When it comes to natural, whole-body wellness, chiropractic care is one of the most effective ways to heal your body. Unfortunately, in today's society, people with neck and back pain settle for addictive pain medication or invasive surgeries over chiropractic treatments. At Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center, we specialize in correcting pain through non-invasive, quality chiropractic work. Rather than treat symptoms that return over time, we address your body's underlying conditions. That way, we can provide you with real results and a long-term solution to your pain problems.
No surgery. No strange meds. No aggressive sales tactics or fine print.
Whether your journey to wellness involves light chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, or custom shoe insoles, we can help. We're proud to be your trusted chiropractor near Sullivan's Island and treat every client with the utmost respect and compassion, whether it's their first or fiftieth visit. Unlike some chiropractors in South Carolina, we believe in a client-centric approach based on real results and one-on-one service. We strive to foster a positive environment with a community feel. You won't ever be judged or shamed at our practice. On the contrary, we will communicate with you in a friendly, encouraging manner, empowering you to live your best life.
At Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center, we offer our valued clients a wide range of chiropractic services that solve serious symptoms like:
If you are always in pain and have given up on your doctor's suggested therapies, we've got great news - a permanent solution to your back and foot pain may be closer than you might think.
We like to think there's a simple reason why so many clients return to our chiropractic office near Sullivan's Island. Sure, our state-of-the-art, modern equipment and technology are leaps and bounds above the rest. But what truly sets us apart is our dedication to you, the client.
We see you as so much more than a financial transaction. Our team knows that no two people are the same. As such, we never use "cookie-cutter" plans in our chiropractic treatments - we use a personalized approach, focusing on your long-term pain relief and wellness.
As doctors and specialists, we hold true to our core values:
We want you to feel comfortable knowing that from your first visit, you will be treated with the care and compassion you would expect from a team of professionals.
At Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center, our doctors are not just experts. They're people, too, and understand how pain and back problems can be crippling. Our goal is to get you well as soon as possible, without drugs or surgeries. That way, you can get back to a normal, healthy living for years to come.
We pair cutting-edge technology with advanced chiropractic services like spinal decompression to get your life back on track.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to see a chiropractor as soon as possible, we're here for you. Our chiropractors have treated thousands of patients, and we can treat you too.
Our office offers a robust range of chiropractic services near Sullivan's Island, from custom shoe insoles for your feet to adjustments and massages for your back.
For many patients suffering from serious disc problems in the past, the path to pain-free living often involved addictive medicines and invasive spinal surgeries. Thankfully, those days are gone, and today, patients benefit greatly from spinal decompression services.
This powerful treatment was developed for patients with herniated or degenerated discs and treats sciatica and lower back pain better than other more dangerous solutions. Spinal Decompression Therapy not only reduces back pain and nerve pain - it allows patients the chance to reclaim their lives and enjoy activities that they thought were impossible to experience.
Thousands of people, including athletes and elderly patients, are choosing spinal decompression over surgery and medication. They're sick of masking their pain with strange medicines that cause horrible side effects. They're frustrated by ineffective shots and costly surgeries, which result in weeks of downtime and scarring. Spinal decompression is safe, effective, and non-invasive, but it's not right for everyone. For that reason, it's essential to work closely with your chiropractic doctor at Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc to ensure successful treatment. Our doctors will work with other applicable health professionals in your care network to discover the exact nature of your back pain and which treatments are best.
While physical therapy, traction, and traditional chiropractic manipulation reduce disc pressure, only spinal decompression near Sullivan's Island can elicit negative spinal pressure. Clinical trials show that spinal decompression techniques create negative pressure as low as -110 mm HG3. Usually, when pulls are exerted on your spine, it triggers your sensory receptors, which cause your back to tighten the muscles around your vertebrae and discs. Your body does this to prevent injury. However, spinal decompression circumvents this natural response by pulling on the spine slowly, which relaxes your back over time. This process, performed by experienced physicians at Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center, lets your discs be repositioned without muscle guarding or spasms.
