30 new homes for 'old city'?

Developer has support for Harleston plan

The southern end of the Charleston peninsula may soon be seeing 30 new homes.

Developer Warren Irving presented his plans for the 3.5-acre property near Alberta Long Lake, the last large, undeveloped tract in the "old city," to the Harleston Village Neighborhood Association on Monday.

It's at least the third time Irving has met with the residents to discuss the project.

"They've been exemplary," said Cindi Gasparre, the neighborhood association's president. "I wish all developers would heed to our needs and concerns" like they have, she said.

The land, which is fill, was previously used as a mill pond and then a lumber yard, according to Lawrence Thompson, a consultant on the project and a former aide to Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.

Current zoning allows 10 to 12 houses to be built.

Irving's preliminary plans call for 30 single family residences with 2,500 to 4,000 square feet of heated space. They have an urban feel — 1 1/2 to 2 stories above parking and built close to the street.

Irving believes the project is in keeping with Harleston Village, partly due to the large amount of homework he and Summerour & Associates Architects Inc. have done. "We really think we've nailed it," he said.

In addition to meeting with the area residents, Irving has met with the Preservation Society, Historic Charleston Foundation, Save the City and multiple city planners.

He learned a long time ago it's best to get feedback from those involved early on, said Irving, whose previous projects include the nine row houses across from Rainbow Row as well as the Crafts House.

The plans will need the go-ahead from various city entities, including the planning commission, board of zoning appeals and board of architectural review, a process that may begin next week.

But it seems the project has, for the most part, the approval of those who could be living next to it.

Some residents have concerns about drainage and the density, said City Councilwoman Yvonne Evans. But most are pleased the property would not be used for parking, multifamily housing, tennis courts or as an extension of MUSC, all of which have been rumored over the years.

"This is the kind of thing that will cause them to breathe a sigh of relief," said Evans, who is a resident of Harleston Village. "It's going to give a formal, very handsome edge to our neighborhood, so we're excited."

Reach Kristen Hankla at 937-5548 or khankla@postandcourier.com.