by Charlestowne Hotels Appoints Paul Stracey as Director of Operations
CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 4, 2021 – Leading hospitality management company Charlestowne Hotels proudly welcomes Paul Stracey to the corporate team as director of operations. In his role, Stracey will oversee key properties within Charlestowne’s growing portfolio of more than 50 hotels.
A well-respected leader in Charleston and the hospitality industry at large, Stracey brings more than35 years of luxury hospitality experience to his new role. Due to the growth of the company’s current portfolio and new business pipeline, Charlestowne Hotels recruited Stracey to support the existing operations team, where he will work directly with hotel owners, general managers, and on-site teams to enhance and customize strategic operations.
In his previous position as managing director at Belmond Charleston Place – a role which he served in for 25 years – Stracey was responsible for the strategy and operations of the highest revenue-producing property in the Belmond portfolio, while managing over 500 employees. As a new-concept visionary, he also oversaw four unique restaurant spaces, an award-winning spa, 40,000 square feet of event venues, and 30 leased retail stores. Career highlights include the coordination of two soft renovations and a $35 million complete hotel renovation.
During his tenure at Charleston Place, Paul was appointed North American managing director for Orient-Express (now Belmond). For five years, Paul oversaw operations and strategy for six additional properties in Belmond’s luxury portfolio, while maintaining a hands-on leadership role at Charleston Place.
“Due to the highly nuanced and deeply strategic nature of this role, we’ve been selective about the talent brought on to the operations team. Paul Stracey is an expert with a proven track record of developing hotel services and programming methods that generate demand and build consumer desire,” says Kyle Hughey, Charlestowne Hotels executive vice president and COO. “Paul’s efforts in elevating the local community through hospitality and food and beverage are nothing short of inspiring. His experience and connections are second to none and will play a crucial role as our company expands into additional competitive, high-occupancy markets.”
Stracey will work with some of the most highly regarded hotels in Charlestowne’s portfolio. Through his signature, hands-on leadership approach, he will help further enhance each hotel’s operational strategy in addition to optimizing revenue and developing new programming concepts. Stracey’s food and beverage expertise, including his background as a trained chef, is a unique advantage, as he’ll continue to advance the company’s range of innovative hotel dining venues and offerings. He will also play a pivotal role in identifying and elevating leading talent within the company.
“I’m looking forward to flexing my creative muscles and expanding my reach within the diverse portfolio of properties Charlestowne Hotels manages,” says Paul Stracey. “I’ve always admired the company’s team-forward approach to leadership, and the collaborative and creative environment they’ve created, which allows their hotels to reach the highest potential possible.”
About Charlestowne Hotels
Charlestowne Hotels is a leading full-service hospitality management company known for a dynamic management style that is client-focused rather than process-driven. With 40 years of independent hotel management experience, the growing company develops and leads award-winning properties across the country. The management company’s diversified portfolio covers numerous industry segments, specializing in lifestyle independent, collegiate, adaptive reuse, seasonal, and condo markets. The results speak for themselves: Charlestowne Hotels’ properties regularly receive top industry accolades and achieve above-average RevPAR growth for their markets. For more information visit CharlestowneHotels.com.
Cons of Living in Charleston, SC – New Video
This new video released today by realtor Max Tyutyunnikov outcomes some of the cons of living in Charleston, SC. We’d love to get your thoughts.
Exclusive Interview and Images from last evenings shooting on King Street (Charleston, SC) from Jake Kozmor (Koz Films)
Jake Kozmor, founder of Kozfilms in Charleston, South Carolina has shared this exclusive interview and images from last evenings shooting on King Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
CARTA to Double Service Frequency on Folly Road Route
NORTH CHARLESTON (Feb. 5, 2021) — Starting Monday, Feb. 8, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will double service frequency Monday-Saturday on Route 31 Folly Road, the line that connects James Island and downtown Charleston.
The updated route schedule is available here.
