Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Stantec expands Water Resources team in South Carolina

Stantec, a leading global design and engineering firm, has welcomed Kevin Kubiak as a Senior Water Resources Engineer in Charleston.

Kubiak is a civil engineer with 13 years of experience with both private and public sector work experience that includes stormwater system design and permitting, inventory collection and assessment, stormwater planning and program management, stormwater modeling, utility coordination, right-of-way services, and coastal resilience. He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in Water Resources from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they’re our communities too. This allows us to assess what’s needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what’s never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Parker’s Community Fund Dedicate Gregory M. Parker Emergency Departments

Parker’s Kitchen founder and CEO Greg Parker, center, Roper St. Francis Foundation President Stacy Waters, left, and Roper St. Francis Healthcare Interim President and CEO Dr. Megan Baker, right, officially dedicated the new Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, S.C. on Jan. 29. All six emergency departments throughout the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system were formally named in honor of Parker, whose landmark $5 million gift to the system will expand access to healthcare for uninsured and underinsured residents throughout the greater Charleston area and advance healthcare for generations to come.

Parker’s Kitchen – a nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader that has been honored by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as the Most Philanthropic Business – celebrated a ribbon cutting for the new Gregory M. Parker Emergency Department at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, S.C. on Jan. 29. All six emergency departments throughout Roper St. Francis Healthcare were formally named in honor of Parker’s Kitchen founder and CEO Gregory M. Parker, whose landmark $5 million gift to the system will advance healthcare for generations to come.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare Interim President and CEO Dr. Megan Baker and Parker joined Roper St. Francis Foundation President Stacy Waters to cut a ribbon in front of Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital to mark the occasion and to honor Parker’s generosity.

The $5 million gift – the largest in the system’s history – established the Roper St. Francis Foundation Parker’s Community Impact Fund to support uninsured and underinsured residents throughout the greater Charleston area, as well as healthcare provider support initiatives at Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

An accomplished breast surgeon, Dr. Baker said she has seen how philanthropy can transform a patient’s experience and positively affect the outcome. Parker’s work to improve that experience for underserved communities complements the Roper St. Francis Healthcare mission of healing all people with compassion, faith and excellence, she said.

Baker thanked Parker for such a remarkable act of generosity.

“Ensuring teammates’ success while serving our patients and community are central to Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s mission,” Dr. Baker said. “This $5 million gift from the Parker’s Community Fund will help us advance that mission boldly. As a physician who sees the direct impact this gift has on patients and caregivers, Mr. Parker’s commitment is inspiring to us all.”

Parker praised Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s rich history of fulfilling its mission and said he hopes the gift will help expand access to emergency care for all.

“Parker’s Kitchen and Roper St. Francis Healthcare share the same commitment to excellence and serve the same community in Charleston,” Parker said. “We know that the ER is the ‘front door’ to the hospital. According to the CDC, nearly 136 million patients go through emergency rooms in the United States annually, which is one-third of the U.S. population. Emergency rooms take care of everyone, regardless of their age, race or faith – and that’s true at Parker’s Kitchen as well. Like Roper St. Francis Healthcare, we are dedicated to serving all people.”

Mark Dickson, vice president of mission at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, said the system was born out of community members’ generosity. Both Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital were established with the help of significant donations, he noted.

“Roper St. Francis Healthcare fulfills its mission throughout the Lowcountry with special attention to the poor and most vulnerable,” Dickson said. “We celebrate today that many, many more people will continue to be blessed, comforted and healed through these doors and in all of our facilities, now and into the bright future we have together.”

The Roper St. Francis Foundation Parker’s Community Impact Fund will continue to enhance existing system priorities, including:

– Roper St. Francis Greer Transitions Clinic, an outpatient clinic for the underserved
– Assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients
– Debt-free degree programs and career development for Roper St. Francis Healthcare teammates
– Youth apprenticeships
– On-the-job training for historically marginalized communities

Parker’s has been named the Convenience Store Chain of the Year by Convenience Store Decisions, which is the industry’s highest honor. The company has also been honored by Food and Wine as one of America’s Best Convenience Stores and by Convenience Store News as the Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year.