Most often, spinal decompression patients do not experience any major, negative side effects. One common side effect occurs after the first couple of treatments, which can include dull aches or soreness. It feels similar to working out for the first time in a very long time. Patients rarely suffer from pain worse than the injury that caused them to seek treatment. Some patients with severe, acute herniations can experience mild back pain during the first couple weeks of treatment. That's because the disc herniation needs to retract, eliminating nerve pressure. Despite some minor aches and pains, most spinal decompression patients enjoy up to 50% relief after only a few sessions. At the end of the day, spinal decompression from Sullivan's Island Spine and Disc Center is a comfortable, safe treatment.
Prior to treatment, patients are examined manually with advanced imaging technology, to determine if spinal decompression is suitable and which spinal discs are compressed. Once you're approved for spinal decompression treatment, the patient is placed in a comfortable position on the decompression table. A specific force is applied to your compressed discs while a computer alternates decompression and relaxation cycles. Typically, we apply a series of 18 one-minute alternating decompression and relaxation cycles, which takes approximately 30 minutes. During this process, your spine is gently elongated, creating a vacuum that pulls your discs back into proper position. Realigning the discs in this manner reduces pain and promotes healing. Our spinal decompression treatments are not "one and done" - most patients need up to 24 treatments over a six-week period to completely relieve pain.
If you suffer from one or more of the following signs, spinal decompression may be a suitable treatment for you. Remember, you should always consult with your chiropractic doctor before moving forward.
If you're ready to get started on the path to pain-free living, contact our office today to schedule your no-cost spinal decompression consultation.
Custom shoe insoles sound exactly like what they are: shoe inserts that are custom-made for your feet. They are specially crafted to fit your foot shape perfectly and treat foot and body conditions that cause pain and discomfort. Our custom insoles are calibrated using your intended use and weight, providing incredible support during weight-bearing activities like standing and running.
Our custom shoe insoles help anyone experiencing pain from walking or imbalances in the body that are known to cause pain. One tremendous benefit of custom orthotics is that you can wear them on a daily basis, so you can enjoy normal activities without pain.
Unlike some chiropractors near Sullivan's Island, we offer custom shoe insoles that are clinically proven to improve your body's total wellness. Our insoles also reduce pain by balancing your body from the ground up. After all, your feet are your body's foundation.
When you suffer from structural imbalances in your feet, you may be suffering from symptoms like:
Plantar Fasciitis: Also called heel pain syndrome, this malady is considered the most common type of heel pain. It becomes apparent after a gradual degeneration of your plantar fascia or when sudden trauma occurs. It feels like a deep ache or sharp stab and often happens in the morning when you first take a step.
Lower Back Pain: Low back pain is very common, especially in hardworking men and women. It can be caused by an unusual "gait" or walk, which imbalances your lower extremities like your knees, feet, and ankles. This causes pain throughout the body, but particularly in your lower back.
Sciatica: If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness that starts in your lower back and shoots down your leg, you might have sciatica. When combined with chiropractic treatments, custom shoe insoles can solve your sciatica issues.
Plastic Deformation: The soft tissues that make up the three arches in your feet are stretched every day. However, over the years, your arches suffer from decreased elasticity when they're pushed beyond their limits. Once your feet's arches are stretched beyond their limits, they will never be the same. Custom shoe insoles from Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center give you more stability and shock absorption. This helps support the structure of your feet and provides pain relief daily.
Knee Pain: Knee pain is a very common problem for adults in the U.S. It can come about through sudden injuries or may be part of an underlying condition, like arthritis. In many cases, successfully treating your knee pain requires a comprehensive treatment plan from your chiropractor, starting with custom insoles for your shoes.
You might be asking yourself, "how do I get started with orthotics?"
We start with a one-on-one consultation to discover your pain points. Once we have learned everything possible about your problems and symptoms, we'll take a foot impression or scan to show imbalances in your feet, which lead to problems within your body. Once we have a proper foot scan, we get to work crafting your insoles.
Our team pulls together our collective training and experience to build you a custom insole for enhanced support and long-term pain relief. That way, you can get back to enjoying an active life.
At Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center, we're proud to use Foot Levelers custom insoles for our patients. Only Foot Levelers support all three arches in your feet. Your arches give your feet the strength to keep your body balanced. Balancing your foundation helps relieve pain and prevents future issues.
