As one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina and the nation, Hardeeville faced a severe housing shortage. Housing prices had grown unaffordable for some critical workers like teachers, law enforcement and service industry staff — critical employees for the local community and economy — who become unable to purchase their own home rather than rent their housing. Because traditional market forces could not bridge this gap and develop new housing for low-to-moderate-income families, the city formed an Attainable Housing Task Force that brought together real estate agents, builders and nonprofits.  

After analyzing land availability, construction costs and demographics, the group planned and developed the Harvey Place Project, a set of 10 townhouses on Hardeeville’s Main Street, a walkable environment with easy grocery access, to serve as a proof-of-concept model for attainable housing in the region. The downtown location’s high visibility illustrates that these developments can be a valuable addition to a neighborhood. 

The public/private partnership aimed to use funds in the most efficient and effective way possible. Forino Co. built the houses at cost for well below market rate, totaling $2.25 million for all 10 units. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry offered volunteer labor and its specialized mortgage model, while the Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust granted $9,000 per home for closing costs. The members of the partnership are now refining this attainable housing template for greater funding efficiency in future projects. 

Contact Neil Parsons at nparsons@hardeevillesc.gov or 843.784.2231.