Since its founding in 1976, Parker’s has grown to become a nationally acclaimed company that was recently voted the #4 Best Gas Station for Food and the #6 Best Gas Station Brand in America by USA TODAY readers. The Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 300,000 members, has saved customers more than $15 million to date. Parker’s employs more than 1,360 professionals throughout Georgia and South Carolina and completes more than 134,000 transactions daily.

ABOUT ROPER ST. FRANCIS HEALTHCARE
As a not-for-profit healthcare system, Roper St. Francis Healthcare chooses purpose over profits by putting our extra money back into our system to help meet the health needs of our community. The largest healthcare system features four flagship hospitals: Roper Hospital, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital and Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital. In an emergency, the healthcare system offers six strategically placed ERs. With more than 6,000 teammates, we are the Lowcountry’s largest private employer with nearly 1,000 doctors representing almost every medical specialty. Our 657-bed system consists of 117+ facilities and services across five counties. Learn more: www.rsfh.com

ABOUT PARKER’S KITCHEN
Honored as the Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year, Parker’s Kitchen offers customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at retail stores throughout South Carolina and Georgia. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Greg Parker, Parker’s Kitchen has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation’s leading convenience store and foodservice companies. Parker’s Kitchen was recently voted the #4 Best Gas Station for Food and the #6 Best Gas Station Brand in America by USA TODAY readers and was honored as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina by SC Biz. Founded in 1976, the company serves world-famous hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders as well as made-from-scratch mac ‘n’ cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. Parker’s Kitchen employs more than 1,360 professionals throughout South Carolina and Georgia, serves more than 300,000 Parker’s Rewards members and completes more than 134,000 transactions daily. Learn more: www.parkerskitchen.com.

Afaxys Names Christian Bloomgren Chief Commercial Officer

Afaxys’ new CCO – Christian Bloomgren

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Afaxys, LLC, a socially conscious healthcare company focused on serving public health professionals and their patients, today announced the appointment of Christian Bloomgren to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Christian will be responsible for leading the identification, development, and execution of marketing and sales strategies across Afaxys Pharma and Afaxys Group Services (AGS) to deliver on the Company’s commercial objectives and growth initiatives.

“The U.S. reproductive health landscape has changed and access to necessary healthcare and products continues to be a real challenge. Christian is joining Afaxys to help us continue to ensure affordable access for those that need it most,” said Ronda Dean, President, CEO & Co-Founder of Afaxys. “We look forward to his proven leadership, strategic vision, and expertise, helping us advance our mission and optimize the adoption and distribution of Afaxys’ products in public health. On behalf of the Board of Directors and my Executive Team, I would like to congratulate and officially welcome Christian to Afaxys.”

“Afaxys has a powerful mission and has already made a significant impact to healthcare professionals and their patients through its focus on sexual and reproductive healthcare in the public health sector. The company is entering an exciting time of strategic growth, and I’m proud to join this talented team to leverage the collective strengths of Afaxys Pharma and Afaxys Group Services to continue building upon our legacy of leadership in public health,” said Bloomgren.

Christian Bloomgren has over 20 years of experience building and leading companies across the pharmaceutical, women’s health, diagnostic, biotech, and medical device markets. His previous roles include Chief Commercial Officer at Infinate Health, President & Chief Commercial Officer at Dominion Aesthetic Technologies, and Senior Vice President, Sales at TherapeuticsMD.

About Afaxys
Afaxys uniquely partners with public health and private industry to ensure healthcare providers have stable pricing and reliable access to the products and services they need to care for their patients.

The Afaxys enterprise comprises a family of companies that operate under two wholly owned subsidiaries: Afaxys Pharma, LLC and Afaxys Group Services, LLC (AGS). Afaxys Pharma provides a broad portfolio of branded and generic contraceptives to the public healthcare market. AGS is a strategic sourcing operation that negotiates favorable pricing across a broad base of products and services through its Group Purchasing Organization and emapp. For more information visit www.afaxys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by Federal Securities laws. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the inability to implement strategic initiatives, and the dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Afaxys, Inc. will not update forward-looking statements to reflect factual assumptions, circumstances or events that have changed after a forward-looking statement was made.

