282 Thorpe St, Summerville, SC 29483
Mon-Fri 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
If you own a business, you should already know that at some point, you will need to hire an electrician in Nexton to fix electrical issues and maintain your property's wiring systems. Unfortunately, many people forego certified, experienced electricians to save money. The reality is, trying to fix an electrical issue in your business is no small task and often costs more money than hiring a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous to your property and, more importantly, your health.
It might seem like a good idea to try a DIY approach or call your "do it all" local handyman, but going pro will save you time and money when it comes to serious projects like thermal imaging and three-phase panel installations. Think about it: why spend money buying expensive supplies and countless hours watching electrical repair videos when there's a good chance you'll need professional help in the end? Many DIY electricians have good intentions but often end up damaging electrical systems worse than before.
At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we get the job done right the first time, so you can focus on enjoying running your business while we fix your electrical problem. We bring the same level of quality and reliability to every job we perform, whether it's a routine safety inspection or an entire commercial rewiring project. Unlike some electricians in South Carolina, we go above and beyond to ensure our customers are safe and satisfied with our work. We pride ourselves on keeping customers informed throughout their electrical job and follow up on our projects to make sure our fixes stick.
At the end of the day, excellent customer care is what we strive to achieve. We do so by providing the highest quality commercial services at affordable prices, all year long. Here are just a few reasons why Lowcountry residents trust Engineered Electrical Solutions:
If you're looking for the very best electrician in South Carolina, put down the pen and paper and look no further than Engineered Electrical Solutions. Keep reading to learn more about some of our most popular services.
Having a reliable electrician on hand that you can trust with electrical repairs is of utmost importance when you own a business in South Carolina. For years, Engineered Electrical Solutions has provided business owners with the most effective electrical repair and installation services in the Lowcountry. Our team is adept at assisting businesses of all sizes, from small "mom and pop" shops to industrial plants and everything in between.
We offer a wide range of electrical services, from electrical panel installation and business rewiring to transformer installation and thermal imaging. Modern businesses count on energy-efficient electricity to help run their day-to-day operations. If you need your electrical systems to run smoothly so you can stay focused on building your business, count on Engineered Electrical Solutions to be there when you need us the most.
A few of our most popular commercial and industrial electrical services include but are not limited to:
As a business owner, you know first-hand that closing your doors costs money, time, and possibly your clients. That's why, when you have an electrical issue that must be remedied, you need quick, cost-efficient help so you can keep running your business. But trusting the job of a trained electrician in the hands of an amateur can be a big mistake.
Sure, your uncle may know how to flip a few switches on the breaker in your home, but serving a commercial business is an entirely different animal. In fact, trusting your company's electrical needs to just anyone can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are just a few of the most important reasons to consider hiring an experienced commercial electrical contractor.
Did you know there is a litany of regulations and codes you must follow when servicing electrical components in a commercial setting? From remodels to maintenance, a knowledgeable electrician will know these codes in and out. If they don't, they've got the reference material and support to ensure their work is up to standard. Taking the time to hire a commercial electrical company with vetted technicians means you don't have to worry about legal fines and reprimands for not adhering to regulations associated with common services like commercial lighting installations and upgrades.
In general, a commercial electrical contractor in Nexton, SC, must undergo extensive training and pass more tests in order to practice their trade in South Carolina. Like their counterparts in the residential electrical business, they must both pass exams and complete apprenticeships. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training. They must also prove their knowledge of the National Electrical Code, or NEC, which encompasses safety procedures and building codes in the U.S. The advanced training that commercial electricians complete sets the foundation for services such as:
When you break it down to the basics, commercial electricians in the Lowcountry require more experience because of factors like safety, complexity, and reliability. It's not unusual for a contractor to complete over 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, to learn about complicated topics like voltage and phase balancing, control systems, and phase diagrams.
If you're like most people, you hire professionals like corporate lawyers, helicopter pilots, and commercial electricians to handle the things you don't have the skills to do yourself. Because, if we're being honest, many services provided by commercial electrical contractors are dangerous and even downright deadly. While you can find "How-To" articles that insist that this type of work is simple, taking on an electrical project for your business can have catastrophic consequences - both for your business and for the family you're supporting.
Hiring a commercial electrician for your business safeguards you, your employees, and your business. That's because they're trained to spot commercial electrical hazards and have the tools to fix the problem correctly and according to South Carolina regulations.
Some business owners make it a point to hire non-professionals to handle their electrical work, thinking they'll save money in the long run. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Cutting corners and hiring unlicensed friends or family members creates hazards that will set your company back much more than it would to hire a qualified commercial electrician. Mistakes are costly and often end up with you having to close your business while they're corrected. This downtime will affect your ability to do business and may even affect your brand loyalty and customer base.
