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As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is.
Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
Oscar Mayer is looking for Weinermobile drivers . You’ve got until Jan. 31 to apply and the job pays $35,600 per year.
Looking to beef up your resume? Need something that will make every potential employer stop and say “Wait. What?!?” Your moment is here.
Oscar Mayer has opened up applications for new drivers for its iconic Weinermobile. If you’ve dreamed of driving a 27-foot-long hot dog up and down the roads of America, you’ve got until Jan. 31 to apply for the job.
It’s a paid gig, too! Hotdoggers, as the drivers are called, earn a base salary of $35,600 as well as a weekly allowance of $150 for meals and personal travel. They also get 18 days of paid time off, full health benefits and (naturally) 100% of all of their hotel expenses covered.
Think you can cut the mustard and stand above the competition? Here’s what you’ll need to be considered for the job. ( You can apply here .)
You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications, advertising, or marketing. It helps to be bilingual. And introverts need not apply.
You’ll also need a driver’s license (duh) and be able to work major holidays. And you’ll need to clear a background check.
Not only will you drive the iconic vehicle all over the country, you’ll represent Oscar Meyer at more than 200 events throughout the year. That will involve handing out more than 250,000 Wiener Whistles to fans.
Just be warned: A a lot of people relish this job. Less than 1% of applicants are selected for the 12 openings. Oscar Mayer says that makes it harder to become a Hotdogger than it is to get into an Ivy League university.
This will be the 38 th round of Hotdoggers. The Wienermobile has been traveling the U.S. since 1936.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mesa Land Services, a provider of easement acquisition and title search solutions, today announced it is establishing its first operation in Charleston County. The company’s $1.3 million investment will create 24 new jobs.
Mesa Land Services specializes in software to streamline the utility easement acquisition process. The company’s advanced technology and tools make title management faster and more accurate for customers.
Located at 1459 Stuart Englas Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, Mesa Land Services’ new facility serves as the company’s headquarters and main office.
Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Mesa Land Services team should visit the company’s careers page.
QUOTES
“As a woman-owned business specializing in title research and easement acquisition, I’m thrilled to bring our company to South Carolina. I’m excited to contribute to its growth by providing reliable, thoughtful solutions for landowners, developers and the broader community.” -Mesa Land Services President Julie Mote
“Mesa Land Services’ decision to establish its first operation in Charleston County is a strong addition to our thriving business landscape. This $1.3 million investment and creation of 24 new jobs highlight South Carolina’s continued success in attracting innovative companies, and we are proud to welcome Mesa Land Services to our state.” -Gov. Henry McMaster
“We are delighted to see another new company joining our state’s growing business community. Mesa Land Services’ investment, new jobs and new operation represent a win for Charleston County, and we look forward to the company’s success in the years ahead.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mesa Land Services to Charleston County. Their decision to establish their headquarters in Mount Pleasant and create 24 new jobs is a significant win for our community.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Herbert Ravenel Sass III
FIVE FAST FACTS
Mesa Land Services is establishing its first operation in Charleston County.
The company’s $1.3 million investment will create 24 new jobs.
Mesa Land Services is a provider of easement acquisition and title search services.
The company is located at 1459 Stuart Englas Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Mesa Land Services team should visit the company’s careers page.
The Winner Will Receive a Prize Package Valued at Over $2.2 Million
NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Beginning at 9 a.m. ET today, December 17, 2024, through 5 p.m. ET Friday, February 14, 2025, fans can enter for their chance to win HGTV® Dream Home 2025 located in Bluffton, South Carolina. The prize package, valued at over $2.2 million, includes a newly-built, fully-furnished home, and a new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC, along with $100,000 and a 5-year supply of paper towels from Viva®. Eligible fans can enter daily at HGTV.com/Dream and FoodNetwork.com/HGTVDreamHome, where they will find full details, the official rules, as well as additional home features.
Unlock the charm of Lowcountry living with this timeless custom-built home, embodying coastal elegance and thoughtful design. Spanning over 3,000 square feet, this three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home is a harmonious blend of classic Southern luxury and modern sophistication. Immerse yourself in the seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor living, where earthy tones and coastal textures create a serene environment. Inside the home, the great room captivates with high ceilings and an open-concept design that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. The primary bedroom is located on the first floor, bathed in natural light and serves as a tranquil escape. The two guest bedrooms are upstairs with a cozy loft lounge offering an additional retreat. Off the kitchen is a spacious laundry room and a dedicated pet washing station ensuring everyday functionality. Situated along the fairway of Berkeley Hall, a premiere private golf community, this home is a golfer’s dream. The home comes with a golf simulator and a private golf cart to elevate the leisure experience. The backyard serves as an entertainer’s haven, featuring a sparkling pool, fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, and stunning views of the course.