The enhanced service will cut wait times in half on Route 31, which previously had the system’s lowest frequency with trips occurring every 90 minutes. The increased frequency will provide improved service to a growing area, facilitate better connections and allow for less-crowded buses.
System leaders also hope that more frequent service will spur ridership gains.
“Increased frequency on Route 31 has been a goal for the system for some time, and we are pleased to provide this much-needed improvement to current riders, and new riders, along the Folly Road corridor and across James Island,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “While this is another important stop on the region’s transit journey, it is not our final destination. CARTA works every day on numerous fronts to make public transit equitable, accessible and convenient. It is encouraging to see this sort of progress, and there is much more to come.”
The service increase is the latest in a series of recent and ongoing CARTA initiatives designed to put riders first. Other efforts include:
- The CARTA OnDemand pilot program for seniors and Tel-A-Ride customers on the peninsula.
- More than 150 installed or planned solar lighting rigs at unsheltered stops throughout the system.
- Dozens of solar-powered shelters installed since 2019.
- The Free Student Fare program, which allows K-12 students to ride for free.
- Reduced senior rates now apply all day.
- Covid-19 testing sites for the community provided at major hubs.
For full details regarding the new Route 31 schedule, visit RideCarta.com/route31frequencyincrease or call 724-7420 (choose option 1).
Please note that masks are required when utilizing any CARTA service.
ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston, S.C., community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit and express commuter service. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.
CARTA Partners with UZURV to Add Expanded Access and Lower Cost of Medical Transportation for Disabled and Elderly Riders across Charleston Area
RICHMOND, VA. — Charleston, South Carolina has chosen to partner with UZURV to provide a new transit solutions pilot for eligible riders. The pilot begins February 1st, 2021. The program provides riders served by ADA paratransit services and clients over the age of 55 expanded access to transportation with greater flexibility to and from medical appointments as well as to the grocery store and pharmacy.
The new program, called CARTA OnDemand will greatly enhance accessibility, schedule flexibility, and customer experience for ADA and non-ADA transportation, providing eligible riders direct, private rides to appointments in the Medical District from across the Charleston peninsula.
UZURV’s mobility platform will provide CARTA riders with credentialed drivers trained with the ability to assist riders who need a little bit of extra help. UZURV provides life-changing non-emergency medical transportation with the option of wheelchair accessible vehicles to serve all members of the rider community.
“The pilot program that CARTA has undertaken with UZURV is focused on one thing: putting our riders first,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “The enhanced level of service offered through this partnership will make traveling easier for the most vulnerable transit users. Direct, on-demand access to necessities such as doctor appointments, the pharmacy and grocery store is an unprecedented step forward for public transit in our region, and it is something we hope to replicate in the future.”
The valuable new pilot service will provide rides across the Charleston Peninsula with hopes of service expansion throughout the Charleston area.
“UZURV is grateful for the opportunity to help provide increased access to medical centers to the CARTA community, so that eligible riders gain access to the medical care they need to live happier and healthier lives,” said John Donlon, UZURV CEO.
UZURV brings three years of Adaptive TNC expertise and is a trusted innovation partner to transit agencies across the country, providing more than 400,000 rides to special needs clients while helping lower the overall systemic cost of paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) service delivery.
UZURV’s unique technology and mobility platform prioritizes safety and makes sure proper assistance is available to the rider, while allowing transit agencies to increase overall paratransit system efficiency. The flexibility and security of UZURV’s Adaptive TNC stems from technology-assisted credentialing and testing, and real-time ride oversight by a proven operations team that keeps trips on time and drivers and riders safe and supported.
Media Contacts:
Lynn Ward
UZURV
Marketing Associate
lynn.ward@uzurv.com
Ned Freeman
UZURV
Executive Vice President – Marketing and Community Relations
ned@uzurv.com
1-million-square-foot speculative building underway in Charleston region
Charleston, S.C. — Feb. 3, 2021 — The Keith Corporation and South Carolina Ports Authority are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of the largest speculative industrial facility ever built in the Charleston region — a 1,019,200-square-foot, cross-dock industrial building in the Charleston Trade Center.
