Osprey Village Breaks Ground on New Era in Independent Living for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Community leaders and public officials from Beaufort and Jasper counties joined families and residents on Aug 13 for a groundbreaking ceremony for Osprey Village, a new 25-acre residential community located on East Argent Parkway in Hardeeville. Osprey Village, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was a vision of South Carolina families who wanted to create an independent housing model for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The first phase of the two-phase development will include 94 cottage-style, privately owned residences, with a community center where residents can access specialized services and programs designed to enhance life skills, job training, recreational activities, and social connections.

Nearly 50 cottages have been sold to residents who will have access to daily support services, a neighborhood with social activities and interests, and connection to the growing Hardeeville community, as well as the nearby towns of Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort.

The cottages in phase one feature one-and two-bedroom floor plans in duplex and quadplex configurations, providing accessible, private and comfortable living spaces. Residents will receive customized supportive services designed to foster independence, confidence and connection, including transportation and daily check-ins from support staff.

“Having a place of their own is a dream for many Osprey Village residents who don’t have a lot of supportive options to live away from their families,” said Rick Wedge, chair of the Osprey Village board. “After 18 years of planning and fundraising, it’s a huge accomplishment to break ground on a safe, supportive community designed specifically for individuals with intellectual disabilities who want more independence, freedom and opportunity.”

Northstar of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the project manager; Hill Construction of Charleston, South Carolina, is the general contractor; and Foley Design Associates of Atlanta is the project architect. Vertical construction of the sold cottages is scheduled to begin in December 2026, with the first cottages expected to be completed by summer 2027. Virtual informational sessions are held every two weeks and posted at ospreyvillage.org. Registration is required.