Around Charleston
Could we get snow next week? - An arctic blast is expected to hit the area next Tuesday and Wednesday with temps in the 20’s-30’s. Some reports are saying we may see some snow. Regardless of snow….THAT’S COLD! READ MORE
North Charleston Chef Named SC Chef Ambassador - Chef Shuai Wang of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ was named a 2025 South Carolina Chef Ambassador. These chefs promote the state’s rich agricultural heritage and showcase South Carolina as a preeminent dining destination. READ MORE
2 Local Spirits Companies Join Forces - Cannon Distillery and Virgil Kaine have partnered to open a distillery on James Island. The space also includes a 7500 event space called The Rickhouse. READ MORE
Historic Home of the Week
712 W Ashley Ave, Folly Beach - The Porgy House, once owned by Dubose and Dorthy Heyward, the writers of the novel and play “Porgy” and where George Gershwin got his inspiration for “Porgy and Bess”.
3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1474 Sqft | $2,950,000
The Publix & The Planetarium
This week’s newsletter is brought to you by the letter P.
The Charleston Planetarium
Slated for a February opening, this state-of-the-art planetarium will be in the Citadel Mall across from Planet Fitness. The nonprofit behind the planetarium is The Charleston Planetarium Society that was created by local Entrepreneur Paul Gangarosa, College of Charleston Physics and Astronomy Professor Chris Fragile, and Planetary Geologist R. Scott Harris.
The theater will be an immersive STEAM experience with visitors surrounded by a domed screen depicting the night sky as well as universes from beyond. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
For more info, check them out on there website (https://charlestonplanetarium.org/) or follow them on Instagram
The Most Anticipated Publix
It might be hard to wonder why people are so excited about a grocery store opening, but after a coming soon sign has been up for at least 7 years in Summers Corner, there is finally an end in sight for their Publix. And for those of you on Johns Island, I know the Harris Teeter Coming Soon sign has been there longer than most have been alive.
According to a commercial real state listing for 3 other units in the retail plaza, there is an expected delivery date of Summer 2026. This is great news for the growing community of Summers Corner and nearby neighborhoods. Summers Corner will have an estimated 7500 homes when fully completed.
Within the retail center, there are already 2 businesses with leases in place, King Nails and Jalapeno Mexican Restaurant. It is unknown at the moment if there are plans to expand the shopping center to more stores.
The total square footage for the plaza is 60,400 with Publix occupying 50,800 of it.
Check out the commercial real estate listing here: https://www.crossmanco.com/properties/publix-1740-summers-corner/
5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 3438 sqft
$1,698,000
This stunning home is a MUST SEE in the highly coveted Carolina Park/ Riverside community. Situated on a premium lot, this home offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. The front of the home showcases sweeping, tranquil views of Bolden Lake, while the private backyard is a true sanctuary, featuring a custom saltwater pool and spa, complimented by a cozy gas fire pit. The property backs up to a wooded buffer ensuring peace and privacy. This 5 bedroom / 4.5-bathroom home has a host of high-end upgrades. Notable features include: -Primary suite on the main floor -Saltwater pool with spa -Gas fire pit -Lush landscape with custom lighting -Finished room over garage -Whole house generator -Bahama shutters -Custom closets [MORE]
Question: How do I get my home as the featured home in the ChuckTown Report?
Answer: Just email Bill ([email protected]) and ask!
Click the graph for more details OR to select another market.
A look at the year ahead:
This past week I attended the Realtor Association’s 2025 economic outlook with Dr Joey Von Nessen, a research economist from USC. I will be interviewing him in the coming weeks and will share the video, but in the meantime, here is his outlook in a nutshell for 2025:
The economic outlook for 2025 shows a contrast between low consumer confidence and strong economic performance, earning a B+ overall, as the economy shifts from a pandemic bubble to more sustainable growth. Consumer spending remains stable, mainly driven by higher-income households, while the labor market adjusts to slower growth, and housing prices are stabilizing but still increasing. There’s a lower risk of recession, but a key concern about potential inflation increases, which could impact mortgage rates. Therefore, while economic growth is expected, housing activity will likely be determined by inflation and mortgage rates.
Have a great week and stay warm,
Bill Olson