Energy mismanagement - it's one of the most common ways that businesses lose unnecessary money every year. Though every business in South Carolina will eventually face some sort of energy waste, that doesn't mean you have to settle for expenses you can prevent. At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we're all about supporting our fellow business owners. To help you reduce electrical costs, follow these five tips.
In terms of low-cost solutions, this one is among the best. If you've been using incandescent bulbs throughout your business, try installing compact fluorescents instead. They can last 9x longer and save you money over time. While you're at it, remove any incandescent lights powering exit signs in your building. Replace them with LED alternatives.
Did you grow up in a household where your mom or dad constantly reminded you to turn off the lights when you're done in a room? That same basic principle holds true here. If lights are left on unnecessarily, be sure they're turned off before closing for the day. If you find that doesn't help, you may need to develop a shift-based system to turn off lights. Our team of commercial electricians for your business in cityname, state, have the expertise to help you establish a system to lower energy waste without affecting your company's productivity.
According to the Small Business Administration, HVAC use accounts for nearly 40% of energy use in commercial buildings. It's clear, then, that poor-performing HVAC systems can rack up monthly energy costs quickly. To prevent this from getting out of control, make sure your AC and heating units are well-maintained and free of expensive issues. You may want to also consider installing programmable thermostats, which can automatically control the temperature settings on your property to help maximize your energy savings.
The EPA states that keeping your commercial building properly insulated can save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. Don't settle for obvious areas like walls and windows. Be sure your electrical outlets, pipes, and HVAC ducts are properly insulated too.
At Engineered Electrical Solutions, we can provide you with an energy audit for your business that pinpoints areas of energy waste and how those areas can be improved. Having an electrical assessment is a great idea for any business owner, especially if you have a storefront where customers come and go because it can help lower your overall operational costs.
Commercial and industrial-sized buildings are large and complex by the nature of their construction. By proxy, commercial buildings have complicated wiring and electrical systems. Electrical work in the commercial market is best left to experienced, licensed professionals. If you're looking for the very best commercial electricians in Metro Nexton, Engineered Electrical Solutions is here to serve you.
We have completed hundreds of commercial electrician projects for companies like Blue Oyster Restaurant, Shell Gas Stations, Flex Warehouses, Dentist Offices, and many more. With the most up-to-date equipment and years of professional experience, our team is ready to tackle your electrical problem, no matter how large.
Here are just a few of the common electrical issues that we solve for Lowcountry business owners:
Your businesses' electrical system will trip when it has too much electricity running through it. These problems are very common in commercial properties and usually stem from one of three culprits: circuit overloads, short circuits, and ground fault surges. Obviously, when your circuits are tripped regularly, your business operations suffer. To help solve your circuit breaker problems, our commercial electricians will come to your location for in-depth troubleshooting. Once we discover the root cause, we'll get to work on repairing your circuit breaker, so you can continue working and serving your customers.
Like tripped circuit breakers, dimming or flickering lights are among the most common commercial electrical problems in South Carolina. These issues typically stem from poor electrical connections. These poor connections will usually cause sparks, which can start fires and wreak havoc on your commercial building. While dimming lights might seem minor, if you leave this problem to fester, you could be looking at permanent damage to your businesses' electrical systems. Given the danger involved in fixing this problem, it's important that you work with a licensed business electrician like Engineered Electrical Solutions as soon as you're able to.
Dead power outlets aren't always dangerous, unlike other recurring commercial electrical issues. They are, however, disruptive to your company's productivity. Dead outlets are common in older commercial buildings and are often caused by circuit overloads. Connecting multiple high-wattage devices and appliances to the same power socket can cause overheating. When the power outlet overheats, it can lead to tripped circuit breakers. In some cases, the live wire catches fire and burns until it is disconnected. For a reliable solution using high-quality switches, sockets, and circuit breakers, it's best to hire a professional business electrician to get the job done right.
Finding a real-deal, qualified commercial electrician in South Carolina is harder than you might think. Whether it's due to availability or budget, you might be tempted to hire a residential electrician for your commercial electrical problem. While it's true that great residential electricians can help solve commercial issues in theory, it's always best to hire a business electrician with professional experience.
Unlike their residential colleagues, commercial electricians are licensed to deal with different materials and procedures suited specifically for businesses. Commercial wiring is much more complex than other wiring and is strategically installed with maintenance, repair, and changes in mind. Additionally, commercial properties usually use a three-phase power supply, necessitating more schooling, skills, and technical ability to service.
The bottom line? If you're a business owner with commercial electricity problems, it's best to work with a licensed commercial electrician, like you will find at Engineered Electrical Solutions.
