Physical Therapy near Mount Pleasent, SC

Published: Feb. 10, 2025 at 1:50 AM PST|

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - One major Mount Pleasant road project is finally going to see some progress after several complications put it on hold.

Leaders say the $24 million Billy Swails Boulevard Phase 4B project, which has been years in the making, will soon become a reality.

Because of the scale of this project, as well as the woodsy area they will be working in, leaders had to take a lot of steps to get to this point in the project’s timeline. They had to worry about wetlands and wildlife, such as endangered Rafinesque bats and yellow-spotted turtles, in the area.

James Aton is the deputy director of capital projects and the transportation department for the Town of Mount Pleasant. He said that they have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources to get everything approved, and because there is federal funding involved in this project, they also had to follow the National Environmental Policy Act.

This project will make up over a mile and a half of roadway and will completely shift the traffic patterns in the north side of Mount Pleasant. The project in its entirety will essentially connect I-526 to the area of Porcher’s Bluff Road, running parallel to US-17 and Rifle Range Road, migrating the traffic that builds up in that frequently traveled area of the town.

This project will also alleviate a lot of the school traffic in the intersections near Jennie Moore Elementary and Laing Middle Schools in areas near Six Mile Road, Sweetgrass Basket Parkway and Hamlin Road.

Aton shared why there was such a need for this.

“So, this project was outlined in the long-range transportation plan decades ago and, again, is that last piece of the Hungry Neck, Sweetgrass and Billy Swails corridor. So, four other sections have already been built, and this is that last piece to finalize that that north-south corridor that will parallel US-17,” Aton said.

Aton said that the completion of this project will bring great benefits to the community and those who frequently travel the area.

“I think it’s going to improve traffic flow. I think you’re going to see a reduction in delay on 17. It’s also going to incorporate portions of the Mount Pleasant Way, which is a great initiative for those nonmotorized users. It will tie to the Vaughn Ed Kee project, which has existing sections of that trail as well as obviously the roadway. So, I think you’re going to see a big improvement in traffic and a lot of new opportunities to recreate through the town,” he said.

Aton said that they plan to finally put the project out to bid in March and contractors will have 45 days to put their bids in, so they will hopefully be able to begin construction by the summer.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

This streamlined Lowcountry home is set off Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC. See how the family of 6 made it a perfect fit for them.

Shrimp boats, kayaking outfitters, and lively bars and restaurants line the commercial side of Shem Creek, the gem of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina's Old Village Historic District. But north of the Shem Creek bridge, the waterway winds through quiet neighborhoods where children roam on bikes and go crabbing off backyard docks. "My husband dreamed of being on the water, and we fell in love with this lot. We're drawn to older areas where kids can run around," says owner Maggie Bullwinkel. She and husband George, a Charleston native, had two young children when they began renovating this 3,200-square-foot house that was built in the 1970s. Their third child was 9 months old when they moved in. Maggie refers to her then-infant sidekick as "my design assistant."

While the Bullwinkels had renovated and sold houses before, this one would be a keeper. "It had great bones. We loved the back porch and knew this could be our forever home," Maggie says. Working with architect Hunter Kennedy and designer Sidney Wagner, they spearheaded family-friendly changes to the four-bedroom abode that have definitely paid off. Today, the Bullwinkels have four kids under age 10 and plenty of yard, a great porch, and a frequently used outdoor kitchen to accommodate their active lifestyle.

"Overall, the footprint didn't change much," says Sidney, who squared off the kitchen to make it more functional. As the home's command center, it now opens up to a bright eating nook, which is one of Maggie's favorite spots. "Family dinners are a priority," she says. What was previously a formal dining room, adjacent to the kitchen, became the kids' playroom. They removed an attached garage to make way for a new mudroom/laundry area off the kitchen. "It's basically where I live," quips Maggie. They also elevated and enlarged the back porch to be a seamless open-air extension of the family room, ground zero for entertaining during Clemson University football season. "I love that we really do live in each space," Maggie says. "We use it all."

Brighten It Up

A monochrome kitchen keeps Maggie happy. "It helps to have a clean look in a busy room," she says. Streamlined light fixtures by Cedar & Moss and vintage Lucite barstools scooped up at a local antiques mall add to the airy feel in the room.