 

Parker’s Kitchen Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New North Charleston, S.C. Store, Offering Award-Winning Southern-Inspired Food, Indoor Dining and More

Parker’s Kitchen founder and CEO Greg Parker, center left, North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess, center right, and North Charleston City Council Member Rhonda Jerome, second from right, joined the Parker’s Kitchen team to officially cut the ribbon at the company’s newest store, located at 8251 Palmetto Commerce Parkway in Ladson, S.C.

Parker’s Kitchen – a nationally acclaimed convenience store company and food service leader that has been honored by SC Biz as one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina and by the Charleston Regional Business Journal as the Most Philanthropic Business – hosted a ribbon cutting on Jan. 29 for the company’s newest store at 8251 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy. in North Charleston, S.C.

Dignitaries in attendance included North Charleston Mayor Reginald L. “Reggie” Burgess, North Charleston City Council Member Rhonda Jerome and representatives from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Strategically positioned near I-26 in Ladson, S.C., the company’s newest retail store offers award-winning, Southern-style, made-from-scratch Parker’s Kitchen food for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a wide range of convenience items. Parker’s Kitchen currently operates 80 retail stores in Georgia and South Carolina, including 13 locations in metro Charleston, S.C.

The new North Charleston location is open 24/7 and serves fresh Southern-inspired food prepared from scratch on-site from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The entire menu is handcrafted on-site from the freshest ingredients by Parker’s Kitchen chefs who take pride in cooking for the communities where they live and work. The new store also offers fueling positions with unleaded, premium unleaded and ethanol-free marine fuel as well as three high-flow diesel fueling positions for trucks.

“We’re thrilled to open our latest store in North Charleston and appreciate the support of our loyal customers,” said Parker’s founder and CEO Greg Parker. “We think Charleston is an exciting market and have received a positive response about our newest location from customers across the region.”

The inviting store design features signature Parker’s Kitchen Lowcountry-inspired architecture with a modern, contemporary glass-front façade, lime-washed brick, handsome bracketry and designer lighting. The retail location offers indoor dining as well as the cleanest bathrooms in the industry.

Parker’s Kitchen features popular grab-and-go options as well as a hot bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and convenient electronic kiosk ordering. Popular items include never-frozen, antibiotic-free, double-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders, signature mac ‘n’ cheese and potato logs. Additional highlights include the Parker’s Kitchen Spicy Chicken Tender Sandwich, freshly made salads, gourmet coffee, freshly brewed sweet tea, Fancy Lemonade, 28-degree beer and fountain drinks with Chewy Ice.

Parker’s has been named the Convenience Store Chain of the Year by Convenience Store Decisions, which is the industry’s highest honor. The company has also been honored by Food and Wine as one of America’s Best Convenience Stores and by Convenience Store News as the Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year.

Since its founding in 1976, Parker’s has grown to become a nationally acclaimed company that was recently voted the #4 Best Gas Station for Food and the #6 Best Gas Station Brand in America by USA TODAY readers. The Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 300,000 members, has saved customers more than $15 million to date. Parker’s employs more than 1,360 professionals throughout Georgia and South Carolina and completes more than 125,000 transactions daily.

ABOUT PARKER’S KITCHEN:
Honored as the Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year, Parker’s Kitchen is strategically redefining the nation’s convenience store industry, offering customers high-quality products, freshly prepared food and superior customer service at retail stores throughout southeast Georgia and South Carolina. Proudly headquartered in Savannah, Ga., Parker’s Kitchen has a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and has repeatedly been recognized as one of the nation’s leading convenience store and foodservice companies. The company serves world-famous hand-breaded Southern Fried Chicken Tenders as well as made-from-scratch mac ‘n’ cheese, a breakfast bar and daily specials. The popular Parker’s Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 300,000 members, has saved Parker’s Kitchen customers more than $15 million to date. Learn more: www.parkerskitchen.com.