Engineered Electrical Solutions has built its reputation on a simple formula: give our customers the highest-quality commercial electrical services, the most helpful customer service, and the best prices available in town.
As a veteran-owned and operated business, we take pride in good old-fashioned hard work and dedication to our craft. No upselling. No misleading fine print. Only quality electrical work and reliable commercial electricians in Nexton, SC.
We want to be sure every one of our customers is satisfied, which is why we offer a three-year guaranteed on our labor. If you're in need of a commercial electrician for your business or organization, give our office a call and discover the Engineered Electrical Solutions difference.
843-735-2275
Several new commercial tenants are coming to a large housing development on the edge of Summerville.Lombardi’s Pizza Kitchen, The Co-op Frosé & Eatery, The Backyard Biergarten, Lowcountry Yoga and children’s gym KidStro...
Several new commercial tenants are coming to a large housing development on the edge of Summerville.
Lombardi’s Pizza Kitchen, The Co-op Frosé & Eatery, The Backyard Biergarten, Lowcountry Yoga and children’s gym KidStrong are all lined up to be a part of The Hub in Nexton.
The restaurants and fitness sites are expected to move in by late June or early July, according to Nexton spokeswoman Cassie Cataline.
The Hub is a collection of office and commercial buildings under development on Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard near Home Telecom and Refuel convenience store.
Office tenants include Coastal Vascular & Vein Center, Charleston Wound Care, Palmetto Primary and Specialty Care Physicians, Derrington Dermatology and Holliday Ingram law firm.
A new pair of two-story office buildings is expected to be completed in 2024 and 2025. They will be 30,000 square feet and 20,000 square feet, respectively, and be built beside Nexton Parkway.
Nexton is a 5,000-acre, mixed-use development next to Summerville between Interstate 26 and U.S. Highway 176 in Berkeley County. With more than 2,500 homes already sold, the development is expected to have 7,500 residential units at full build-out.
It also could house as many residents as the current populations of Clemson, North Myrtle Beach or West Columbia, roughly between 16,000 and 20,000. That would make it as big as Moncks Corner and Georgetown combined.
A new pizza restaurant is now open in Mount Pleasant.
BarPizza opened May 12 at 656-G Long Point Road in the revamped former Kiki & Rye space.
It’s part of Free Reign Restaurants owned by Ryan and Kelleanne Jones. They also operate the recently opened Southbound on the Charleston peninsula and Community Table in Mount Pleasant.
A new retail shop that incorporates a clothing item in all of its wares is close to opening in downtown Charleston.
Respoke hopes to open by the weekend at 377 King St. in the former location of Simply J Boutique.
The shop will offer shoes, clothing and other items that are made in part by repurposing different sections of scarves. Hours will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, but they could change after the shop opens, according to store manager Joseph Fennell.
Also, coming to downtown Charleston is a new women’s clothing store, now with a shop in Asheville.
Hazel Twenty owner Lexi DiYeso plans to open in August at 73 Wentworth St., formerly part of 269 King St. that was used as back-of-house storage for the former Gap store. The front section houses Aerie, also a clothing shop.
The 3,641-square-foot space is currently under construction behind clothing store Collared Greens and next to The Port Mercantile, part of The Restoration Hotel, according to Blair Hines Gearhart of Oswald Cooke & Associates, who represented the tenant. Charles Constant with Constant Properties represented the landlord.
Ruke’s Produce Stand returns to Mount Pleasant on May 24. Operated by Arthur Brown, the vegetable and fruit vendor will operate 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Dec. 31. It’s at 378 Mathis Ferry Road next to Holy Trinity AME Church.
That Big Book Sale returns for its 41st run May 19-21 at Omar Shrine Auditorium at 176 Patriots Point Road in Mount Pleasant.
More than 60,000 books in all categories will be on sale, starting at $1. Sponsored by Charleston Friends of the Library, the event helps support Charleston County Public Library System.
A pre-sale event for members is 5-8 p.m. May 18. The event is open to the public 9 a.m.-7 p.m. May 19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 20, and 10 a.m-3 p.m. May 21.
Checks, cash, major credit cards and electronic payments, such as ApplePay, will be accepted.
Ample servings of Champagne coupled with a coastal poolside ambiance served as a fitting backdrop to a favorable economic forecast report during an April 4 Nexton luncheon attended by several local realtors at a sun-splashed Midtown Club in Summerville.Following a brief synopsis of Nexton’s recent sales and continued growth as a “third job center” in the Charleston market, the mixed-use development’s marketing coordinator Alicia Smith introduced South Carolina Ports Authority Business Development Manager Marion...
Ample servings of Champagne coupled with a coastal poolside ambiance served as a fitting backdrop to a favorable economic forecast report during an April 4 Nexton luncheon attended by several local realtors at a sun-splashed Midtown Club in Summerville.
