News Summary
Beaufort County has announced preliminary plans for a Gullah Geechee cultural center on St. Helena Island, which aims to promote local economic growth and cultural heritage. The 54,000 square-foot facility will include a multipurpose event space, an open market, and retail spaces, supporting local entrepreneurs while prioritizing community engagement. Funding discussions are ongoing with a significant grant already secured. The initiative, initially proposed in 2017, reflects the community’s aspirations and the desire to celebrate Gullah Geechee culture amidst ongoing development considerations.
St. Helena Island – After years of delays, Beaufort County has unveiled preliminary plans for a Gullah Geechee cultural center on St. Helena Island. This initiative, first proposed in 2017, has garnered attention and anticipation from the local community of approximately 10,000 residents. Councilman York Glover presented the updated community center plan during a recent public meeting, providing the first major insight into the project in nearly eight years.
The proposed center, named the “Gullah Geechee cultural center and village entrepreneurial market,” aims to foster local economic growth by creating a space for businesses and cultural expression. The facility is intended to be a substantial 54,000 square feet, marking it as the largest indoor gathering space on St. Helena Island.
Details of the Cultural Center
The new center will host various functions, including:
- A 10,000 square-foot multipurpose event and performing arts center, suitable for banquets, weddings, meetings, and performances.
- A 10,000 square-foot open market space designated for farmers’ and craft markets, as well as fairs.
- 34,000 square feet of retail space strategically positioned along Polowana Road and Sea Island Parkway.
The center’s mission focuses on celebrating the Gullah Geechee culture and cuisine while providing a platform for local entrepreneurs. Notably, Glover has emphasized a preference for having locally-inspired eateries within the center instead of fast-food establishments. Concepts like a coffee shop received positive responses from the community during discussions.
Location and Community Involvement
The cultural center is proposed to be situated at the intersection of Polowana Road and Sea Island Parkway, opposite the 808 Community Hub. The building serves as a direct response to ongoing discussions around community needs and aspirations. Glover has committed to maintaining community engagement, ensuring that residents’ concerns and suggestions are addressed in the upcoming weeks.
Funding and Financial Considerations
In the quest to realize the project, funding acquisition is crucial. An agreement has been established to purchase the land for the cultural center, contingent upon securing an additional $595,000 in funds. A significant $1 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has already been allocated for the land purchase, paving the way for further financial planning. The estimated cost for the performing arts component of the center stands at about $7 million.
The Context of Development
While the cultural center initiative is met with anticipation, it arrives amid tension surrounding a separate proposal from developer Elvio Tropeano, who two years ago suggested his own community center linked to a controversial golf course project on Pine Island. Tropeano’s golf course development remains in limbo, facing scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles.
Critics of Tropeano’s project question whether his plans had any influence on the county’s development of the cultural center or if he might seek to co-opt its vision. Despite this, Tropeano has expressed support for the county’s initiative, claiming he was unaware of the cultural center’s details prior to Glover’s recent presentation, and he remains open to collaboration.
Historical Background
The idea for an arts center on St. Helena Island has had a rocky history. Initial proposals in 2017 failed to gain momentum, leading to a lack of progress for several years. In 2019, Beaufort County commissioned a feasibility study, which was completed in 2022. This examination highlighted the island’s rich cultural heritage as a potential economic asset for development and tourism but also pointed out challenges for the area stemming from historical disinvestment and a shortage of essential amenities.
As the Gullah Geechee cultural center project moves forward, the community’s mixed reactions reflect a broader concern about balancing economic growth with preserving the island’s unique landscape and culture. The outcomes of ongoing discussions and further developments could shape the future of St. Helena Island’s cultural heritage and entrepreneurial aspirations.
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Additional Resources
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Wikipedia: Gullah
- The Guardian
- Google Search: Gullah Geechee cultural center
- Garden & Gun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
