Beaufort Celebrates Legal Win: Hotel and Parking Garage Project Gets Green Light
Happy days are here again in the charming city of Beaufort! This picturesque locale is abuzz with excitement following a recent ruling from the South Carolina Court of Appeals that has upheld the city’s approval of a much-anticipated downtown hotel and parking garage. This decision marks a significant victory for the city and developer Dick Stewart’s company, 303 Associates, in a legal saga that’s captivated the community and sparked passionate debate about the future of Beaufort’s historic downtown.
A Long Road to Approval
The road hasn’t been easy. In fact, local residents have been on quite the rollercoaster ride when it comes to these projects. Multiple legal challenges from the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) and rival developer Graham Trask had questioned the appropriateness of such sizeable developments in the heart of the city’s historic district. The appeal was directed against two previous lower court rulings that had already cleared the way for the projects, with judges ruling in favor of the city back in January 2022 and June 2023.
In their appeals, HBF and Trask argued that the size of the proposed hotel and parking garage were simply too large for the quaint and historic streets of Beaufort. They have always been concerned about preserving the area’s charm and character. However, the appeals court finally put the matter to rest by backing the previous court’s decisions, essentially saying, “Carry on!”
A Mixed Bag of Emotions Post-Ruling
Stewart, the founder of 303 Associates, couldn’t hide his relief. When asked about the verdict, he dismissed the lawsuits as “frivolous” and said, “So they are dismissed, and that cloud is removed over the project.” But the joy was tempered with a touch of frustration, as he noted that the projects remain on hold due to lengthy delays sparked by these legal battles. He stated, “Because of these frivolous lawsuits and appeals we have suffered real damage.” He estimates that delays and increased costs have now ballooned the project’s expenses by an astonishing tens of millions.
Legal Crossfire Continues
To add a twist to the plot, Stewart has also filed his lawsuit against Trask, citing a “conspiracy of misinformation” that he says has contributed to considerable delays and losses amounting to an eye-watering $40 million. His lawsuit demands $120 million in damages, encompassing actual losses from lost income, higher labor costs, and other financial strains due to the drawn-out timeline.
Meanwhile, Trask remains undeterred and plans to keep challenging the city’s decisions. He called the Appeals Court’s ruling “unfortunate” and aims to hold the city accountable, hinting at possible further legal maneuvers, including a request for reconsideration by the Court of Appeals or even a plunge into the South Carolina Supreme Court.
A Path Forward for Beaufort
City Manager Scott Marshall echoed the sentiments of many residents and stakeholders, expressing satisfaction with the rulings in favor of Beaufort. The city has spent a total of $88,135 to defend its position, and each time, it has emerged victorious in the legal arena—a reassuring sign for many who are eager to see progress.
The proposed hotel is set to have 72 rooms and stand four stories tall at the corner of Scott and Port Republic streets, while the parking garage is meant to address significant parking shortages highlighted in studies over the past decade. Stewart underscored the pressing need for additional parking, revealing that as far back as ten years ago, the city was facing a 450-space shortfall.
The Future of Downtown Beaufort
Despite the lull in the hotel and parking garage projects, it’s not all quiet on the development front. Stewart mentioned plans for a different project—a 19-unit apartment building set to kick off in the first half of 2025, signaling that 303 Associates is eager to keep the momentum going.
As Beaufort looks ahead, the community has a lot to consider. Balancing development and preservation might be one of the most pressing questions on everyone’s minds. With the hotel and garage project currently paused, citizens will be watching to see how the legal wrangling unfolds and what the future holds for their beloved historic city.