Q.Who Are Custom Shoe Insoles Right For?
A.Custom-made insoles are necessary for many athletes, diabetics, and people with debilitating injuries. They often suffer from Achilles tendinitis, lower back pain, overpronation, hip pain, knee pain, etc. But not all shoe insoles are created equal. You can count on our team to select the ideal materials for your insoles while ensuring a perfect fit tailored to your body for maximum comfort.
Are you looking for a chiropractor near Sullivan's Island, SC who treats more than just symptoms? If you're sick of chiropractic services that aren't tailored to your needs and body, it's time to make a change. Our expert chiropractors at Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center focus on your needs, not an idealized version of you. From chiropractic adjustments to custom shoe inserts and spinal decompression, we have the services and treatments you need to live life to the fullest.
Ready to live your best life free of pain? Contact our office today or explore our site to learn more about the Sullivan's Island Spine & Disc Center difference. We want you to feel comfortable knowing that you will be treated with care, compassion, and excellence every time you visit our office.
A 15 minute conversation with one of our doctors before agreeing to treatment
Visiting South Carolina is like stepping into a welcomed tapestry of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. From the charming cobblestone streets of Charleston to the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant state offers many experiences for every type of traveler. With its vibrant cities, quaint towns, and welcoming locals, South Carolina invites visitors to embrace its Southern charm and create memories that will last a lifetime. With a state with as much diversity and offerings as South Carolina, it’s no...
Visiting South Carolina is like stepping into a welcomed tapestry of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. From the charming cobblestone streets of Charleston to the breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant state offers many experiences for every type of traveler. With its vibrant cities, quaint towns, and welcoming locals, South Carolina invites visitors to embrace its Southern charm and create memories that will last a lifetime. With a state with as much diversity and offerings as South Carolina, it’s no wonder we’ve chosen one of its small towns to feature in our Small Town Getaways series. Are you ready to explore all of the things to do in Sullivan’s Island?
Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is a quaint barrier island at the entrance of the Charleston Harbor with just shy of 2,000 residents. There is such a refreshing variety of things to do, you’ll never have a dull moment. Originally named O’Sullivan’s Island, this captivating destination harmoniously blends the rich heritage of the South with the idyllic charm of a coastal getaway. As soon as you step foot onto these shores, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and serene nature that encapsulates the island.
Do you love visiting and learning all about America’s small towns? Take our interactive quiz to discover which Small Town Getaway you should take this year.
Table of Contents
Absolutely! Sullivan’s Island is definitely worth visiting for its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and relaxed coastal vibes. Once you figure out what to do on Sullivan’s Island, there will never be a dull moment.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
While the best time of year to visit Sullivan’s Island depends on personal preference, we’re here as your premier Sullivan’s Island travel guide to help you choose what season is best for you. No matter the season, activities in Sullivan’s Island are aplenty, so let’s get to it!
Whether you’re seeking beachfront properties with stunning views or a quaint getaway with a touch of Southern hospitality, Sullivan’s Island has options to cater to various tastes. As far as Sullivan’s Island attractions go, sometimes it’s the accommodations that take the cake. What’s unique about choosing where to stay when on Sullivan’s Island is that there will be minimal if any, hotel or motel options. Your best bet is finding a charming home-away-from-home through VRBO.
Whether you’re taking a day trip to Sullivan’s Island or staying a weekend, we’ve come up with the best itinerary for you to consider. From finding out “what is Sullivan’s Island known for?” to exploring the beauty of the downtown Sullivan’s Island area, we have two full days of fun, sun, and delicious eats.
Visiting Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina is an experience of a lifetime. From sun-soaked days on the shore to immersing yourself in the island’s unique heritage, this small town offers a memorable coastal getaway for all who venture its way. Whether you’re strolling along its pristine beaches, exploring its historic landmarks like Fort Moultrie, or indulging in the local cuisine, the island offers a delightful escape from day-to-day life.