Bluffton, South Carolina, is a charming Lowcountry town known for its natural beauty, Southern hospitality, and vibrant community. Nestled along the May River, Bluffton is a golfer’s paradise, boasting world-class courses that attract enthusiasts year-round. Its prime location—just across the bridge from Hilton Head Island and 25 miles from Savannah—makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby beaches, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Bluffton offers the best of Southern charm with the historic Old Town, unique shops, art galleries, and exceptional dining options. Enjoy the area’s laid-back lifestyle, local festivals, and access to outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. Bluffton provides an ideal blend of small-town charm and coastal living, making it a coveted destination.
The home was built by Shoreline Construction and was designed by Court Atkins Group. The home’s interior design is by Brian Patrick Flynn.
Sponsors of the HGTV Dream Home 2025 include Belgard®, Delta Faucet, HGTV Home® by Sherwin-Williams, James Hardie Building Products Inc., Mercedes-Benz USA, SimpliSafe Home Security, Sleep Number®, Trex Company LLC, VELUX® Skylights, Wayfair® and Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce.
Viewers can tune-in to the one-hour special HGTV Dream Home 2025 on Monday, January 1, 2025 at 8pm ET on HGTV, HGTV GO and Hogar de HGTV, also available on Max and discovery+ the same day.
ABOUT HGTV HGTV delivers families with relatable stories, superstar real estate and renovation experts and amazing home transformations that inspire a passionate audience. For anyone seeking entertaining and aspirational home and lifestyle content, HGTV is the place to be. HGTV offers: a top 10 cable network that is distributed to just over 68 million U.S. households; a website, HGTV.com, that attracts an average of 11 million people each month; a social footprint of more than 34 million; HGTV Magazine, a monthly publication that reaches more than one million readers; and exclusive collections of home-oriented products through the HGTV Home® consumer products line. Viewers can become fans of HGTV and interact with other home improvement enthusiasts through Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok and Threads. HGTV is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a leading global media and entertainment company available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Film Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.
Herd Provisions was crowned 2024’s Heritage Hero at Heritage Fire, the fierce food competition that took place on Sunday, December 8 at The Refinery! Among plenty of Charleston talent, Executive Chef Jeanne Oleksiak, Chef de Cuisine Joe Holmes and General Manager Ethan Schneider represented Herd and won guests’ votes as the favorite bite of the day with their Mixed Grill Open-Faced Sliders with King’s Hawaiian Roll, Duke’s Mayo, housemade chimichurri, Bulls Bay flake salt & a protein choice of slow roasted duck, Leaping Waters Farm bone-in ribeye or house made porchetta.
Heritage Fire is a premiere, live-fire, nationwide food and wine tour celebrating heritage breed livestock and heirloom produce. The daytime feast offers an endless array of sustainably sourced food from some of the region’s top family farms and local purveyors, prepared by local chefs. The Heritage Fire Tour is comprised of an array of live expressions and cultivates a long-term impact for heritage species.
To enjoy more of the Herd team’s thoughtfully curated bites, guests can visit the restaurant Monday-Thursday from 3-10pm or Friday-Saturday from 11am-10pm. Reservations at Herd Provisions are available here.
In 2025, local nonprofit Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) will celebrate its 10th anniversary—an exciting milestone in its mission to serve Veterans. Since it was founded in 2015, WSF has been providing free surf therapy, yoga, wellness classes and community to Veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges. Let us know if you’re interested in speaking with someone from the team to discuss how the foundation has impacted Veterans and the Charleston community over the past decade.
WSF’s 12-week surf therapy program is designed to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of Veterans, active-duty service members and their families. Participants learn valuable skills in resilience, positive psychology and goal setting. Founded by American combat Veterans and surfers on Folly Beach, WSF has helped over 900 Veterans to date, with plans to serve many more in the years to come. See HERE for testimonials from Veterans.
Once someone graduates from the 12-week program, they remain part of the WSF community. Thanks to a special partnership with Mex 1, graduates are invited to participate in week-long wellness retreats in Costa Rica and Guatemala, where they can continue their healing journey through meditation, surfing, yoga and shared meals—completely free of charge.
