Location. Conservation. And low-key amenities that make you part of the landscape.
"Poplar Grove is bordered by Bulow Landing and Davidson roads and Rantowles Creek. Despite being just a few miles from Charleston, Poplar Grove resembles a nature preserve—quiet, filled with trees and wildlife and exuding rustic charm.
Dorchester County zoning would have allowed 7,000 homes on the site, and Vic Mills, principal and CEO of Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial, initially planned for 3,500 homes. He was approached by Ducks Unlimited about a lower-density development. Mills and Ducks Unlimited worked together to create the Ashley River Plantation District, putting 3,100 acres in the conservation easement. Now only 50 homes will be built on this particular portion of the development.
'As the developer, our returns are less than had we sold it,' he said.
But Mills isn’t overly concerned. He’s too focused on what he describes as the “mystic” quality of Poplar Grove and creating a place where people can live in the great outdoors.
'People want a simpler lifestyle. People want the opposite of what they have at work. They want passive activities: walking trails and canoe rides. I’ve tried to develop a community with an eye toward how it lives,' Mills said.
'We hope our children who grow up here will know the difference between a wood duck and a mallard and between an egret and a crane.'
Future plans for Poplar Grove include a town square complete with a small, upscale inn.
Mills has some experience with this kind of development. He was involved in the 900-acre River Island in Augusta, Ga., the first conservation community on the Savannah River. More than 30% of the property is part of a conservation easement and the master-planned development is bisected with many nature trails.
For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article:
http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/current/13_13/news/9691-1.html
For more information about the Poplar Grove development:
http://www.poplargrovecharleston.com/
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