The Charleston Trade Center is situated off the Nexton Parkway interchange along Interstate 26 in Summerville, S.C. It is one of the Lowcountry’s premier Class A industrial campuses, offering unrivaled port and interstate proximity, as well as already in-place site infrastructure and tax incentives available through a FILOT agreement.
The new speculative building is located about 30 miles from the Port of Charleston. It has been specifically designed to capture port-reliant users with features including: 40-foot clear height, 120 fully equipped dock doors, two drive-in doors, ESFR fire protection, LED lighting, and expansive parking for cars and trailers. The project site is located on the front 62.32 acres of Charleston Trade Center, which is highly visible from Interstate 26.
Work on the industrial building is underway with a projected opening in the fourth quarter.
“We feel like the timing is excellent for a speculative project of this size in Charleston, given the expansion and competitive attributes of SC Ports’ facilities,” said Alan Lewis, Managing Partner of The Keith Corporation’s Industrial Development. “The Charleston market remains an incredibly attractive place to do business, and our new speculative building will provide industrial tenants access to both the Port of Charleston and the booming Southeast market.”
SC Ports is a top 10 U.S. container port, offering reliable service, efficient operations, ample capacity and big-ship infrastructure to customers. In 2021, SC Ports will open the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminaland achieve the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet.
“Industrial tenants can benefit from this modern facility located in a very attractive real estate market, as well as from proximity to the state-of-the-art Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal, which will soon launch container operations,” said Micah Mallace, SC Ports’ Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “South Carolina Ports is excited to partner on the marketing efforts for this building with The Keith Corporation, which has extensive experience in developing industrial facilities in Charleston. We look forward to welcoming port-dependent tenants to the building later this year.”
Frampton Construction Co. LLC will be the general contractor for the project; the regional full-service construction firm provides planning and design support, preconstruction and construction services. Marketing will be handled by JLL’s Lee Allen and Kevin Coats, and by SC Ports. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture completed the building design.
The new building will join four existing buildings also developed by The Keith Corporation on the Charleston Trade Center campus, including: IFA, a German automotive supplier; RPM, an importer of coffee beans; Curtiss-Wright, a diversified product manufacturer; and a fully leased 136,500-square-foot, multi-tenant building.
About The Keith Corporation
The Keith Corporation is a privately held, full-service commercial real estate firm. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., TKC has projects in 35 states, Mexico, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Developing over $3 billion worth of commercial real estate over the course of 300 projects, totaling in excess of 27 million square feet for a highly diverse clientele, The Keith Corporation has developed a reputation based on expertise, accountability, and total client satisfaction on projects.
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 225,000 statewide jobs and generate nearly $63.4 billion in annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com
Photo Caption – The industrial speculative building will come online later this year. (Rendering/The Keith Corporation
New York Based LMHT Capital Acquires The Offices at Nexton near Charleston, SC
CHARLESTON, S.C. – PRLog — LMHT Capital, the acquisition arm of Jack Lingo Asset Management, is pleased to announce it has acquired the Offices at Nexton, a trophy Class A+ multi-tenant office building located in the high growth Summerville submarket of Charleston, SC. The Offices at Nexton is 95% occupied and boasts numerous high-quality tenants with significant remaining lease term. In addition, the property offers unmatched walkable amenities including numerous dining/entertainment options and active recreation opportunities.
Doug Motley, Principal of LMHT Capital, noted “The Offices at Nexton presented the opportunity to acquire the premier office asset in a very dynamic and rapidly growing submarket. Not only is this a great building, but it is surrounded by amenities typically found in more urban destinations. We see tremendous value in the rare combination of long-term stability and growth potential offered by this investment.”