In addition to its surf therapy program, WSF hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Charity Golf Classic, the Jason Bowman Foam Frenzy Surf Competition and a Surfboard Auction and Raffle. They’ve also built strong partnerships with local businesses such as Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, Palmetto Brewing Co., and John’s Island Coffee Co.
To donate, click HERE; to volunteer, click HERE; to check out upcoming events, click HERE; and for updates, follow WSF on Instagram and Facebook.
By The Way, the highly-anticipated neighborhood den from Charleston-based Uptown Hospitality Group and Southern Charm stars Craig Conover and Austen Kroll, has officially opened its doors. This marks a first-time partnership between the celebrated hospitality outfit and longtime friends Conover and Kroll, whose shared vision is to create a warm and welcoming neighborhood establishment that guests can tuck into at all hours of the day and night for stellar food and drink, genuine Southern hospitality and nonstop good vibes. Nestled just one block off King Street in the buzzy Cannonborough Elliotborough community, By The Way offers a cozy atmosphere, comforting American cuisine and well-crafted cocktails seven days a week, well into the night.
“We are thrilled to [finally!] introduce By The Way to our Charleston community alongside our great friends Austen and Craig,” said Keith Benjamin, Co-Founder and Director of Operations at Uptown Hospitality Group. “Our hope is for By The Way to settle in and become a beloved, long-standing staple of this city’s outstanding hospitality landscape,” Benjamin added.
“Craig and I are ecstatic to partner with Uptown Hospitality Group to share our idea of the ideal all-day, all-night neighborhood hang; a spot where friends old and new come together on the regular for good food, killer drinks, and great fun,” shared Austen Kroll, Co-Founder.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS By The Way’s menu offers an elevated take on classic tavern fare from Executive Chef Marcus Shell. Guests can expect familiar dishes – a mixture of appetizers, entrées, and shareables – that benefit from Chef Shell’s thoughtful preparations and commitment to spotlighting local ingredients. Signature dishes include:
By The Way’s bar program celebrates a mix of old and new classics that speak to the moment, with a selection of premium spirits from global beverage alcohol leader Diageo. A passion for well-made martinis is central to the By The Way experience, with an entire section of the menu dedicated to several variations, including the quintessential Freezing Cold – a freezer door martini with a choice of Ketel One Vodka or Tanqueray No. TEN Gin, olive or lemon twist. The beverage menu features well-balanced cocktails like theHot Honey Margarita with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Grapefruit Elderflower Spritz, Lavender Gimlet, or a large-format Old Fashioned to share featuring Blade and Bow Bourbon. The wine list is approachable, intentional, and carefully culled, and beer selections span favorite local, domestic, and imported brewers, as well as canned seltzers and spritzers. Rounding out the menu is a selection of seasonally-rotating Zero Proof (N/A) concoctions.
A FOXY DESIGN
The team collaborated closely with Oliver Haslegrave of the Brooklyn-based interior architecture and design firm Home Studios to create a time-honored, sophisticated, and playful space rooted in storytelling. The design features bespoke lighting and furniture crafted by Home Studios, natural materials like leather, marble, metal, and stone that will age gracefully with time, a glittering skylight, a dramatic back bar, custom plasterwork by Benjamin Lai, and an entrance mosaic by Katherine Frost. With plush booths and banquette seating, the restaurant is designed to evoke the warmth and casual elegance of an inviting, modern establishment while paying homage to Charleston’s charming architectural heritage. By The Way aspires to be a space rich in history yet continuously evolving—a gathering place and a beloved go-to for Charlestonians and visitors alike.
STOP BY & STAY AWHILE
To start, By The Way will be open weekdays from 4 PM – 2 AM, and weekends from Noon – 2 AM. The team plans to expand its hours early in the New Year, eventually introducing Weekend Brunch, a weekday Happy Hour from 4 PM – 6 PM, and a Wednesday Night Steak Frites feature. Music is an integral part of the By The Way experience, with curated playlists by some of the team’s favorite local DJs. By The Way’s opening schedule will adjust according to the holidays; please visit bythewaychs.com for the most-up-to-date information.
Austin, Seattle, Denver, San Francisco, and Raleigh top the list of cities with the most momentum for STEM job growth
BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading real estate advisory firm RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, announced today the results of their 2024 STEM Job Growth Index (STEMdex), which projects which metropolitan areas will have the strongest outlook for growth in STEM jobs. Published annually since 2016, the STEMdex tracks and projects STEM job growth trends across the country by analyzing the economies of the largest metropolitan areas to understand which regions are attracting the jobs and employees of the future. Read the full report online.