Following a brief synopsis of Nexton’s recent sales and continued growth as a “third job center” in the Charleston market, the mixed-use development’s marketing coordinator Alicia Smith introduced South Carolina Ports Authority Business Development Manager Marion Bull to the podium, as he delved into his group’s efforts of recruiting business activity to the Lowcountry.
The guest speaker sang the praises of Nexton — which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary as a destination venue in the Summerville community — for its role in providing housing for incoming employees of national and global firms seeking to establish a presence in the Charleston region.
Moving forward, Bull anticipates Nexton continuing to offer corporations an attractive option for its staffers as a source of housing, employment and an ever-expanding array of amenities with new industry emerging in the Jedburg area of Summerville, as well as Ridgeville in the very near future.
“When they want to live somewhere with, you know, a high quality of life that’s affordable, this is a place where business leaders can feel comfortable locating their businesses here,” began the Mount Pleasant resident.
“South Carolina has done a fantastic job as a state, [and] not just as a port, in recruiting business. [We had] $10 billion in investment last year. I think the largest previous year was $3 billion or so. It’s a huge number for our economic development in the state of South Carolina and some of it has happened right here.”
Bull detailed that South Carolina Ports drives about $63 billion in economic impact statewide, with about $8 billion of it emanating from the Lowcountry. In fact, about 30,000 jobs are either directly or indirectly linked to port activity in the immediate surrounding zone — a number that he anticipates will “dramatically” increase due to investments by Volvo, Walmart, Mercedes-Benz and the like.
Luncheon attendees were also treated to a breakdown of expectations for the real estate market in 2023 by President of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (CTAR) Katesha Breland.
The Charleston-born real estate broker noted the Charleston region’s remarkable 25 percent population growth over the past decade, along with a 17 percent spurt of newcomers in Summerville over that same 10-year stretch.
“We see changes in our local culture, our restaurant scene, our retail opportunities, and of course, we feel it in our traffic as well,” she stated.
“The local economy is booming. The Nexton development offers something that Summerville residents hadn’t seen before, an intentionally-developed masterplan community that gives residents the ease and opportunity to live, work and play right in their backyards ... that’s just what Nexton does. They haven’t built a neighborhood, they’ve built a community. While local media doesn’t always like to focus on the positives of our real estate market, there’s plenty of good news I can share with you,” added Breland without referencing any specific news media outlet.
On that note, the CTAR leader communicated that closed property sales were down in 2022 by 18 percent, but compared to 2019, that total was actually up six percent.
Breland further spoke of a healthy, sustainable pace of growth, as the overall median sales price increased 14 percent, single-family home prices surged 12 percent and townhouse/condos similarly saw a 22 percent uptick.
Summerville and Moncks Corner, in particular, were two of the top areas in terms of home sales in 2022.
“We expect sales will remain at the pace we’re seeing now, which is a good, healthy pace. Prices will also increase likely at a slower pace than we’ve been seeing. But that’s good news for buyers who are challenged by the affordability of our region.”
Breland concluded her address by lauding Nexton for its development of a wide range of home options (single-family, townhouses, rentals, etc.) and a variety of price points for prospective residents.
Smith topped off the information session by filling in listeners on the imminent additions of Harris Teeter and Publix retail outposts in the Nexton area in Q1 of 2024 and Q2 of 2024 respectively.
Also mentioned were the opening of Pickle Bar, as well as a new hospital and middle school site that are both in the works.
The Summerville Orchestra is now in its 20th season for this 2023-24 year. Music director Wojciech Milewski spoke about the achievements of the ensemble and gave an overview of the S.O. offerings. He is in his eighth season with the orchestra. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 29, with a Saturday, Sept. 30, matinee (a new offering based on many attendees’ wishes to have an earlier concert time).
Regan: Talk about the S.O. celebrating its Platinum Jubilee with a “celebration” concert theme.
Milewski: We worked for months to ensure this season was a commemoration of the S.O. in every way – to celebrate our musicians, audiences, community and everyone who has made it so special. Much of the repertoire highlights specific musicians or sections, and each concert has a different flair. We want to honor our history, so we’ve chosen a few selections throughout the year the orchestra performed from our very first season. Our first subscription concert features Gershwin’s famous “An American in Paris,” which holds a special place in my heart as it was featured on my first subscription concert as music director. Finally, we felt like a perfect way to round out this year is to commission a brand new work. This is something I feel very strongly about, and the S.O. has had the pleasure of premiering several new works since I’ve been here. I can’t wait to share the music of Chris Pilsner again. It’s going to be a yearlong celebration.
R: Is it accurate that you have two musicians who have been with the orchestra for at least two decades?