Also, you can keep learning about Sullivan’s Island courtesy of The Charleston Life’s YouTube video:
Are you ready to plan a day trip to Sullivan Island, South Carolina? Do you have your own list of things to do on Sullivan’s Island that you want to share with fellow travelers? Sound off in the comments section! Or if you want to keep learning about the best Small Town Getaways across the country, we have so many more for you to consider visiting.
Have you ever dreamed of rolling out of bed to watch the sun rise over the ocean waves? Do you find that a week at the beach is too short? If you love to spend your days searching for sea shells, watching for marine wildlife, or simply walking in the sand, you may have thought about purchasing a second home that would let you enjoy the ocean any time you please. In fact, some of the beaches in ...
Have you ever dreamed of rolling out of bed to watch the sun rise over the ocean waves? Do you find that a week at the beach is too short? If you love to spend your days searching for sea shells, watching for marine wildlife, or simply walking in the sand, you may have thought about purchasing a second home that would let you enjoy the ocean any time you please. In fact, some of the beaches in South Carolina are among some of the most popular in the entire country.
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, and other beachside towns in South Carolina and its neighboring states of Georgia and North Carolina. Yet if you have ever considered purchasing a beach house, you know that oceanfront property does not come cheap. This article covers five of the most popular and most expensive beaches in South Carolina. You will discover basic facts about each place and the key numbers that prove that they are among the most expensive places to buy a beach house in the entire state. Let’s dive in now, starting with the most expensive beach community in South Carolina.
First on the list of most expensive beaches in South Carolina is the town of Sullivan’s Island. Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island close to Charleston Harbor. This 2.5-mile island has a small-town feel with gorgeous beaches, marshes, and plenty of history and culture for visitors to enjoy. Located only about 10 miles outside of downtown Charleston, you can reach Sullivan’s Island after a quick 20-minute drive. This beach town is a popular destination for families with young children and retirees alike and provides plenty of award-winning restaurants, watersports like kayaking and swimming, and historic landmarks.
The quiet, picturesque town gives residents and visitors a sense of rural peace while a population of only about 2,000 ensures that neighbors know each other. The majority of homes are owned, with fewer than 20% of residents renting their homes on Sullivan’s Island. However, purchasing a home here will come at a steep price tag.
In June 2023, the average home price in Sullivan’s Island was around $3 million – but in 2022 the majority of single-family homes in Sullivan’s Island sold for $3.8 million. Halfway through 2023, the year’s median was up to $4.7 million. In June 2023, one oceanfront home sold for an incredible $6.29 million, setting a record for the year. Back in November 2020, another oceanfront villa sold for a whopping $8.2 million! Not only is Sullivan’s Island the most expensive beach community in which to buy a house in South Carolina, but it is also one of the top most expensive in the country!
Next up is Kiawah Island, a beach in South Carolina called an “oasis of untouched natural beauty and renowned hospitality.” The town of Kiawah Island is located about 21 miles outside of Charleston. With 10 miles of beaches and diverse habitats – from sand dunes to forests and marshes – Kiawah Island is the place to find wildlife thriving. From sea turtles to alligators and whitetail deer and bobcats, Kiawah Island is a window into ocean ecosystems and land mammals alike. This resort island has world-renowned golf resorts, including the famous Kiawah Island Golf Resort which has hosted golfing championships.
This charming resort island has a regular calendar of events, a thriving restaurant and shopping scene, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Buying a home on Kiawah Island, however, could be an adventure of its own. Most of the homes on Kiawah Island are rented out during the year to the numerous guests visiting the beaches. Homeowners can expect to pay steep homeowners association (HOA) fees, significant upfront costs, flood insurance, and more. However, the local market makes up for that with a lot of options. Do you want to live in a condo? Would you prefer to buy a house? Are you looking for a beachfront mansion? Whichever it is, Kiawah Island has it all.
In 2022, the median price of a single-family home was $2.7 million. The island saw an incredible $742 million in sales.