“STEM jobs, driven by a highly educated workforce, are among the highest-paying and most economically impactful roles in any market.” said Gregg Logan, Managing Director at RCLCO, “Their significance to the economy is immense, and our STEMdex, now in its eighth edition, is designed to spotlight markets with robust industry employment today and those poised for significant growth in the future. The STEMdex offers a straightforward and intuitive tool to help people grasp the employment and housing trends that STEM job growth will bring to these cities in the coming years.”
The index’s analysis focuses on metrics in four major areas RCLCO finds to be paramount to the growth of STEM jobs: STEM Trends/Economic Factors, Workforce Quality, Quality of Life/Health, and Business Climate. In total, RCLCO identified and weighted 23 different indicators they believe best characterize the four major categories and can quantify their impact on the STEM job market. Some of the highlights of this year’s list include:
Austin, TX remains in the top spot for the third year in a row, and sixth time in eight years
Phoenix, AZ was the only new entrant to the Top 20 of the STEMdex this year.
Of the largest fifty MSA’s, San Jose has the highest concentration of STEM jobs today.
Austin, TX scores highest in Economic Factors and Workforce Quality. Portland, OR has the highest Quality of Life Score, and Dallas, TX scores highest in Business Climate.
The top 5 most heavily concentrated STEM markets – San Jose, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and Austin all rank within the top 10 for projected future job growth.
This year’s list includes three metropolitan areas from California, while Texas and North Carolina each have two cities in the top 20. No other state features more than one city in the 2024 rankings. The results remain largely consistent with 2023, with two notable changes: Philadelphia, which ranked 20th last year, dropped off the list, replaced by Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, Minneapolis slipped five spots, while San Diego climbed five places. The top 20 cities include:
RANK
MSA
RANK
MSA
1
Austin, TX
11
Dallas, TX
2
Seattle, WA
12
San Diego, CA
3
Denver, CO
13
Nashville, TN
4
San Francisco, CA
14
Orlando, FL
5
Raleigh, NC
15
Charlotte, NC
6
Portland, OR
16
Minneapolis, MN
7
San Jose, CA
17
Richmond, VA
8
Washington, D.C.
18
Atlanta, GA
9
Boston, MA
19
Baltimore, MD
10
Salt Lake City, UT
20
Phoenix, AZ
About RCLCO
Since 1967, RCLCO Real Estate Consulting has been the “first call” for real estate developers, investors, public institutions, and non-real estate companies seeking strategic and tactical advice regarding property investment, planning, and development. RCLCO leverages quantitative analytics platforms and a strategic planning framework to provide end-to-end business planning and implementation solutions at an entity, portfolio, or project level. With the insights and experience gained over 57 years and thousands of projects, RCLCO brings success to all product types across the United States and around the world. RCLCO is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, and has offices in Los Angeles, CA, Orlando, FL, Austin, TX, New York, NY, and Denver, CO. To learn more about RCLCO, visit www.rclco.com.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Thompson Thrift, a full-service nationally recognized real estate company, today announced the sale of Taylor Farms, a 276-unit, Class A multifamily community 20 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. The Northmarq team led by John Currin, Andrea Howard, Allan Lynch, Caylor Mark, Jeff Glenn and Austin Jackson brokered the sale to Atlanta-based Mesa Capital Partners.
“Taylor Farms was our first multifamily community in the Carolinas and we were fortunate to capitalize on its prime location to bring a high-quality community to one of the nation’s hottest rental submarkets,” said Josh Purvis, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Residential.
John Currin, senior vice president, Northmarq, continued, “Taylor Farms was one of Charlotte’s most competitive 2024 marketing campaigns due to Thompson Thrift’s strong national reputation as a high-quality developer and Northeast Charlotte’s economic growth trajectory that continues to outperform other submarkets in the MSA.”
Located just off of I-485 and Mallard Creek Road in the University City submarket, the 16-acre Taylor Farms features 276 apartment homes in eight three-story, garden style structures and 64 detached garages.
Completed in December 2023 and already reaching stabilization, each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts are well-appointed with premium finishes, including gourmet bar-kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, smooth glass cooktop stoves and under cabinet lighting; primary bedrooms with walk-in closets and a walk-in shower with full tile surround and glass doors; and full-size washers and dryers.
Additionally, residents enjoy resort-style amenities, including a professionally designed clubhouse with TVs, conference rooms, technology centers and more; a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and Fitness On Demand™ virtual training kiosks and spinning rooms; a swimming pool with hot tub and sundeck, entertainment areas and pet-friendly bark parks and doggie spas.