RECENT AWARDS AND ACCOLADES:
● Inc. 5000 List – Fastest Growing Companies in America – Inc. Magazine
● Best Places to Work in South Carolina – SC Biz
● Hall of Fame Inductee – Convenience Store News
● Best Gas Station Brand Top 10 – USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
● Convenience Store Chain of the Year – Convenience Store Decisions
● Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
● Legacy Leader – Georgia Trend
● America’s Best Convenience Stores – Food and Wine
● Southeast Retailer of the Year – The Shelby Report
● Convenience Foodservice Leader of the Year – Convenience Store News
● Top 10 U.S. Gas Station Brands – Gas Buddy
● 50 Most Influential People in Convenience Store History – Convenience Store News
● Best Gas Station – Colleton County Reader’s Choice, Press & Standard
● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Morning News Readers’ Choice Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Savannah Magazine Best of Savannah Awards
● Best Convenience Market/Gas Station – Connect Savannah Best of Savannah Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Statesboro Herald “Best in the ‘Boro” Awards
● Best Convenience Store – Bryan County Now “Best of Bryan” Awards
● Regional Economic Impact Award – Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce
● Best Convenience Store – Island Packet
● Most Fab Convenience Store – Effingham Herald
● Most Fabulous Gas Station – Effingham Living
● Wayne County’s Favorite Convenience Store – Jesup Press-Sentinel

Banker Exchange Expands Reach with New Offices in Strategic Locations Across the Nation

The Banker Exchange team, key players behind the firm’s strategic expansion into new national markets.

Charleston, SC – Banker Exchange, a leading company in the realm of 1031 exchanges, is excited to announce the expansion of its offices, marking a significant step in broadening its national presence. This expansion includes establishing a stronger foothold in the vibrant Lowcountry and Coastal areas of South Carolina and solidifying their presence in Colorado, where the Banker Exchange Founder & CEO is based.

This strategic expansion is part of Banker Exchange’s ongoing commitment to providing superior service and local expertise to clients across the United States. With these new offices, Banker Exchange aims to offer more personalized and accessible services to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our clients in these dynamic regions.

In line with this expansion, Banker Exchange is proud to welcome Krista DeBrine to its Business Development team, who will be dedicated to serving clients in the Lowcountry and Coastal areas of South Carolina. Krista brings extensive client management experience and a deep understanding of the local market, ensuring that Banker Exchange clients in these regions receive the highest level of expertise and support.

Shonna Felkel, President of Banker Exchange, expressed her enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “The expansion of Banker Exchange’s offices reflects our dedication to building a nationwide network of expertise. Our team’s deep knowledge of local markets, combined with our national perspective, allows us to offer unparalleled service and support to our clients, no matter where they are located.”

About Banker Exchange: Banker Exchange is a leader in facilitating 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, offering comprehensive services and guidance to exchangers nationwide. With a commitment to integrity, expertise, and client-focused solutions, Banker Exchange is a trusted partner in maximizing real estate investments.

For more information about Banker Exchange, please visit www.bankers1031.com.

Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719 Supports The ARK of SC and its Alzheimer’s and Dementia Initiatives

Ugly Sweater Dash with support from Summerville Elks Lodge raised nearly $6,000 for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia

The ARK of SC announces that the organization has received a generous $2,500 donation from the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719. The Summerville Elks Lodge confirmed its support for Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD) in the Charleston-area community as the presenting sponsor for The ARK’s signature fundraiser, the 6th Annual Ugly Sweater Dash held on Dec. 2 in Downtown Summerville, which raised nearly $6,000 for the cause. In recognition of National Family Caregiver Month in November, the Summerville Elks Lodge has extended its philanthropy with a $700 donation, dedicated to enhancing The ARK’s caregiver gathering initiatives.

“We appreciate the support from the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719 members. Their participation in the Dash as our presenting sponsor and providing volunteers helped create a festive community spirit. Plus, our holiday caregiver gathering made it possible for our caregiving families to be together with each other,” said Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The ARK. “This collaboration underscores the Lodge’s impactful role in advancing vital services for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related dementia in our area.”