The town of Isle of Palms is located on the barrier island also called “Isle of Palms.” This residential and resort community with a population of just over 4,300. Take a 20-minute drive from Charleston, and you might end up walking the six miles of white, sandy beaches. Isle of Palms has many bike paths around the island, lots of recreation facilities and opportunities to enjoy every sport from tennis to softball. On the north end of the island, the Wild Dunes Resort commands 1,500 acres of land. There, you will find pools, tennis courts, and golf, as well as homes and vacation rentals.
Isle of Palms is often voted one of the best places to live in South Carolina since the town offers plenty of restaurants and activities and operates like a tiny city. This self-contained ecosystem has everything you will need to live or vacation in a beachside house.
However, purchasing a home on the Isle of Palms might not be easy. In 2022, the median home price for a single-family home was $1.98 million. Yet by June 2023, the median home price was already up to $2.15 million – and prices still seemed to be on the upswing.
Folly Beach is a town on Folly Island. In this beachfront city just south of Charleston, life revolves around the ocean. Whether biking the beachfront trails, kayaking, surfing, swimming, or boating, visitors flock to Folly Beach to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. This 12-square-mile barrier island offers 6 miles of beaches and a quirky assortment of local businesses – from seafood restaurants to cafes and small shops.
Folly Beach is also steeped in history. From pirate legends to Civil War history, Folly Beach was historically the site of dastardly deeds and military occupation. Despite being abandoned after the Civil War and later being hit by devastating hurricanes, Folly Beach made an amazing comeback during the 20th century. Today, the boardwalk and the many local attractions bring thousands of visitors to the town that 2,400 residents call home.
In 2022, the median cost of a single-family home in Folly Beach was $1.66 million. Even a small two-bedroom bungalow could easily set you back $1.2 million.
Yet another Charleston-area beach town is Seabrook Island. This small, welcoming oceanfront community boasts of natural beauty, miles of pristine beaches, forest, and marshland. Seabrook Island is a private community on a gated barrier island. This means that Seabrook Island is exclusively accessible to residents and their guests. Privacy, peace, and nature attract members who want to enjoy the natural wonders away from crowded beaches.
Thanks to its exclusivity, Seabrook Island features many luxury homes, including those that look out at the ocean or feature river, marsh, forest, or golf course views. As a planned community, Seabrook Island’s designers sought to maintain the natural habitat, keep the local wildlife, and provide luxury real estate.
Unlike in other towns on this list, there is a unique process to become part of the Seabrook Island community. The Seabrook Island Real Estate team is your official source for buying and selling homes in Seabrook Island. You get the choice to buy a unique home or build your own, with the chance to surround yourself with incredible sights. The average home size on Seabrook Island is about 3,000 square feet. With 2,600 residential properties, you can choose from among 38 different mini-communities “within the community” – get a villa, cottage, or townhome.
In 2022, the median cost of a single-family home on Seabrook Island was $1.2 million. By June 2023, that cost had risen to $1.37 million.
Share on:
About the Author
Carrie is a writer and fan of all types of plants and animals. Her apartment is home to more than dozen different houseplants and she aspires to adopt more in the near future. You can find Carrie taking long walks or reading a book under the trees in the park.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — A $30-million-plus private social hub being proposed for South Carolina’s wealthiest ZIP code is probably not going to advance very quickly.Sullivan’s Island’s Town Council didn’t give the Ocean Club on Atlantic Avenue a warm reception during its meeti...
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND — A $30-million-plus private social hub being proposed for South Carolina’s wealthiest ZIP code is probably not going to advance very quickly.
Sullivan’s Island’s Town Council didn’t give the Ocean Club on Atlantic Avenue a warm reception during its meeting Aug. 15. Elected officials indicated they wanted to wait to consider the big-ticket redevelopment project at what was known for decades as the Sand Dunes Club.
They said they hope to gather more information on the developer’s background, study traffic impacts and learn more about the financial and other implications to neighboring homes and the town.
They also noted the club doesn’t have to be private, and alternate proposals should be considered that all residents could benefit from — not just those who can afford the estimated $60,000 membership fee and $6,000 in annual dues under the current plan.
“I don’t think we have enough information to make an intelligent decision,” said Councilwoman Jody Latham. “We don’t want to make the wrong decision either way.”