Remember That Simplicity Rules

"With four kids, there is plenty of chaos," says Maggie. Namibia marble countertops and Benjamin Moore's Simply White (OC-117) paint make her kitchen a calming space. Plus, they allow the Hampton Faucet by Waterstone to shine as the statement piece.

Let the Landscape Lead

Reorienting the kitchen to open into a family dining area was Maggie's top priority. Hunter bumped out the eating nook to add windows on all sides, inviting in sunlight and creek views. A mid-century modern table and slipcovered chairs keep lines simple, and Roost's whimsical light fixture "softens all the hard surfaces," says Sidney. The fabric used for the curtains (Katana by Kelly Wearstler) is also on the barstools, where it's laminated to be indestructible.

Choose Flexible Design

"We needed comfortable pieces that are easy to rearrange," says Sidney, who was mindful of not blocking the French doors that open to the porch. "I love how the vintage-reproduction chairs are movable and sculpturally interesting from whatever angle." A sofa slipcovered in Crypton fabric is ultrapractical, and bare windows keep things light and airy while connecting well with the porch, she says.

Lean On A Natural Palette

Sidney painted the porch floor in Benjamin Moore's Kennebunkport Green (HC-123), the same color that's used on the exterior trim, and added soothing blue accents to complement the surrounding outdoor hues. "We didn't want to distract from the view," she says. Wicker chairs from CB2 add natural texture, and a fun Annie Selke rug anchors the blue tones. Floor-to-ceiling screens and a vaulted ceiling help the porch feel cool in summer.

Prioritize All-Purpose, All-Season

Two years after moving in, the Bullwinkels worked with architect Chris Heinlen of Heinlen Design to add a backyard shed with a full attic to supplement the home's limited storage. Adjacent to that, they created an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. "This is our favorite spot for birthday parties, neighborhood suppers, or sometimes sunset sips after the kids have gone to bed," says Maggie. A metal roof, green trim, and white siding tie the shed to the main house.

Stretch Family Space

"I love the playroom right off the kitchen. It's our cuddle area," says Maggie. A big barn door can be closed to contain toys and messes. Commissioned pieces by local artist Michelle Owenby add grown-up flair to the room, designed to one day transform into a family hangout space.

Control Clutter

Maggie believes that tidiness is key, even in the playroom. Each child has (and uses!) a designated toy-and-book basket, and a rotating gallery helps solve the what-to-do-with-endless-kids'-art dilemma.

Invite Some Drama

" 'Are you sure about going this showy?' my husband asked about the paint color, and I was—including covering the ceiling," says Maggie of the vibrant Benjamin Moore Slate Teal (2088-20) she chose for the laundry room. "I love how the boldness brings you in." Custom cabinets add extra pantry space.

PHOTO: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins PHOTO: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins

Be Bold And Functional

Next to the laundry room, the bold color continues in the mudroom with an added touch of graphic wallpaper. Each kid has their own space for coats and bags in the blue storage wall.

MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.

The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.

In a transportation sales tax update at the March 6 Charleston County Council finance committee meeting, public works Director Eric Adams said the road projects the county is working on are on schedule. He said the county submitted right-of-way plans to the Army Corps of Engineers for the widening and expects to start construction in 2026.

The project was initially estimated to cost a little over $129 million in 2016 but has since gone up to $245 million.

Devri Detoma, county deputy public works director, said the dramatic increase in cost is largely due to inflation and impacts from COVID-19 pandemic. The project is still covered by the 2016 sales tax as well as funds from the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank despite the rise in costs, Detoma said.

In addition to the price increasing, the timeline of the widening project has extended, partially due to the permitting process which can take years. Adams said during the March 6 meeting construction is often the shortest component of a road project.

While the permitting process is tedious, progress was also impacted by controversy, Detoma said.

The historic Phillips community sits on both sides of Highway 41. Previous plans called to widen the road two lanes to five, which would have made the road come much closer to homes in the community, which residents opposed.

The county held over 150 public meetings from 2017 to 2020 so residents and elected officials could figure out a compromise. Detoma said the back and forth with the public must have taken a year.

County Council voted unanimously in 2021 to adopt the plan the county is using now which adds two lanes, adds a center turn lane in the Phillips community, and the includes the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway, a two-lane road that will run through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park.

Not all residents are happy.

