clarity to future applicants going before the BAR.
The demolition and construction of the Jasper will be a three-year project once building permits for the plan are secured.
About The Beach Company
Founded in 1945, The Beach Company has been a leader in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, development and property management for over 70 years. Led by CEO John Darby, The Beach Company upholds a tradition of establishing landmark properties and communities by evaluating each development opportunity for its potential to improve the quality of life for our neighbors, and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the Southeast region.
About Sergeant Jasper Apartments
In 1951, The Beach Company’s founder, J.C. Long, connected his passion for affordable housing to the soldiers returning home from war with the very first FHA financing deal in the state of South Carolina with a building known as the Sergeant Jasper Apartments. The building was celebrated as Charleston’s “first large modern apartment building,” and its open house on “attracted a crowd estimated at 10,000 persons” according a report in The Charleston Evening Post. Nearly 70 years later, The Beach Company plans to demolish the existing structure and create a new jewel in Charleston’s architectural crown with The Jasper.
