Architectural variety accents secluded community

BY JIM PARKER
Of The Post and Courier Staff

When the Daniel Island community was conceived 11 years ago, developers planned for a host of home options from affordable to pricey. The first neighborhoods south of Interstate 526 spawned apartments (now condominiums), Charleston single homes and larger dwellings -- most costing $500,000 or less.

Then about two years ago, the island enclave embarked on Daniel Island Park, a country club sector of the island and the main community north of I-526. Many homes are clustered around ponds and a top-flight golf course crafted by celebrated architect Tom Fazio. There is an imposing row of homes that overlooks the 12th tee.

"The golf course is enjoyable for people who play it and who don't. It's an open, rolling green," said Julie Dombrowski, communication manager for Daniel Island Real Estate, which is the island's chief developer. A second course from noted architect Rees Jones is on the way.

The community has an expansive clubhouse, competition-size pool, tennis courts and fitness area. Home buyers in Daniel Island Park automatically become social members of the club, able to swim, play tennis and eat meals there. Nonresidents can join, too. "The club is great for families," Dombrowski said.

The neighborhood specializes in custom-designed homes. Half a million dollars is more like the starting point for most home prices, with a few selling for twice that and more.

"We sold one for $1.4 million," Dombrowski said.

With its custom-home emphasis, Daniel Island Park also has an architectural variety. Traditional brick colonials are mixed with exotic stucco dwellings with an Asian flair. A few streets are connected by back alleys reminiscent of downtown Charleston so that residents can talk over the fence, so to speak. The neighborhood also has garden homes with smaller lawns that are easy to maintain.

A four-bedroom, 3,730-square-foot house on Pagett Street, maintained as a show home for open houses, exemplifies the flexible building style with the community. The two-story Charleston-style brick home, built by Max G. Crosby Construction, has mahogany floors, cherry cabinets, French doors, an elevator, a master bedroom suite with sitting room and a "designer" kitchen punctuated by a rounded "island."

Outside, the home has two porches connected to a series of doorways and a fenced courtyard, according to Daniel Island promotional material.

The popularity of Daniel Island Park hasn't waned. In January, the developer sold 49 lots at Ralston Point, a new section in the community. The lots, with prices from less than $100,000 to more than $700,000 for deep-water locations, were snapped up within a few days.

"Ralston Point has extraordinary marsh, creek and Wando River views," Dombrowski said.

In the forefront now, Daniel Island Park is one of seven communities on the 4,000-acre river-encircled island at various stages of development. Daniel Island is zoned for 5,000 homes, which eventually would give it a population of 15,000 people or more. The island currently has fewer than 3,000 residents.

Center Park and Barfield Park, both highlighted by sidewalks and mature trees, are in their last building phases. Cochran Park and Codner's Ferry Park also are well along in the building stage. Etiwan Park is built in a semicircle shape around a city of Charleston park. Daniel's Landing is an apartment complex recently converted to town homes and condos.

The island has a growing commercial district, including a new medical center under construction. A Publix grocery store anchors a new shopping plaza across from the Family Circle Cup Tennis Center. Blackbaud Stadium, home of the Charleston Battery soccer team, is on the island. Blackbaud, Cigna and SunCom all have regional headquarters there.

Along with the private Bishop England High School, Daniel Island is slated to have a public school from kindergarten to the eighth grade. The school would be constructed near the proposed Pierce Park recreation area and include a waterfront pool. The center complements the existing Scott Park, which has a pool and play area.

While Daniel Island has easy access to I-526, it is becoming a place that residents don't have to leave. "Sustainable community is what we use a lot," she said.

Jim Parker covers real estate and automotive news. Contact him at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com.

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