The South Carolina Elks Association’s “State Major Project” is caregiver support, helping family caregivers who are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. “Alzheimer’s and Respite Care are the South Carolina Elks’ State Major Project, and every year Summerville Elks Lodge #2719 attempts to better our previous year’s donations to the Summerville ARK. In 2023, we were able to support the summer “Race for the ARK” 5K and fun run – as well as being the major contributor ($2,500) to December’s “Ugly Sweater Race.” We also raised enough money to be able to present ARK leadership with a check for $3,750 to “upgrade” their audio-visual equipment, and to purchase supplies for their holiday patient and caregiver luncheon. ELKS CARE – ELKS SHARE,” said Melanie Springer, 2022-2023 Exalted Ruler of the Summerville Elks Lodge No. 2719. “We are proud of the small part the Summerville Lodge No. 2719 plays in assisting The ARK of SC continue its good work of helping those in need in our immediate area.”

For over 26 years, The ARK has been a nonprofit assisting families throughout five counties (Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Orangeburg and Colleton County) in the Lowcountry. The ARK helps families cope with the daily challenges of ADRD through respite care, family support programs, caregiver consultations and educational classes.

Respite programs are offered in Summerville (Monday-Thursday) and in Harleyville (Wednesday) to give family caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of around-the-clock caregiving. Support groups, lunch and learn educational workshops, memory screenings, resource referrals, caregiver workshops, and First Responder/Law Enforcement training are also offered.

For more information about The ARK, visit www.TheARKofSC.org or call 843-471-1360.

Buist Byars & Taylor Adds CRE Partner

Mufale Joins Buist Byars & Taylor as CRE Partner

Amber N. Mufale has joined Buist Byars & Taylor as a partner in the firm’s commercial real estate department.

Her primary focus will be commercial real estate transactions and closings, representing clients in purchases and divestitures, contract negotiation, and title review. She will also handle business entity formation, construction contracts, licensing agreements, and similar matters.

Mufale earned her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law and her Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University. She is licensed to practice law in South Carolina, North Carolina and New York.

She serves on the Board of Directors for CREW Charleston as Treasurer and as an Executive Leadership Team Member for American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative, and was a member of the Charleston Metro Chamber’s Leadership Charleston Class of 2023.

About Buist Byars & Taylor LLC
Buist Byars & Taylor LLC is a boutique law firm in Charleston, SC, with a primary focus on real estate (residential and commercial) and tax/estate planning/probate matters. With offices in Mt. Pleasant and Freshfields Village at Kiawah/Seabrook, the firm also handles corporate matters, property litigation, and mediation. For more information, visit buistbyars.com.

New Programming and Events for SEWE 2024

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) will expand its programming, special events and on-site activations for the upcoming 2024 event. The event will take place February 16 – 18 at multiple venues in downtown Charleston: Charleston Place, Brittlebank Park, Gaillard Center, Charleston Marriott and Marion Square.

SEWE is expanding its attendee offerings for the 42nd annual celebration. This year’s event will feature new programming, special events, and exhibits. In addition to the return of popular SEWE classics like Dockdogs, the Fine Art Gallery, sheep herding and flight demonstrations, the annual event has increased its event schedule and special events programming to include:

New Special Events:

Writers’ Round: Lowcountry Lyrics
-An intimate writers’ round on Shem Creek will showcase writers behind some of the music industry’s biggest acts and chart-topping hits, including Keith Stegall, Leslie Satcher, Bradley Gaskin and Kevin MaC.
-Private Residence, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM on Friday, February 16
-Single Ticket $175 |Available at sewe.com

SEWE Kick Off at Lamar’s
-Start SEWE weekend off with a night out on the town. SEWE presents an evening at Lamar’s Sporting Club, Charleston’s first reservation-only nightlife experience, featuring SEWE-inspired cocktails, surcees, light bites, live painting and chances to win original art by 2023 Featured Artist, Ryan Kirby.
-Lamar’s Sporting Club, 6 PM on Wednesday, February 14
-Single Ticket $50 | Available at sewe.com

Ian Munsick Concert
-In partnership with the Gaillard Center, SEWE is bringing Western-country music artist Ian Munsick to the Lowcountry. The Wyoming native has recently toured alongside country music stars Morgan Wallen and Cody Johnson.
-Gaillard Center, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM on Thursday, February 15
-Tickets starting at $29 | Available at gaillardcenter.org.

New SEWE Schedule Programming
(Entry included in a SEWE general admission ticket. Tickets available at sewe.com.)