Mayor Patrick O’Neil called it “a giant decision” that will affect residents and Sullivan’s for generations to come.
Their comments came after more than two dozen residents spoke for and against the club concept.
The majority were in favor of the idea as a community gathering place while property owners who were against the plan said they viewed it as a commercial operation in a residential district. The opposition also questioned if officials would set a precedent by approving a conditional use for the property.
The town also received about five dozen letters related to the proposed Ocean Club, with 32 in support and 27 opposed.
Shep Davis, managing partner of the Sullivan’s Island Bathing Co., is leading the effort to create the club. He asked Town Council to advance the proposal to a public hearing before the Planning Commission in September.
Brian Hellman, an attorney representing the developer, said that’s not going to happen since council members indicated they wanted more information.
The property first served as club for military personnel stationed at nearby Fort Moultrie starting in the 1930s. It later became a private beachside retreat for employees of the former South Carolina Electric & Gas Co.
Dominion Energy, which bought SCE&G in 2019, closed the Sand Dunes Club at the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. It was never reopened.
The 3.5-acre site is now owned by a company affiliated with Charleston real estate investor John Derbyshire, the former owner of the Money Man Pawn shop chain. His firm paid Dominion Energy $16.2 million for the property last year.
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, SC (WCIV) — A young man is being called a hero.The Charleston County Coroner reported that 23-year-old Elijah Giddiens drowned off Sullivan's Island last weekend. In an exclusive interview with News 4, Giddiens' girlfriend, Angelika Rusin, explains that the heroic effort in an attempt to save others is a testament to his character."He was extremely selfless, very smart, the smartest person I’ve ever met in my entire life, super ambitious, very loving," Rusin said.Giddiens was self...
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND, SC (WCIV) — A young man is being called a hero.
The Charleston County Coroner reported that 23-year-old Elijah Giddiens drowned off Sullivan's Island last weekend. In an exclusive interview with News 4, Giddiens' girlfriend, Angelika Rusin, explains that the heroic effort in an attempt to save others is a testament to his character.
"He was extremely selfless, very smart, the smartest person I’ve ever met in my entire life, super ambitious, very loving," Rusin said.
Giddiens was selfless. And that is what Rusin remembers most.
"He had a dream about buying a house and having a family," she said. "He wanted a big family, and he was a big family person."
She said they went to Sullivan's Island last Saturday for a relaxing day at the beach.
"Eli and I loved being in the water," Rusin said. "We could be in the water for hours just goofing around and having fun, and that’s what we were doing."
That time in the ocean quickly turned into a nightmare.
"We were in the water, and we heard a girl scream for help," Rusin said. "She wasn’t really far from us. She was literally right there. We both didn’t hesitate, and I went to help her, and he followed me. She got really dizzy and couldn’t move, so I told her to grab my waist, and he was right beside us.
"When I took her out to the shallow area, where she was good to start walking out the water, I turned around, and he was still there."
That's when she said Elijah went underwater.
"I heard him scream for help twice," she said. "There was a guy with a board, so I grabbed the board for him, and I tried to come back for Elijah. But after he screamed for help twice, he disappeared underwater, and the current took him. Eli was a good swimmer, and he was very smart, like I said. He would have never put him at risk, put his life at risk or my life at risk or anybody’s life at risk.
"He wanted to help as many people as he could. And he would never ask for help. That’s what I wish for every single day that he would have just said something to me that he couldn’t swim or he was struggling or just something so that I could help him too."
Giddiens' body was recovered Monday. Now, Rusin is trying to hold on to the good times and his smile that brightened her days.
"Everything I do from now on is for him. He was a hero. Not even just in that situation, but in his life he was a hero. He cared about everybody around him."
The Sullivan’s Island Town Council and those who attended its Sept. 11 workshop heard all about the history of Jasper Hall and the Sand Dunes Club, while the company that wants to turn the historic property into a private club apparently has revised its proposal. And an outspoken member of the Council is still “extremely concerned about the precedence of granting a commercial zoning exemption in a residential district.”Dr. Mike Walsh, referred to by Mayor Pat O’Neil as “our resident historian these days,&...
