Around Charleston
1 - Million Dollar Pitch Competition - Ben Navarro, through his company Beemok Capital, are taking applications for a pitch competition for local startups. The prize money is up to $1 MILLION!!! DETAILS & APPLY
2 - Radioactive Wasps! - A wasp nest found at the Savannah River site near Aiken reportedly had radiation levels 10x the allowed federal limit. No one was stung and turned into a superhero or villain…that we know of. READ MORE
3 - Volvo adding to production - Volvo announced they will be adding production of their global best-selling XC60 to their Ridgeville plant, helping secure future local jobs. READ THE PRESS RELEASE
Historic Home of the Week
61 Tradd Street - This 4-story, c. 1731, South of Broad home is one of Charleston’s earliest surviving residences. Known as the Jacob Motte House, you have got to see this one!
4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | 4465 sqft | $6,250,000
@the.bill.olson This is one of Charleston's earliest surviving homes, built in 1731. 61 Tradd Street is a South of Broad stunner! ##CharlestonSC #charles... See more
🌳Exciting New Investments in Charleston’s Recreation
The City of Charleston has revealed two major recreation projects funded by the 2023 Parks Bond Referendum.
These projects are part of a $70 million investment in Charleston’s parks and recreation facilities.
One project is in West Ashley, and the other is on Johns Island, marking a significant step toward enhancing recreational access across the city.
West Ashley: Rebuilding the WL Stephens Recreation Center
Project Overview: The existing WL Stephens Recreation Center will be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art facility.
Facility Details:
Size: 24,000 to 28,000 square feet.
Amenities:
25-meter by 25-yard indoor pool.
Therapy pool for swim lessons, water aerobics, and rehabilitation.
Multi-purpose community room.
Staff office and support spaces.
Modern playground for families.
New tennis and basketball courts.
Miracle League Baseball Field: The existing Miracle League field for individuals with disabilities will remain in place, continuing to serve the community.
Mayor’s Statement: Mayor William Cogswell emphasized how the upgrade will be a “game-changer” for West Ashley, highlighting the city’s commitment to long-term investment in its neighborhoods.
Johns Island: First-Ever City Recreation Facility
Historic Development: This will be the first-ever city-operated recreation facility on Johns Island.
Project Location: Near the Hayes Park development, just off Maybank Highway.
Facility Details:
Size: Approximately 50,000 square feet.
Amenities:
25-meter by 25-yard indoor pool and adjacent therapy pool.
Indoor gymnasium with two full basketball courts.
Cardio and group fitness rooms.
Multi-purpose room and two classrooms.
Catering kitchen for events.
Outdoor pickleball courts and basketball courts.
Inclusive playground and splash pad for families.
Councilmember’s Statement: District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride highlighted the importance of this facility, stating it will be an “anchor for community life, health, and connection” on the island.
Next Steps: Moving Forward with Design and Construction
Design Phase: Both facilities will be designed by Charleston-based architectural firm LS3P.
City Council Review: Construction contracts will be reviewed by Charleston City Council in August.
Permitting Process: Permitting will take approximately one year.
Construction Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, with both projects taking 18 months to complete.
Community Engagement: Public input sessions will begin this fall. The city and LS3P will host presentations and gather feedback from residents to incorporate their priorities into the final designs.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Charleston’s Recreation Facilities
These two major projects represent transformative investments in Charleston’s parks and recreation infrastructure.
Once completed, the new facilities will offer West Ashley and Johns Island residents access to modern, high-quality recreational spaces that foster community connection and promote health and wellness.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of these exciting developments!
41 Poplar Street, Charleston, SC 29403
4 beds | 2 baths | 1940 sqft
$1,285,000
This is the craftsman bungalow life done right. Welcome to 41 Poplar Street. Tucked into one of downtown Charleston's most walkable neighborhoods, behind the white picket fence and a blooming orange tree, you'll find a freshly painted 1930s home full of charm and thoughtful updates. With nearly 2,000 square feet, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers space to live, host, and relax, inside and out. Step inside to refinished hardwood floors, fresh interior paint, and a layout that just makes sense. two bedrooms downstairs, plus a sunny Carolina Room with a built-in drink fridge and a custom-designed concealed laundry area. Upstairs features two more bedrooms, including a primary suite with a large steam shower that feels like your own private spa. Outside, nearly every inch has been upgraded. From the freshly painted exterior, porch, and ceilings to the refinished back deck, new landscaping, and fully fenced front and backyard. With plenty of room for two cars off street, golf cart parking, sidewalks throughout the neighborhood, and 30+ bars and restaurants within a 20-minute walk, this home blends classic Charleston charm with a fresh, modern feel.
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Did I Instigate a Reality TV Feud?
Okay, I might be overreacting with that headline, but I’ll let you decide. A month ago, after Todd & Julie Chrisley had their post-prison interview, they mentioned plans to buy an old mansion in Charleston, turn it into a small hotel, and that would be the premise of their new reality TV show. I made a simple post about it (which I almost didn’t do), and not only was it my first Instagram post to surpass 1M views, but Patricia Altschul from Southern Charm commented, “There goes the neighborhood.” I pinned the comment; you can see it HERE. Then Friday morning, while doom-scrolling, I see a clip from the Chrisleys’ new podcast, and Todd mentions the comment she left on MY post, and clapped back at Patricia, calling her an “old lady” and that she’s “getting ready for dead”. So yes, I’m overreacting about instigating the feud, but without my post, it wouldn’t have happened. But for the record…I’m team Patricia.
Who's side are you taking on this one?
-Bill Olson
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, Bill Olson & Pirate Properties can help you. We’re fast, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in real estate. Click below and start viewing what's available in Charleston today, calculate your home’s value, or schedule a no-obligation, no-pressure discovery call.
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