Mount Pleasant, S.C. – On Monday, members of the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission discussed plans for the 2025 master plan proposal for Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, a popular shopping destination in the area. The proposed plan aims to revitalize the center with new developments, including a hotel, office space, green space, housing, and entertainment options.
Plans for the Future of Towne Centre
The goal of the 2025 proposal is to reduce the number of vacant stores at Towne Centre, a trend that has become a growing concern for the area. John Darby, CEO of The Beach Company, which is an investor in the center, highlighted the impact of store vacancies. “For example, Bed Bath & Beyond has been vacant for over a year. The longer it remains empty, the harder it becomes to reopen,” Darby said. “Retail experiences at places like Towne Centre have changed dramatically over the last couple of decades.”
Towne Centre was purchased by Continental Realty Corporation in 2020, and its new vision is to ensure the property remains vibrant and appealing to visitors.
Concerns from Anchor Tenants
However, some of the center’s anchor tenants, such as Belk, have expressed concerns about the plan. Janet Smith, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Belk, clarified that Belk is financially strong, holds long-term leases for both its main store and men’s store, and is not in receivership or bankruptcy. “We’ve met all our obligations in Towne Centre,” Smith said. “Belk contributes millions of dollars in taxes and revenue to the city and Towne Centre. We are a gathering place and have been for 27 years.”
Rob Nickel, Regional Vice President of Belk, also emphasized the store’s importance to the shopping center’s identity. “We’re the center of Towne Centre,” he said, pointing to events like the tree lighting ceremony, which traditionally takes place in front of Belk.
Concerns Over Towne Centre’s Future
Darby, representing Towne Centre’s ownership group, warned that without the proposed master plan, the shopping center could face serious challenges. “Do you want Towne Centre to thrive, or do you want to turn your back on it and let it fail?” he questioned. “If we don’t act now, it could become the next Citadel Mall or Towne Square Centre.”
Next Steps and Potential Vote
The Planning Commission did not take any formal actions on the proposal during the meeting. The full Mount Pleasant Town Council is expected to vote on the plan during the next meeting on August 12, though the proposal could be sent back to the Planning Commission for further review.
