At Woodward Pointe, its location, location, location

By: BOB LANG
Originally Published on: 01/12/02

Of all the new homes going up on James Island, most tend to be located on the ocean side of the community.

That's great for new home shoppers who want to be closer to the beach than downtown Charleston, but not so great for shoppers who prefer the other way around. If you fall in the second category - and like the idea of a 10-minute or less commute to the peninsula - Woodward Pointe is worth checking out. This 97-lot upscale neighborhood off Harbor View Road isn't something you would stumble upon on your way to the grocery store. It's situated amid some older neighborhoods, such as St. Michael's Place and Shell Sand, yet offers the same quick access to the James Island Connector. "It's all right turns and no (traffic) lights to get to downtown," said xxxx Realty broker-in-charge xxxx, who is co-developing the property with xxxx. "The location is unbeatable. There's nothing else like this in this part of James Island."

The neighborhood is named for Dr. Henry Woodward, who was among South Carolina's first English settlers. One of Woodward's descendants, William McGill Woodward, a Charleston physician, is providing financing backing for the project. Construction began early last year. The entrance and roads are complete, and more than a dozen homes are either complete or nearing completion. A couple of families have already moved in. Buyers can choose a house in inventory or buy one of the few remaining vacant lots and build their own house. Lots range in size from about ¼ acre to ½ acre and in price from $61,900 to $80,000.  As of a last week, 10 homes were for sale ranging in size from 2,350 to 2,928 square feet and in price from $319,000 to $385,000. There are plans to build some smaller homes at around $280,000, xxxx said.

Homes must be at least 1,800 square feet. The largest home in the neighborhood so far is about 3,600 square feet.   Ten local custom-style residential builders are working in the neighborhood: DDTC Builders, Wando Builders, Rogers Construction, C.R. Campbell Construction, Mike Hill Construction, Lantana Construction, Nissan Builders, Woodward Construction, Brentwood Homes and R.W. Newman Construction.    A variety of architecture is permitted, as long as it has a Lowcountry flavor to it, Washburn said. The neighborhood's architectural review board must approve all home plans. Among the homes under construction, most have a crawl-space foundation. Some are built higher up with drive-under garages. Permitted exterior materials include cement fiberboard, brick, wood and stucco. Vinyl siding isn't allowed. Typical home features include high ceilings, screened porch, gas fireplace, solid-surface countertops and extensive molding.  All homes will have at least a two-car garage. Some garages are detached.

The neighborhood is laid out in a loop, with just one entrance. Street names are of English origin, such as Whitechapel Circle and Bounty Lane. There are sidewalks.  "We're going to put up old-city lamp posts and really give it a nice neighborhood feel," Wannamaker said. No pool or clubhouse is planned. However the James Island Re-creation Complex is located nearby.  Wannamaker said the lack of on-site amenities will keep neighborhood association fees down. Annual dues are $150, she said.

For more information on the homes in Woodward Pointe, contact a real estate agent. Homes are listed with a number of different companies, marked by signs in the front yard.   To get to Woodward Pointe from downtown, take the James Island Connector to Harbor View Road and turn right. Go 1.8 miles and turn left at Lake Frances Drive, across the street from the Piggly Wiggly. Drive toward the end of the road and watch for the entrance to Woodward Pointe on your right.    There isn't an on-site sales office.
    

Bob Lang covers real estate and automotive news. Contact him at blang@postandcourier.com or (843) 937-5594.

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