With its convenient location near the I-485/I-85 interchange, Taylor Farms offers easy access to over 3,000 northeast corridor businesses and the popular PNC Music Pavilion and the world-famous Charlotte Motor Speedway are both minutes away.
Equity for the development was provided by the Watermark 2021 Multifamily Development Fund III LP.
Thompson Thrift is a full-service real estate development company focused on ground-up commercial and mixed-use development across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Since its founding more than 30 years ago, Thompson Thrift has invested more than $6 billion into local communities and has become known as a trusted partner committed to developing high-quality, attractive commercial and multifamily communities.
About Thompson Thrift Real Estate Company Thompson Thrift is an integrated full-service real estate company with offices in Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Indiana; Denver; Houstonand Phoenix. Three business units drive Thompson Thrift’s success—Thompson Thrift Residential which is focused on upscale Class A multifamily communities and luxury leased homes, Thompson Thrift Commercial which is focused on ground-up commercial development, and Thompson Thrift Construction, a full-service construction company. Through these business units, Thompson Thrift is engaged in all aspects of development, construction, leasing, and management of quality commercial real estate projects across the country. The company earned national recognition as a winner of a 2023 Top Workplaces USA award, the latest accolade that reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the community and workplace. For more information, please visit www.thompsonthrift.com.
NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK) (“Newmark” or “the Company”), a leading commercial real estate advisor and service provider to large institutional investors, global corporations, and other owners and occupiers, announces that the firm has arranged a $400 million credit facility for PORT 32 Marinas to refinance its existing portfolio of coastal marinas, and to fund the future acquisition of marinas. Newmark’s Co-Head, Global Debt & Structured FinanceJordan Roeschlaub and Vice Chairman Chris Kramer, in collaboration with Co-Head, Global Debt & Structured Finance Jonathan Firestone arranged the financing, which was provided by the Austria-based bank, BAWAG Group.
“This funding underscores the robust and sustained demand for premier coastal marinas throughout the Eastern U.S.,” said Roeschlaub. “The transaction reflects a forward-looking strategy that leverages the unique appeal of coastal marinas as essential infrastructure for both recreation and commerce and is a testament to both the strength of the asset class and its long-term growth potential.”
About PORT 32 Marinas Based in Charleston, South Carolina, PORT 32 is a leading owner, operator and developer of dry and wet slip coastal marina properties. PORT 32 provides expertise in the development and management of marina assets to bring customers an unparalleled level of service within the industry. PORT 32 owns and operates a growing collection of Class A marina assets in premier markets. For more information, please visit https://port32marinas.com.
About Newmark Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries (“Newmark”), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark’s comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform’s global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2024, Newmark generated revenues of approximately $2.6 billion. As of that same date, Newmark’s company-owned offices, together with its business partners, operated from nearly 170 offices with more than 7,800 professionals around the world. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.
Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company’s business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.
The inspiration for the memorial design is drawn from reflecting upon the lives and sacrifices of the Emanuel Nine: Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Mrs. Cynthia Graham Hurd, Mrs. Susie J. Jackson, Mrs. Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Kibwe Diop Sanders, Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons, Sr., and Mrs. Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson.
THE MEMORIAL COURTYARD
The design process began by reframing the church grounds to create a sacred space for a memorial and a garden space to honor the survivors. A Memorial Courtyard was designed in honor of the spirit and fellowship of the Emanuel Nine as space for the congregation and the community. It encourages positive change, while also creating a space to reflect in quiet contemplation.
This coming together is encouraged through the creation of two fellowship benches facing each other. An opening between the two benches widens towards the entrance, welcoming strangers to enter and join in the spirit of community. The high backs of the benches arc up and around, like sheltering wings. They provide a sense of enclosure, and like a pair of arms, cradling visitors inside this space.
At the center of the Memorial, the curve of the stone benches encircle a marble fountain. The names of the Emanuel Nine are carved around the fountain’s edge. Water emanates from a cross-shaped source, filling the basin and gently spilling over the names of the Emanuel Nine.
SURVIVORS’ GARDEN
From the Contemplation Basin, a pathway leads to a new Survivors’ Garden dedicated to life and resiliency. A newly landscaped churchyard will enhance the daily life of the Church and its members. A lawn surrounded by six stone benches and five trees symbolizing the five survivors – the sixth signifying that the church is also a survivor.
CONTEMPLATION BASIN
The opening between the fellowship benches towards the back of the Memorial Courtyard reveals a cross above a simple altar, offering visitors a quiet place to linger in thought and prayer.
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