The 98,000 square foot building was constructed in 2014, is LEED Gold certified, and features modern common areas and floor to ceiling glass lines. With ample parking and excellent visibility from, and easy access to, I-26, the property is well positioned to benefit from the explosive growth of the Summerville/Nexton market. The Offices are part of the overall Nexton mixed-use development community which encompasses 4,500 acres and consists of 10,000 planned residential units and six million square feet of commercial space.
LMHT Capital would like to thank Huston Green and Chris Lingerfelt of JLL Capital Markets who represented the seller, and Matt Casey and Van Glosson of JLL for arranging the acquisition financing through Credit Union Business Services.
LMHT Capital has engaged the Charleston office of Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer to provide leasing and property management services for the property.
This closing marks the first acquisition in LMHT Capital’s strategy of building a portfolio of premier office assets in select high growth markets in the southeast and mid-Atlantic regions.
About LMHT Capital
LMHT Capital, the acquisition arm of JLAM, is a real estate investment firm specializing in investments in middle market commercial properties. The firm focuses on premier properties in select high growth markets in the southeast and mid-Atlantic U.S. As a direct investor and operator, LMHT Capital is well-positioned to capitalize on favorable thematic factors, market dislocations, and contrarian investment opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.jacklingoam.com/lmht.html
Why Didn’t We Move to Charleston, SC? – This new video takes an interesting perspective
Beautiful beaches, ranked the number one relocation destination and the friendliest city in the US….
So why didn’t we move to Charleston when we relocated to SC??
Peg Lahmeyer, Executive Direct of ARK Named 2020 Trailblazer of the Year by Summerville Chamber
SUMMERVILLE, S.C., January 29, 2021 – The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce’s award program is designed to recognize the dedication, achievement and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by exceptional local businesses, nonprofits and individuals. Recipients of the 2020 Chamber Awards were announced virtually via Zoom and Facebook Live on Friday, January 29, 2021.
The Trailblazer of the Year: Woman of Excellence award recognizes a woman that is a leader in their industry, shows courage and passion, has overcome great obstacles, and has truly blazed a trail for the women behind her. Congratulations to the 2020 Trailblazer of the Year, Peg Lahmeyer. Lahmeyer is the Executive Director of The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services.
Lahmeyer’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD) twenty-five years ago. As her mother’s primary caregiver, Lahmeyer saw first-hand the challenges that go along with loving someone with the illness. In 1996, she founded The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, a nonprofit dedicated to individuals with ADRD and their families with the Brookdale Foundation’s model and best practices. The ARK provides essential services for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. Serving five counties: Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg, The ARK offers respite care, support groups, caregiver consultation, caregiver education workshops, resource referrals, law enforcement and first responders training, community learning programs, and rural services development.
The organization had humble beginnings, meeting and operating out of a few rooms in St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Summerville. The organization offered a social respite program one day a week to engage the loved ones while their caregivers took time for themselves. Over the years, the program expanded to two days a week, to adding services in St. George, to purchasing a passenger bus for convenient transportation of participants.
Today, The ARK in Summerville offers adult respite care four days a week, conducts support groups for caregivers, hosts caregiver consultations and lunch and learns to train caregivers for their jobs at home, and created the NOAH Project, a mentor program for underserved areas in developing Alzheimer’s support services tailored to meet each community’s unique needs.
“Peg has such a giving heart,” said The ARK’s Development Director, Megan Severn. “She never second guesses to lend a helping hand, give advice or be a supporter to not only families and staff of The ARK but many nonprofit organizations, local businesses and community members. She goes above and beyond.”
About the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce
Since its establishment in 1911, the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the growth of Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to protect and promote the quality of life in the community, with specific emphasis on improving economic vitality and providing a favorable business climate. For more information, please visit www.greatersummerville.org or call (843) 873-2931
Photo Caption: 2020 Chamber Board Chair Carrie Bovender, 2020 Trailblazer of the Year Peg Lahmeyer, and Chamber President/CEO Rita Berry.