Women in Conservation Panel
-Female leaders in conservation will take the stage at the Gaillard Center to discuss their journeys, challenges and contributions in the world of wildlife conservation from the sea, land and sky. Panelists include Amy Kight from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandy Feavel from the Avian Conservation Center/Center for Birds of Prey and Dr. Forrest Gomez from the National Marine Mammal Foundation.
-Gaillard Center, 4 PM – 4:45 PM on Saturday, February 17

Carolina Marsh Tacky Association
-The Carolina Marsh Tacky Association will be showcasing one of South Carolina’s most historic and unique treasures, the Marsh Tacky horse for the first time at SEWE.
-Brittlebank Park, 10 AM – 6 PM on Friday & Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM on Sunday

Jeff Corwin: Live Animal Show
-Television personality, author, and conservationist Jeff Corwin will return to the Gaillard Center to entertain SEWE attendees with educational tales of his time in the field. The show will feature a unique new lineup of live animals including an anaconda, sloth, exotic snakes and more.
-Gaillard Center, 2 PM – 3 PM on Friday, February 16

Sporting Art Roadshow Appraisal Days
-A specialist from Copley Fine Art will be offering complimentary review and appraisal of attendees’ sporting art and decoys throughout SEWE weekend in the Opal Room at the Charleston Marriott.
-Charleston Marriott, 10 AM – 6 PM on Friday & Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM on Sunday

Clemson University Completes Trailblazing Women’s Sports Program Expansion Project

Project designers from Garvin Design Group and HNTB joined Clemson athletes, coaches, and administrators for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony in January 2024.

Clemson University recently completed its much-anticipated lakefront Women’s Sports Program Expansion project, a complex of world-class facilities for the newly formed women’s gymnastics and lacrosse teams, as well as a first-of-its-kind Athlete Recovery Center (ARC). Columbia-based architecture and interior design firm Garvin Design Group teamed with national sports architects HNTB to lead the design of this landmark project. The design team joined Clemson University officials, coaches, student-athletes, and construction manager Brasfield & Gorrie of Greenville, SC, for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion.

The Expansion project includes a 24,000-sf gymnastics operations facility, a 9,000-sf lacrosse operations facility, and a lacrosse stadium with seating for 1,000 spectators. In addition, a new 10,000-sf Elite Athlete Recovery Center (ARC) provides amenities to all Clemson athletes. The project’s architectural and interior design support holistic athlete development and set a new standard for excellence in the student-athlete experience.

“The design of the Athlete Recovery Center not only prioritizes functionality but also provides all Clemson athletes with stunning views of Lake Hartwell,” said Eric Maxwell, HNTB Design Principal. “By carefully arranging these spaces to frame expansive vistas beyond the public beach access, the design team has created an environment that seamlessly blends innovation with the natural beauty of the surroundings – a testament to our dedication to elevating the athlete experience, fostering both physical and mental well-being in a uniquely inspiring setting.”

Hosted inside the ARC against the backdrop of the new lacrosse stadium and Lake Hartwell, the ribbon-cutting ceremony featured speeches from members of the lacrosse and gymnastics teams, coaching staff, Athletics Director Graham Neff, and President Jim Clements. Program attendees repeatedly remarked that the new facilities reflect Clemson Athletics’ philosophy “best is the standard.”

“From the orientation of the buildings to the finest interior details, the quality of design and construction is a testament to Clemson Athletics’ commitment to athletics, especially women’s sports,” said Liza Brockman, Garvin Design Group Interior Designer. “Designing for these two historic women’s sports programs has been so meaningful for me, as a designer and as a Clemson alum.”

Read more about the project and see additional images here.

About Garvin Design Group: Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group (GDG) offers comprehensive planning and design services for various project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, GDG strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 20 people has completed more than $1 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award, the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, and recognition as a Top 3 Best in Business Award from SC Business Monthly since 2021. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com.

About HNTB: HNTB Corporation (HNTB) is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and construction contractors. With 109 years of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial, and operational challenges. Professionals deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, and program and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com or follow HNTB on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

Nexton Highlights 2023 Achievements, Reveals Anticipated Additions for 2024

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – Nexton, the most innovative and walkable community in South Carolina, reported a successful 2023 that includes the addition of cutting-edge commercial space as well as fresh amenities and housing options. As a new year begins, the community is poised for growth on all fronts, advancing its status as a national model for master-planned communities.