The Sullivan’s Island Town Council and those who attended its Sept. 11 workshop heard all about the history of Jasper Hall and the Sand Dunes Club, while the company that wants to turn the historic property into a private club apparently has revised its proposal. And an outspoken member of the Council is still “extremely concerned about the precedence of granting a commercial zoning exemption in a residential district.”
Dr. Mike Walsh, referred to by Mayor Pat O’Neil as “our resident historian these days,” spoke in detail about the property on Atlantic Avenue, which made its first appearance on the island as a military beach recreation facility, burned to the ground six years later and was rebuilt and re-opened in 1933. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company will now be offering nonmembers of the proposed exclusive club the opportunity to use the pool on a limited basis.
“Most recently, we communicated the Ocean Club’s plan to offer a community membership to island residents, which offers use of the family pool and poolside food service two designated days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, excluding weekends and holidays,” Sullivan’s Island Bathing Club Manager Shep Davis said. “We look forward to sharing additional new details about the club and exciting amenities and programming via our newsletter.”
“Town Council has posed additional questions about the Ocean Club, and our team is diligently gathering this information to share with Council in the coming weeks,” he added.
Following the workshop, Bathing Club team members Brian Hellman and Jim Wanless said the community membership idea was part of the plan they originally presented to the town. They said membership would cost $500 per year and that they would be at the Council’s Sept. 19 meeting to address the questions posed by Council Member Scott Millimet. O’Neil said that as of Sept. 13, that item was not on the Council’s agenda.
Sullivan’s Island Bathing Company wants to spend $30 million to renovate the property and charge members $60,000 to join, plus $6,000 a year in dues.
Millimet called the proposed zoning change “a very bad precedent.”
“Let’s just say, hypothetically, they were granted a zoning exemption. In two years, they decided to sell the club. We don’t have any control over what goes in next because we already granted the exemption,” he said. “What is critical is the request to operate a for-profit business in an area currently zoned as residential. To me it opens a big old can of worms.”
Millimet said he wants to know how many similar properties the group has developed, how many they continue to have a financial interest in and how many of those properties have been repurposed or filed for bankruptcy.
Deputy Town Manager Joe Henderson explained that Davis’ group originally requested an amendment to the town’s zoning ordinance that would permit private clubs to operate in a residential district.
He said the Council is still deliberating whether to allow that proposal to move forward to the Planning Commission. He said the group submitted an application for a business license that would allow it to use the property as it was used by former owners South Carolina Gas & Electric and Dominion Energy. However, because the license had not been used for more than a year, town staff was unable to approve that plan. Davis’ group has appealed that decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Walsh pointed out that his remarks “should not be taken as biased one way or the other.” He said Jasper Pavilion, included a diving board, slides, ropes and “various other paraphernalia appertaining to the enjoyment of surf-bathing.” There also was a 1,500-seat open air moving theater. The only remnant of the facility after it burned to the ground was a large stone fireplace.
In November 1932, the Army spent $9,000 to build an officers club at the same location that, in addition to the fireplace, included an elevated bungalow, a golf shop, a large assembly room, a coat room, ladies’ restrooms and a caretaker’s apartment. The first recorded use of the term Jasper Hall, he said, was in a July 27, 1933, newspaper article announcing a reception for a visiting Army unit.
Walsh’s research discovered a few photos of the inside of the building, including sort of a watch party for the 1944 Army/Navy football game.
In 1950, after the Army left Sullivan’s Island, the building was sold by the township of Sullivan’s Island to SCE&G for $27,500.
Walsh said his best estimate of the number of officers serving on Sullivan’s Island in 1944, and thus using the officers club, was fewer than 250. He also determined that the facility never had a full-service food operation. He pointed out that according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, there apparently never were any DHEC inspections of the Sand Dunes Club.
“There would have been inspections by the Health Department if it had been a full service operation. This indicates there was no full-service restaurant permit,” Walsh said.
He also pointed out that in addition to wedding receptions, family reunions and church covered dinners, the Sand Dunes Club hosted the swearing in of the town of Sullivan’s Island’s first Council and first mayor – Wilfred Edward Lipman.