M: We are so proud and honored that two of the orchestra’s founding members are still playing with us. What an amazing achievement. It speaks to the love and joy our musicians have for continuing to play their instrument. You will be able to hear their talents at many points throughout the season, and I’m sure they would love to meet you all after our concerts. I’ve had the joy of working with them for over seven seasons.
R: What’s planned for youth orchestra?
M: That program continues to grow. We have some amazing events planned and the great thing is you will be able to see them all around town as they will perform at the Fairgrounds during Halloween weekend and also at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. They may even get a chance to work with Chris Pilsner when he’s in town for the commission during May. It is an extremely exciting year for them, and we hope all our local young string players sign up to join us.
R: Do you plan to collaborate again in a similar way as this past year with the Public Works Art Center?
M: I think similar is a good word. We spent the summer figuring out how to maximize the potential of the artists on display, so we designed our musical selections around each specific artist to take in the art and music most effectively. The string quartet may even move from gallery to gallery based on which gallery they’re trying to highlight. I’m very excited to see this event continue to grow and foster more arts partnerships here.
R: Can you outline the four “Encore Series” concerts at Coastal Coffee Roasters?
M: The first one (Sept. 9), we honored our encore series host, Coastal Coffee Roasters, with a selection of music by composers who loved coffee and were inspired by it: Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler and maybe even some fun, new works. SOJazzy will perform twice this season. By popular demand, we have made our second and fourth encore series events a big, outdoor family event – with guest artists – making it an exciting evening of jazz classics and hits. Finally, our third event will feature as many members of the S.O. as possible in a musician’s showcase. Different small ensembles, some of our concerto competition contestants and so on will display the abilities of more S.O. musicians. It’s going to be a special year, for sure.
R: What is planned for the “Music Chats with Wojciech”?
M: One of my favorite things to do every month is to connect directly with our audiences at the Dorchester County Library. We will feature two presentations on new instruments of the orchestra – the trombone and viola. We will also have some fascinating topics that tie in directly to our local community, and even our mainstage subscription series. You never know what you can learn at the library, and we are always excited to partner with the DCL & McKenzie’s to make that so.
R: What else would you like to say about the S.O.?
M: I’d like to invite our dear readers to join us. Especially if you’ve never been to the S.O. or to a symphony. I was the kid who did not grow up with orchestras, and only discovered the music and beauty of the ensemble when I was in college. There’s something incredibly personal about experiencing some of this powerful music. We take great pride in curating programs for our audiences that we can all relate to and learn something from. We feature voices from around the world and throughout history, from premieres of new works to timeless classics. More importantly, we take great care in creating a welcoming environment for all. Whenever the orchestra and I take the stage, we are overjoyed to play and perform beautiful music we fully believe in and want to make special for you. I also imagine there’s someone there for the first time, and just maybe you’ll walk away wanting to hear more. Come, let’s have some fun together. You don’t want to miss this year.
Mary E. Regan is a columnist for The Journal Scene and a freelance publicist with her ProPublicist.com consultancy.
Seeking new publicity clients and writing projects. Story ideas? Email Mary@ProPublicist.com.
Connoisseurs of rare and/or vintage vehicles are welcome to partake in The ARK of SC’s second-annual Car Show on March 25 at 201 Sigma Drive in Nexton. The free, family-friendly event features food, coffee, prizes, along with a slew of classic automobiles.Participants are invited to enter all makes and models for a $25 donation by March 24 in order to qualify for one of many awards on hand at the weekend extravaganza.“The Car Show allows us to host a community event where we can meet people and raise awareness for o...
Connoisseurs of rare and/or vintage vehicles are welcome to partake in The ARK of SC’s second-annual Car Show on March 25 at 201 Sigma Drive in Nexton. The free, family-friendly event features food, coffee, prizes, along with a slew of classic automobiles.
Participants are invited to enter all makes and models for a $25 donation by March 24 in order to qualify for one of many awards on hand at the weekend extravaganza.
“The Car Show allows us to host a community event where we can meet people and raise awareness for our critical mission,” said The ARK’s Executive Director Peg Lahmeyer. “We understand the stresses that come with being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s, and we work to ensure that those caregivers know that they are not alone.”
Monies raised at the event will support the organization’s goal of providing hope and relief to families coping with Alzheimer’s Disease or related forms of dementia.
A corresponding press release from the non-profit details that there are currently more than 95,000 South Carolinians living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 199,000 family members and friends providing care for them, per The Alzheimer’s Association. Also in South Carolina, 12.1 percent of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that affects memory, awareness, social conversation, and speech.
The Summerville-based ARK of SC furnishes community members with services, such as memory screenings, resource fairs, educational workshops and support groups.
Areas serviced include Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, and Orangeburg counties, along with Harleyville and Summerville.
