“There’s an old political adage that says that a camel is an elephant built by a committee,” said Joe Salvo, executive director of the Sea Island Club, as he opened the groundbreaking ceremony for Seabrook Island’s newest series of developments on November 15. “But this process has proven that this isn’t true.” The Seabrook Island Horizon Plan, a three year, $31 million dollar project, has received national acclaim for its decision to do the opposite of most seaside developments; they are moving over 25,000 square feet of buildings away from the beach, placing it behind the critical line and giving land back to conservation.
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Horizon Plan ground breakers (left to right) Robert Fairey, Joe Salvo, Gary Boehm, Miles Glick, Dick Hughes, Jim Leib, Ed Williams, Rob Savin and Jeff Bostock. |
“The Horizon Plan is Seabrook’s adaptation to, and understanding of, a new generation of families and what they want from this special community,” said Mr. Salvo. “This is Seabrook’s way of ensuring a continued commitment to our natural environment while delivering a superior private island and Club experience.”
During the ceremony, Mr. Salvo asked each of the leaders involved in the Horizon Plan to stand and say a few words about everything that had led up to the day’s celebration. However, before he was able to turn the microphone over to Mr. John Thompson of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, resident Bill Mowat asked to speak. “Who here can sing four part harmony with a Bostonian?” he asked the crowd. Two men immediately jumped to the stage and, after a little cajoling, Mr. David O’Dwyer arrived on the stand to sing the part he referred to as the “airy-fairy” bit. Together, Bill Mowat, David O’Dwyer, Mac Stanton and Rupe Hickler sang a moving rendition of “Hi, Neighbor!” eliciting cheers and standing ovations from the gathered crowd. After several bows, the impromptu barbershop quartet gave the stage back to the ground breakers. Mr. Thompson laughed, thanked the quartet and gave his blessing to the Horizon Plan. “This is the community’s plan,” he said. “Congratulations. This is a great day.”
Rob Savin, representing Seabrook’s Town Council, spoke next, noting that “With the completion of the Horizon Plan, this will be the most unique island on the East Coast. This is a great project and I look forward to its completion.”
“I am honored to be here today,” said Miles Glick of Glick – Boehm Architects. “I’ve honestly never had 2,700 clients at one time, but the building committee has handled everyone’s ideas very well. This [plan] will help build relationships and community. Congratulations and best of luck. This butterfly is ready to fly, just be patient with us for the next 18 months.”
Robert Fairey of Trident Construction, the builder of the original structures in 1981, was a little sad to see some of his first buildings go. “One of my first jobs was the addition of the Island House. I’m pleased to be back, though I have mixed feeling about tearing down what I built over 26 years ago. I hope we’ll be good neighbors for the next 18 months.”
Jeff Bostock and Ed Williams of the Seabrook Island Building Committee were thrilled. “Thanks again to everyone,” said Mr. Bostock. “We received great information and all of your ideas were well thought out. I’m so excited I wish I could sing!”
“This will be a really exciting time,” said Mr. Williams. “Hopefully, it will all be on schedule. Thanks!”
Last but not least, Mr. Dick Hughes, the president of the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association, thanked everyone for coming. “This project has always been about working as a community. These buildings are a great addition. This all started with a project called ‘Island 1’ four years ago. I am pleased and relieved to be here.”
Before the ground breaking officially took place, however, Mr. Salvo had one last speaker who sent his comments in the form of a letter:
“Greetings,” Mr. Salvo read. “On behalf of the people of the Palmetto State, I am pleased to welcome you to the Groundbreaking Ceremonies for the Seabrook Island Horizon Plan. As one of the jewels of the South Carolina coast, Seabrook Island will soon shine a little brighter. Throughout the years, thousands of families have enjoyed the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that abound in the area, creating priceless memories that span time and generations. Today’s event marks the beginning of turning a dream into reality as the ground is broken for the Horizon Plan. The vision of growth and development coupled with preservation addresses the needs of current and future residents in a manner that blends in with the environment and protects the delicate balance of nature. I’m sure everyone is looking forward to participating in the new activities and taking advantage of the ‘eco-leisure’ amenities that will become available upon completion of the Community Center and Beach Club complexes. Jenny joins me in wishing you all the best for a great day. Take care. Sincerely, Mark Sanford.”
With the sweet harmonies of the newly-formed Seabrook Island Barbershop Quartet singing “God Bless America” in the background, each of the honored department heads in hard hats grabbed their golden shovels and took the very first bites from the earth in anticipation of the new buildings on the Horizon.
Horizon Plan order of construction:
Each of the buildings will have a “future site of” sign, along with details of the completed project. Given timelines are a rough estimate and work on the second two projects are estimated to begin at the end of 2008. No timeline has been given for the POACommunity Center.
1 st project: Main Island House
- Largest of all the projects.
- Replacing current Clubhouse
- New features include a golf pro shop, locker rooms, indoor dining rooms, main ballroom and meeting room, among many others.
- All buildings will have views of the ocean and/or the Edisto River.
2 nd project: Beach Club/Sunset Pavilion
- Directly across the street from the Main Island House.
- House commercial conference rooms.
- Increase the size of “the Pelican’s Nest” restaurant by 2 or 3 times.
- Beach Club is a “round” design to catch the ocean view from as many windows as possible.
- Outdoor pool, Sunset Pavilion and wooden sun decks along beach.
- Designed to be a working wedding venue.
3 rd project: Tennis Clubhouse
- Retail space
- Better office space
- Guest lounge area
- Broad wooden decks
4 th project: Renovation of Equestrian Center
- New entrance and office space.
- Better stabling environment for horses.
- General repair of current facilities.
POA Community Center (construction date to be determined)
- Located across from the Community Center.
- Expanded fitness center.
- Indoor and outdoor pools.
- Children’s playgrounds
- Meeting rooms
- Kid’s rooms
- Events lawn on Palmetto Lake with a pavilion/stage area for concerts.
- The building will be expanded and contoured to surround the Events lawn.
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