Travis Korson, vice president of the Park West Master Association, said the Park West the community is concerned about the the construction of the Laurel Hill Parkway. Not only would it run through Park West, but it would result in the loss of 12 acres of wetlands. Korson said this would worsen flooding conditions and harm endangered species.

But residents of Phillips community, like Richard Habersham, support the plans. He said the project will both help reduce traffic and make turns into Phillips safer with an added center turn lane.

The county is still meeting with residents who may be affected by the widening as they progress with the project, county public information officer Chloe Field said.

In the meantime, the county has made some interim improvements. Construction project manager Cal Oyer said a signal at the intersection of Joe Rouse Road and Highway 41 was updated to allow southbound traffic to flow freely except when a pedestrian is crossing, and a left turn lane was added from Joe Rouse Road to Highway 41.

Improvements were also made to the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 17, by updating the timing of the signal, and restriping and reassigning the lanes to help traffic move more quickly, he said.

Oyer said officials estimate the project to be complete in 2030.

The Charleston sushi scene has been slowly expanding over the years. Just a few years ago, there were many places in the Lowcountry where you could grab a California roll or rainbow roll, but there were fewer places with fresh wasabi or rare delicacies like uni. Today, many sushi aficionados put Sushi-Wa Izakaya at the top, but there are a few other stops in town to quell nigiri cravings.

Read More

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Kyoto-trained chef Yuichiro “Junior” Takebata runs the sushi side of this Japanese steakhouse in West Ashley. He specializes in nigiri and sashimi, but Hachiya also offers an extensive signature roll menu as well. Takebata sources most of the fish he uses in his sushi bar from purveyors who order directly from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

Tired of eating cheeseburgers and wings while at a sports bar? Locals offers an extensive sushi menu, full of classic rolls and nigiri, but most customers are in for the super-stuffed signature rolls. For example, the Charleston roll is yellowtail, shredded “krab,” cream cheese, jalapeño, asparagus, and avocado, topped with sweet mango, crispy onions, and sweet chili sauce. It’s not for sushi purists, but its fun.

Sushi Wa Izakaya offers some of the freshest fish around. Chefs Kazu Murakami and Chris Schoedler offer high-end sushi, chirashi, sake, and small plates in the intimate dining room. Experience the nigiri-focused omakase Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at $100 per person. Reservations are difficult to snag, but the restaurant will occasionally announce openings on Instagram.

O-Ku is a major King Street hot spot, but it still commits to a solid sushi program. From the lemon and salmon roll to the otoro nigiri, there’s something for everyone. The popular happy hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays is a fun way to try out the restaurant for less.

Shiki is a tucked-away space on East Bay Street beloved by locals since 2001. The long-standing sushi eatery is an intimate space to catch up with friends. The rolls are super fresh, the service is solid, and the sake is affordable. It's a relaxed night with raw fish and perfect rice.

In 2021, the team from always-packed oyster outlet 167 Raw turned their attention to even more seafood with the opening of 167 Sushi Bar. The sliver of a restaurant, which is 50 percent chef’s counter, offers a menu of the classic choices of nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. The eatery also offers izakaya options like a katsu sando and yakatori.

Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and scores some of the freshest catches around. Kanpai was one of the first Lowcountry spots to put live uni on the menu. Mount Pleasant residents should definitely make a stop at Kanpai.

Kyoto-trained chef Yuichiro “Junior” Takebata runs the sushi side of this Japanese steakhouse in West Ashley. He specializes in nigiri and sashimi, but Hachiya also offers an extensive signature roll menu as well. Takebata sources most of the fish he uses in his sushi bar from purveyors who order directly from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

Tired of eating cheeseburgers and wings while at a sports bar? Locals offers an extensive sushi menu, full of classic rolls and nigiri, but most customers are in for the super-stuffed signature rolls. For example, the Charleston roll is yellowtail, shredded “krab,” cream cheese, jalapeño, asparagus, and avocado, topped with sweet mango, crispy onions, and sweet chili sauce. It’s not for sushi purists, but its fun.

Sushi Wa Izakaya offers some of the freshest fish around. Chefs Kazu Murakami and Chris Schoedler offer high-end sushi, chirashi, sake, and small plates in the intimate dining room. Experience the nigiri-focused omakase Wednesday through Sunday, beginning at $100 per person. Reservations are difficult to snag, but the restaurant will occasionally announce openings on Instagram.