For more information, visit at https://bit.ly/ARKcarshow.
The Summerville Orchestra is now in its 20th season for this 2023-24 year. Music director Wojciech Milewski spoke about the achievements of the ensemble and gave an overview of the S.O. offerings. He is in his eighth season with the orchestra. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 29, with a Saturday, Sept. 30, matinee (a new offering based on many attendees’ wishes to have an earlier concert time).
Regan: Talk about the S.O. celebrating its Platinum Jubilee with a “celebration” concert theme.
Milewski: We worked for months to ensure this season was a commemoration of the S.O. in every way – to celebrate our musicians, audiences, community and everyone who has made it so special. Much of the repertoire highlights specific musicians or sections, and each concert has a different flair. We want to honor our history, so we’ve chosen a few selections throughout the year the orchestra performed from our very first season. Our first subscription concert features Gershwin’s famous “An American in Paris,” which holds a special place in my heart as it was featured on my first subscription concert as music director. Finally, we felt like a perfect way to round out this year is to commission a brand new work. This is something I feel very strongly about, and the S.O. has had the pleasure of premiering several new works since I’ve been here. I can’t wait to share the music of Chris Pilsner again. It’s going to be a yearlong celebration.
R: Is it accurate that you have two musicians who have been with the orchestra for at least two decades?
M: We are so proud and honored that two of the orchestra’s founding members are still playing with us. What an amazing achievement. It speaks to the love and joy our musicians have for continuing to play their instrument. You will be able to hear their talents at many points throughout the season, and I’m sure they would love to meet you all after our concerts. I’ve had the joy of working with them for over seven seasons.
R: What’s planned for youth orchestra?
M: That program continues to grow. We have some amazing events planned and the great thing is you will be able to see them all around town as they will perform at the Fairgrounds during Halloween weekend and also at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. They may even get a chance to work with Chris Pilsner when he’s in town for the commission during May. It is an extremely exciting year for them, and we hope all our local young string players sign up to join us.
R: Do you plan to collaborate again in a similar way as this past year with the Public Works Art Center?
M: I think similar is a good word. We spent the summer figuring out how to maximize the potential of the artists on display, so we designed our musical selections around each specific artist to take in the art and music most effectively. The string quartet may even move from gallery to gallery based on which gallery they’re trying to highlight. I’m very excited to see this event continue to grow and foster more arts partnerships here.
R: Can you outline the four “Encore Series” concerts at Coastal Coffee Roasters?
M: The first one (Sept. 9), we honored our encore series host, Coastal Coffee Roasters, with a selection of music by composers who loved coffee and were inspired by it: Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler and maybe even some fun, new works. SOJazzy will perform twice this season. By popular demand, we have made our second and fourth encore series events a big, outdoor family event – with guest artists – making it an exciting evening of jazz classics and hits. Finally, our third event will feature as many members of the S.O. as possible in a musician’s showcase. Different small ensembles, some of our concerto competition contestants and so on will display the abilities of more S.O. musicians. It’s going to be a special year, for sure.
R: What is planned for the “Music Chats with Wojciech”?
M: One of my favorite things to do every month is to connect directly with our audiences at the Dorchester County Library. We will feature two presentations on new instruments of the orchestra – the trombone and viola. We will also have some fascinating topics that tie in directly to our local community, and even our mainstage subscription series. You never know what you can learn at the library, and we are always excited to partner with the DCL & McKenzie’s to make that so.
R: What else would you like to say about the S.O.?
M: I’d like to invite our dear readers to join us. Especially if you’ve never been to the S.O. or to a symphony. I was the kid who did not grow up with orchestras, and only discovered the music and beauty of the ensemble when I was in college. There’s something incredibly personal about experiencing some of this powerful music. We take great pride in curating programs for our audiences that we can all relate to and learn something from. We feature voices from around the world and throughout history, from premieres of new works to timeless classics. More importantly, we take great care in creating a welcoming environment for all. Whenever the orchestra and I take the stage, we are overjoyed to play and perform beautiful music we fully believe in and want to make special for you. I also imagine there’s someone there for the first time, and just maybe you’ll walk away wanting to hear more. Come, let’s have some fun together. You don’t want to miss this year.
Mary E. Regan is a columnist for The Journal Scene and a freelance publicist with her ProPublicist.com consultancy.
Seeking new publicity clients and writing projects. Story ideas? Email Mary@ProPublicist.com.
Rival supermarkets are now under development across from one another in a growing Charleston suburban community.Ashland Construction Co. of Raleigh recently filed a notice for construction to begin on a 64,000-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store at Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard, where land clearing is underway.Across the street, groundwork started several months ago to make way for a Publix supermarket.Crosland Southeast of Charlotte is building the Florida-based Publix and 351 apartments on 24 acres the...
