Exciting Changes Coming to Beaufort’s Former Bowling Alley Site!
Beaufort residents, get ready for some new developments in your city! The property that once housed the beloved Community Bowling Center on Ribaut Road is set to undergo a significant transformation. After much anticipation, final approval has been granted for a multi-use project spearheaded by local entrepreneurs Doc and Andy Burris.
Goodbye Bowling, Hello Ribaut Station
So what’s the plan for this prime piece of real estate? The Burris duo is swapping out lanes for offices – a total of up to 28 commercial office spaces will line Ribaut Road and Firehouse Lane. Unlike the leisure space that once existed here, this new endeavor, dubbed Ribaut Station, is focused on creating a vibrant lifestyle community.
As for what will happen with the old bowling alley building? It’s not just getting a simple facelift! The upstairs will feature two apartments, while the lower level will include personal storage units, cleverly tucked away in the back to maintain aesthetics. Interestingly enough, the bowling alley’s original maple flooring will be repurposed as part of the new condominium designed for the owners, Doc and Andy.
A Mixed-Use Community
According to Doc Burris, the new development will showcase lower-cost office spaces ranging from cozy 10-foot by 10-foot options to larger commercial setups, all designed to cater to diverse business needs. What’s more, each office will have access to shared amenities like conference rooms, break rooms, restrooms, and even a recreational center featuring a golf simulator and other entertaining games.
It’s a rather exciting pivot! “Fun parks” have struggled to gain a foothold in Beaufort, Burris explains. Instead of competing with failed concepts, they decided to focus on enhancing the community experience while adhering to local codes for redevelopment. The previous plumbing business that attempted to utilize the property faced challenges with city zoning restrictions too, so the Burris team is now focused on making Ribaut Station a hub for business and community connections.
Community Interest and Construction Timeline
Local residents are thrilled and have been eagerly awaiting news on this site since the bowling alley closed down back in August 2021. The tale of the bowling center’s decline post-COVID is one that resonates – not only did business drop, but it left a significant void for recreational options in the area. With no other public bowling alternatives north of the Broad River, the anticipation for something fresh and lively is palpable.
The Burris team is already actively accepting applications from potential tenants for the commercial office spaces, with construction slated to kick off by November 1. It seems like the perfect opportunity for local entrepreneurs and small businesses to take root in the community.
Architectural Appeal and Community Enhancement
There’s also attention to detail with the project’s design. According to plans, the new buildings will have an architectural style that “looks like a bank,” aiming for a refined look that enhances the overall neighborhood vibe and counters the storage unit aesthetic. Beautiful landscaping with newly planted trees is also in the works to give the property a fresh and inviting feel once completed.
The Bigger Picture in Beaufort
This project comes at a notable time, as the nearby town of Port Royal is evaluating its own landscape for personal storage units. Their council recently voted unanimously to limit where such facilities can be established. Interestingly, a major personal storage venture is poised to open close to Ribaut Station on Waddell Road, although it received approval before these new restrictions were put into place.
So, what do you think, Beaufort? As the old Community Bowling Center paves the way for Ribaut Station, it certainly looks like the future of this neighborhood is bright!
