Business diversity is the driving force along the Clements Ferry Corridor
The Clements Ferry Corridor is one of the fastest growing areas in Berkeley County. Over the past decade, Clements Ferry Road has transformed from a country road to one of the busiest roads in Berkeley County. As population and housing increases, retail and commercial businesses continue to grow and meet the future needs of the community.
The City of Charleston has new projects in the area, from completed developments to ongoing developments. Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley says the area is booming.
“The Clements Ferry Corridor is an incredibly diverse corridor of industries, historic communities of interest and world-class neighborhoods that will see ever-increasing interest from commercial and retail businesses,” Whitley said.
In November 2021, Refuel opened a gas station and convenience store off Clements Ferry Road. It is located on the Cainhoy Plantation property and is part of the Point Hope Commons shopping center which houses Publix and a variety of retail stores ranging from a nail salon to a 50s style restaurant.
The development is the primary commercial hub for the growing area and plans include approximately 9,000 single family homes and over 500 acres of commercial developments. Mark Jordan, President and CEO of Refuel, Inc. opened his 170th store in the Clements Ferry development where approximately 30,000 cars hit the road daily.
“We decided to build in Point Hope to accommodate the incredible growth in Charleston and, in particular, along Clements Ferry,” Jordan said. “Refuel started here in Charleston and we want to be part of top neighborhoods like Point Hope. In the days to come, Refuel will serve the growing fleet of electric vehicles that will drive our roads. We built Point Hope with this in mind.
Several weeks ago, Kevin and Krista Mingo opened Coach’s Canteen, a vintage ’50s-style restaurant in the same complex as Refuel. The couple and their seven children lived on Daniel Island for eight years while “planning their new adventure”. The Mingos knew the area would be the perfect place to open their restaurant. Coach’s Canteen has a walk-in window; specialties include burgers, cheesesteaks, ice cream, donuts, and breakfast.
Anticipating population growth in 2020, Val Trabanino opened El Gallo Bar & Grill on Clements Ferry Road. The restaurant opened in the middle of the pandemic, but the risk paid off. As the number of accommodations increased, so did his business.
“2022 is going to be a blessed year with all the surprises we have for our customers in El Gallo,” Trabanino said. “Drink specials and Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 4-7 p.m., and we’re going to have live music for those who like the good taste of music.”
Commercial real estate agent Buckley Powell sees continued potential in the area. “There are and will continue to be great opportunities for retail development and neighborhood shopping centers along Clements Ferry Road as the population grows.”
CLEMENTS FERRY ROAS COMMERCIAL PROJECTS, 2021-22 AND BEYOND
1. Wando Village PUD: A 416-unit, walkable, medium-density, mixed-use development with detached single-family, attached single-family, townhouses and multi-family residence. Status: Acquired.
2. Charleston Coffee Roasters: Construction plans for an industrial building. Status: Acquired.
3. SPARC Campus: Technology company office building. Status: Completed.
4. Cainhoy Point Hope Commons: Plans for new retail buildings. Status: Under construction.
5. Wambaw DR Horton: Office construction plans and associated improvement. Status: Review by CRT.
6. Clements Crest Commerce Park Phase 2: Construction plans for Clements Crest Commerce Park Phase 2 and related improvements. Status: Review by CRT.
7. Coastal Kids Dental: Point Hope: Commercial dental office. Status: Approved.
8. Point Hope Village Retail: Commercial retail space. Status: Approved.
9. Refuel Point Hope: Gas station with convenience store. Status: Review by CRT.
10. Point Hope Commercial: Commercial space, restaurant. Status: Approved.
11-13. Project output: New commercial container handling/storage facility. Status: Approved.
14. Project Eagle: Expansion of existing manufacturing plant. Status: Review by CRT.
15. Daniel Island Self Storage: Self-storage facility with storage area for RVs and boats. Status: Review by CRT.
16. Foundation Factory at Point Hope: A five building commercial development. Status: Review by CRT.
17. Woodfield II at Point Hope: Mixed-use development with 224 units and 34,000 square feet of commercial/retail space. Status: Review by CRT.
18. Rainbow Child Care Center: Child care center. Status: Completed.