Rival supermarkets are now under development across from one another in a growing Charleston suburban community.
Ashland Construction Co. of Raleigh recently filed a notice for construction to begin on a 64,000-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store at Nexton Parkway and Brighton Park Boulevard, where land clearing is underway.
Across the street, groundwork started several months ago to make way for a Publix supermarket.
Crosland Southeast of Charlotte is building the Florida-based Publix and 351 apartments on 24 acres the firm purchased last December for $24 million. Other commercial elements also are planned.
The Crosland sales agreement called for at least 54,000 square feet of retail construction to begin by March 22, with two more phases and an additional 31,000 square feet of commercial development by one year later.
Publix announced last December it had leased property for the new store. The supermarket will be about 48,000 square feet and is scheduled to be completed by late next summer, according to spokesman Jared Glover.
Across the street, Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter bought the nearly 14-acre site in 2016 for $4.76 million, according to Berkeley County land records.
A Harris Teeter spokesperson did not immediately respond for further details on a tentative opening timeframe.
The 5,000-acre Nexton development is expected to have about 7,000 residences with a population of about 17,500 at full buildout in about 10 years.
That’s almost the same number of people as the combined populations of Moncks Corner and the Isle of Palms.
Nexton currently has 2,150 occupied homes and 1,500 occupied apartments. Another 250 homes and 600 apartments are under construction, according to a Nexton spokeswoman.
Publix operates 14 stores in the Charleston area, including the recently opened supermarket in Moncks Corner Marketplace on U.S. Highway 52 at Cypress Gardens Road in Berkeley County.
Publix also has plans for another store across from Summers Corner on Beech Hill Road south of Summerville. Work on it is not imminent, according to Publix.
MONCKS CORNER — Cherry Collins probably knew her career path as a toddler.
She had devoured so many books by the time she reached kindergarten age, she was already at a fourth-grade reading level.
After a few odd jobs when she finished high school, Collins invested $4,000 to start a used bookstore called Dreamalot in Goose Creek. It eventually migrated to Moncks Corner.
Over the next few weeks, the business she has operated in three locations for the past 24 years will write its last chapter.
Dreamalot at 1013 Old Highway 52 is going out of business. The last day originally was set for the end of September, but the lease has been extended through October, according to Phil Rowe, a longtime friend from Connecticut who is helping her close the shop.
“It’s breaking my heart,” said Collins, as tears welled up in her eyes while waiting on customers in the 3,050-square-foot shop near a Big Lots discount store. “But I can no longer afford it.”
Her inventory of more than 100,000 books, along with games, puzzles, trinkets, pictures and some clothing, is all marked down 50-90 percent. Shelves and displays also must go. Items in a lending library in the back of the store are free.
Collins, who uses a wheelchair due to ailments, noted she tried to find a business partner to keep the business going.
“I wasn’t able to do that, and I can no longer do it by myself,” the 51-year-old said.
Dreamalot started on Aug. 1, 1999, in a small shop on Highway 52 in Goose Creek, where it operated for 18 years before moving up the street for a short stint. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, the business moved to the edge of Moncks Corner.
“This has been an excellent location,” she said. “My business doubled overnight after I moved here.”
Collins not only sells pre-owned books. She also donates supplies to jailhouses in Berkeley and Charleston counties and charter schools in the Lowcountry. She also tries to help the homeless as much as she can.
“I’m sad that I won’t be able to do it any longer,” she said.
Customers browsing the stacks Sept. 12 lamented the shop’s imminent demise.
“This has always been my place to come when I’m feeling sad,” longtime patron and retiree Penny Maguire said. “This is my happy place. You can come here and look and browse and find all kinds of things you didn’t know you were looking for.”
Dr. Morgan Glass glanced through the shelves for some fiction titles.
“It’s kind of sad that it’s closing,” the pediatrician said. “I bring my boys — 6 and 10 — here all the time. I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I will probably get back to the library more.”
Cane Bay resident Brandon Lorick is part of a group that tries to read at least one book each month, but he aims for two.
He used to shop at Mr. K’s Used Books in North Charleston before it closed last spring. He called the closing of shops such as Dreamalot “a shame.”
“You can get deals online, but you don’t get that personal experience when you go through the checkout line and they talk about the books you selected,” Lorick said.
Rowe, Collins’ friend from Connecticut, called the clearance sale a huge undertaking.
“We have a lot of everything, and we have two storage units filled with books as well,” he said. “Everything has to go.”
He urged shoppers to bring boxes and bags and noted items will be sold in bulk at reduced prices near the end of the sale to help clear out remaining merchandise.
