Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2016

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house is not about status – it’s a home
and living among nature is essential
for well-being. Culbreth took those
words to heart and grew up wanting
to share that philosophy with others in
the form of what is known as a “pocket
neighborhood,” a term coined by Ross
Chapin, architect and creator of this
traditional setting. He described it as
“cottages tucked off of a busy street, like a pocket safely
tucking away its possessions from the world outside.”
Today, that busy street is in the heart of our beloved
Mount Pleasant, and that pocket is called Village Park.
“It has taken me six years to develop Village Park,” she
said and pointed out that convincing the town, designing
the land and working with numerous talented people were
important parts of the process.
How will Village Park be distinct from other
neighborhoods? For one thing, each home backs up to lush
green space, brimming with trees, flowers and other natural
elements. Culbreth stressed that this is one of the hallmarks
of her design – part of the vision she brought to life.
“I dreamed of green space where each home
would face a park,” she explained. “There would be
a community table awaiting impromptu invitations
for supper and a corner for a fire pit for sipping warm
libations in winter.”
As exclusive as that sounds – and it is – residents
of Village Park will also love how close it is to other
businesses in Mount Pleasant, including grocery stores,
pharmacies, independent retailers and the restaurants that
put the Lowcountry on the map.
“That’s what we mean by an urban setting,” she said.
“You can walk to meet friends for a
drink and you won’t need a car.”
Located right off of Chuck Dawley
Boulevard and behind the Sea Island
Shopping Center near Sullivan’s
Island, Village Park is close to what is
quickly becoming “downtown” Mount
Pleasant – and Culbreth planned it
that way.
“Ben Sawyer and Coleman used to be just a
thoroughfare to the beach, but now they are becoming
Mount Pleasant’s main streets and business district,”
she pointed out. “This is a transitional street and a good
place to put a pocket neighborhood. We’re showing
people its potential.”
Sixteen homes will face the park in Village Park, each
being three stories tall and with the special touches that
Lowcountry residents typically seek, including large
windows with ample natural light and multiple porches.
The homes are affordable, starting in the $500s.
Meanwhile, what’s next for Fredda Culbreth? She
claimed “her light burns bright into the night,” and
she’s always seeking ideas about how to transition an old
setting into new possibilities. In downtown Charleston,
for example, one historic building on Archdale Street –
right off King – is awaiting upscale pied-a-terres.
“My intent has always been well-planned living
spaces, with greenery and natural light, within an urban
community,” she said.
For more information, contact Edmund Major and Flyway
Realty at 1630 Meeting St., Building 1, Suite 302, in
Charleston, or call 843-853-5557.
Charleston
2410 Air Park Road
North Charleston, SC 29406
843.529.0220
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