O-Ku is a major King Street hot spot, but it still commits to a solid sushi program. From the lemon and salmon roll to the otoro nigiri, there’s something for everyone. The popular happy hour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays is a fun way to try out the restaurant for less.

Shiki is a tucked-away space on East Bay Street beloved by locals since 2001. The long-standing sushi eatery is an intimate space to catch up with friends. The rolls are super fresh, the service is solid, and the sake is affordable. It's a relaxed night with raw fish and perfect rice.

In 2021, the team from always-packed oyster outlet 167 Raw turned their attention to even more seafood with the opening of 167 Sushi Bar. The sliver of a restaurant, which is 50 percent chef’s counter, offers a menu of the classic choices of nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. The eatery also offers izakaya options like a katsu sando and yakatori.

Chef Sean Park puts the utmost care into every plate and scores some of the freshest catches around. Kanpai was one of the first Lowcountry spots to put live uni on the menu. Mount Pleasant residents should definitely make a stop at Kanpai.

A real estate investment firm in Charleston has purchased a Mount Pleasant medical campus for $7 million.

Reade Partners, co-founded by Matthew Campbell, Steve Kleiman and Michael Levine, acquired the property at 594 Lone Tree Drive as its looks to expand its portfolio in the region.

The site near I-526 and Long Point Road is home to eight tenants, including health care providers Roper St. Francis, ATI Physical Therapy and Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas.

The East Cooper acquisition is the firm’s first foray into the Lowcountry medical real estate market.

"The campus is really, really well-located in Mount Pleasant," Levine said. "We're super bullish about the location and the growth of Mount Pleasant, which continues to explode."

Levine said the firm purchased the property at a basis of $300 per-square-foot, which is below replacement cost.

"It was already yielding good returns," he said, adding Reade Partners plans to streamline management and renovate the building.

All tenants will continue to operate under their leases.

In addition to the Mount Pleasant offices, Reade Partners also owns a six-unit multifamily property at 30-40 Isabella St. in Charleston they purchased for $1.8 million in 2023. They renovated the units for a roughly $4 million total investment. The seller was 30 Isabella Street LLC, which had owned the property for nine years.

"We're focused on multi-development, redevelopment, as well as larger office and medical office assets," Levine said.

Reade's partners hail from New York and Florida and have a mix of construction and financial backgrounds. Levine previously constructed office buildings in New York while Kleiman's family has built several multifamily residences in Florida and owns a number of medical offices there.

Looking ahead, Reade Partners plans to continue its growth by deploying capital into multifamily development and value add opportunities, as well as larger office investments.

Coming to Kiawah

A new luxury residential development is getting underway on Kiawah Island.

Ocean Pines in the West Beach area will feature 69 homes across seven building at prices starting at $2.4 million. Units will be available in two- to four-bedroom floorplans.

The first phase release call for 30 residences, with prices based on the layout plans and views.

Sales will be exclusively through Kiawah Island Real Estate. Memberships to the Kiawah Island Club are available to buyers.

The architecture is led by Amanda Mole, chief of architecture and design for Kiawah Partners, and Mark Permar, master land planner for the island.

Office setup

A College of Charleston graduate has leased out space downtown for his newly formed financial planning firm.

Hudnall Capital Advisors, founded by Ry Hudnall, plans to open its offices at 134 Meeting St. by the end of the month.

Hudnall is a 2002 graduate of CofC's business program and most recently was president and CEO of Mass Mutual South Carolina. His new venture will provide concierge level financial planning for clients nationwide.

Its future work space is in a 71,947-square-foot building built in 1987 in the peninsula's financial and legal district. An affiliate of Illinois-based Highland Ventures acquired the property, which has a long-term ground lease, for $23.75 million about five years ago. Other tenants include two law firms, K&L Gates and Haynsworth Sinkler & Boyd.

Rents on the rise

Charleston rents rose 0.5 percent from January to February compared to a 0.3 percent increase nationwide, according to research by rental curator Apartment List.

Year over year, rents are down 0.3 percent for the area.

Today the median rent in Charleston is $1,433 for a one-bedroom unit and $1,680 for a two-bedroom unit. Citywide apartment vacancy rate stands at 8.1 percent, down slightly from a year ago.

The national median rent of $1,375 is about 0.4 percent lower than 12 months ago.