The shop is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
The Summerville Orchestra is now in its 20th season for this 2023-24 year. Music director Wojciech Milewski spoke about the achievements of the ensemble and gave an overview of the S.O. offerings. He is in his eighth season with the orchestra. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 29, with a Saturday, Sept. 30, matinee (a new offering based on many attendees’ wishes to have an earlier concert time).Regan: Talk about the S.O. celebrating its Platinum Jubilee with a “celebration” concert theme....
The Summerville Orchestra is now in its 20th season for this 2023-24 year. Music director Wojciech Milewski spoke about the achievements of the ensemble and gave an overview of the S.O. offerings. He is in his eighth season with the orchestra. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 29, with a Saturday, Sept. 30, matinee (a new offering based on many attendees’ wishes to have an earlier concert time).
Regan: Talk about the S.O. celebrating its Platinum Jubilee with a “celebration” concert theme.
Milewski: We worked for months to ensure this season was a commemoration of the S.O. in every way – to celebrate our musicians, audiences, community and everyone who has made it so special. Much of the repertoire highlights specific musicians or sections, and each concert has a different flair. We want to honor our history, so we’ve chosen a few selections throughout the year the orchestra performed from our very first season. Our first subscription concert features Gershwin’s famous “An American in Paris,” which holds a special place in my heart as it was featured on my first subscription concert as music director. Finally, we felt like a perfect way to round out this year is to commission a brand new work. This is something I feel very strongly about, and the S.O. has had the pleasure of premiering several new works since I’ve been here. I can’t wait to share the music of Chris Pilsner again. It’s going to be a yearlong celebration.
R: Is it accurate that you have two musicians who have been with the orchestra for at least two decades?
M: We are so proud and honored that two of the orchestra’s founding members are still playing with us. What an amazing achievement. It speaks to the love and joy our musicians have for continuing to play their instrument. You will be able to hear their talents at many points throughout the season, and I’m sure they would love to meet you all after our concerts. I’ve had the joy of working with them for over seven seasons.
R: What’s planned for youth orchestra?
M: That program continues to grow. We have some amazing events planned and the great thing is you will be able to see them all around town as they will perform at the Fairgrounds during Halloween weekend and also at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. They may even get a chance to work with Chris Pilsner when he’s in town for the commission during May. It is an extremely exciting year for them, and we hope all our local young string players sign up to join us.
R: Do you plan to collaborate again in a similar way as this past year with the Public Works Art Center?
M: I think similar is a good word. We spent the summer figuring out how to maximize the potential of the artists on display, so we designed our musical selections around each specific artist to take in the art and music most effectively. The string quartet may even move from gallery to gallery based on which gallery they’re trying to highlight. I’m very excited to see this event continue to grow and foster more arts partnerships here.
R: Can you outline the four “Encore Series” concerts at Coastal Coffee Roasters?
M: The first one (Sept. 9), we honored our encore series host, Coastal Coffee Roasters, with a selection of music by composers who loved coffee and were inspired by it: Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mahler and maybe even some fun, new works. SOJazzy will perform twice this season. By popular demand, we have made our second and fourth encore series events a big, outdoor family event – with guest artists – making it an exciting evening of jazz classics and hits. Finally, our third event will feature as many members of the S.O. as possible in a musician’s showcase. Different small ensembles, some of our concerto competition contestants and so on will display the abilities of more S.O. musicians. It’s going to be a special year, for sure.
R: What is planned for the “Music Chats with Wojciech”?
M: One of my favorite things to do every month is to connect directly with our audiences at the Dorchester County Library. We will feature two presentations on new instruments of the orchestra – the trombone and viola. We will also have some fascinating topics that tie in directly to our local community, and even our mainstage subscription series. You never know what you can learn at the library, and we are always excited to partner with the DCL & McKenzie’s to make that so.
R: What else would you like to say about the S.O.?
M: I’d like to invite our dear readers to join us. Especially if you’ve never been to the S.O. or to a symphony. I was the kid who did not grow up with orchestras, and only discovered the music and beauty of the ensemble when I was in college. There’s something incredibly personal about experiencing some of this powerful music. We take great pride in curating programs for our audiences that we can all relate to and learn something from. We feature voices from around the world and throughout history, from premieres of new works to timeless classics. More importantly, we take great care in creating a welcoming environment for all. Whenever the orchestra and I take the stage, we are overjoyed to play and perform beautiful music we fully believe in and want to make special for you. I also imagine there’s someone there for the first time, and just maybe you’ll walk away wanting to hear more. Come, let’s have some fun together. You don’t want to miss this year.
Mary E. Regan is a columnist for The Journal Scene and a freelance publicist with her ProPublicist.com consultancy.
Seeking new publicity clients and writing projects. Story ideas? Email Mary@ProPublicist.com.