“Nexton’s tenth year was filled with accomplishments. From celebrating 2,800 total home sales to welcoming a multitude of high-quality new businesses and housing choices, it was truly a remarkable year,” said Nexton’s Senior Vice President, Development Brent Gibadlo. “Each new year presents countless opportunities for Nexton, and we are excited to continue this momentum as a forward-thinking master-planned community and thriving economic hub in 2024.”

COMMERCIAL
Nexton welcomed a collection of world-class retailers and commercial entities in 2023, including:

• The Hub at Nexton, developed by SL Shaw, added 88,000 square feet of office, retail, and restaurant space. It officially opened its doors in May, featuring local favorites such as The Co-Op and Derrington Dermatology.
• Brighton Court: Two additional multi-tenant buildings were added adjacent to Coastal Fertility, offering new medical office and retail options.
• Downtown Nexton: Sharbell Nexton LLC, the developer of Downtown Nexton, broke ground on Atelier Downtown Nexton office project in June and secured the first five tenants for the ground-floor retail in the Lofts Downtown Nexton apartments. Woodfield Development nears completion of The Ames, featuring 304 market rate apartments, and broke ground on The Radler, which includes 324 market-rate apartments.
• Serendipity Labs, an established brand of co-working and flexible office facilities, celebrated the grand opening of its second Charleston location in Nexton in May.
• The Pickle Bar: A new restaurant, retail and recreation concept that combines the growing popularity of pickleball with a bar and restaurant opened in November.
• Dayfield Park, new commercial properties featuring office space and residential options, as well as retail and service providers broke ground in September. Tenants include The Goddard School daycare, HYLO Fitness, GoDog, Stretch Zone and Pinnacle Bank.
• One Nexton, a Publix-anchored commercial center, broke ground with plans to include a bank and neighborhood-serving retail and dining.

RESIDENTIAL
Nexton continued to provide a variety residential offerings and amenities to cater to all lifestyles and preferences, including:

• 492 homes sold in four residential villages including Del Webb Charleston, North Creek Village, Brighton Park Village and Midtown.
• Nexton celebrated the 2,800 total home sale milestone.
• Brookfield Residential was added to the community’s builder program and introduced their new townhome collection.
• Builder Ashton Woods unveiled a new 55+ neighborhood of homes called Hammock Walk, featuring 100 villa-style homes in its first phase. The neighborhood celebrated the grand opening of its first homes and model home in December.

CIVIC
• Nexton Middle School, a new fifth through eighth grade Berkeley County middle school, broke ground in December with a planned opening in 2026.

AWARDS + ACCOLADES
Nexton received several national and regional accolades for demonstrating its commitment to forward-thinking design and innovation:

• Awarded the Grand Aurora Award in the category Residential Housing Community of the Year – Masterplan.
• Awarded the Multi-Housing News Excellence Award in the category Development & Design: Mixed-Use.
• Awarded a 2023 Best in American Living Award by The National Home Builders Design Committee for The Villas at Nexton in the category Single-Family Community For Rent.
• Recognized as #38 of the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in the U.S. by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, based on year-end 2023 home sales.

LOOKING AHEAD
As Nexton closes another successful chapter, the community continues to set the industry standard for master-planned communities across the U.S. The following can be expected from the Nexton in 2024:

• Page’s Okra Grill opened in January 2024.
• Additional homebuilder, Stanley Martin will join the Nexton community as well as new with a new collection of townhomes and condos to Brighton Park. Existing builders are adding new floor plans to Nexton’s Midtown neighborhood.
• Brookfield Residential’s model townhome and first homes will open to the public in February.
• Del Webb Nexton will break ground on its expanded amenity package with the addition of indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a large gymnasium and restaurant.
• Harris Teeter and Publix grocery stores will open.
• Dayfield Park, a new commercial property featuring office space and residential options, as well as retail and service providers, will open.
• Downtown Nexton: The first phase of the Lofts and Atelier Downtown Nexton will be completed in 2024.
• Berkeley County Park will open in the summer of 2024.