Colucci’s Jewelers. | 10016 Dorchester rd Summerville SC 29485

Best Jewelry Store near Summerville, SC

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We want like to take a moment to welcome you to Colucci's Jewelers - Summerville's premier jewelry store for more than 60 years. We are so happy that you decided to visit our website! We hope that while you're here, you will begin to get a sense of why so many customers choose Colucci's Jewelers over other jewelry stores near Summerville, SC.
In an industry known for snobby salespeople and overpriced items, Colucci's Jewelers brings warm smiles and affordable prices to jewelry shoppers in the Lowcountry. Unlike other jewelers near Summerville, the Colucci team focuses on providing customers with an unmatched jewelry experience, from the moment they pull into our parking lot to the minute they leave our showroom. We believe our customers deserve special attention, and our goal is to provide them with friendly, personalized service every time they visit.

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The Colucci Difference

As a certified jeweler with more than 50 years in the industry, Stefan Colucci has built his reputation on excellence and execution. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for precision, Stefan pours his heart into every custom-made piece of jewelry, repair, restoration, and appraisal that he completes at Colucci's Jewelers. With consistent craftsmanship and impressive attention to detail, Stefan's ability to cater to all your jewelry needs will exceed your expectations every time.
While Stefan focuses on creating unforgettable custom jewelry for you or your loved one, his wife Summer specializes in customer service. Kind, patient, and knowledgeable in her own right, Summer will take all the time necessary to answer your questions and guide you through the jewelry selection process. Whether you're stressed out looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring or need to restore a priceless family heirloom, Summer will make sure you receive the attention you deserve.
When you shop at Colucci's Jewelry, understand that we will never try to pressure you into a purchase or provide you with lackluster service if you're "window shopping." We treat each of our customers with the same exceptional care, whether they are repeat clients or new faces.
Colucci's is a name you can trust - there's a reason we were voted Best Jeweler in 2019 by Readers Choice!

Jewelry Stores Summerville, SC

We offer several different jewelry styles and services near Summerville, from breathtaking engagement rings to extensive repairs. Keep reading to learn more about a few of our specialties.

 Jewelry Repair Summerville, SC

Diamond Engagement Rings near Summerville

Proposing to the love of your life is one of the most beautiful, memorable moments that two people will ever share as a couple. An engagement ring symbolizes love and acceptance; it epitomizes trust and commitment. While no two proposals will ever be exactly the same, there is one constant that will always remain true: the diamond engagement ring you choose from Colucci's Jewelers will give you a lifetime of pleasure and contentment.
We understand that choosing the right engagement ring is one of the most important decisions you can make. That is why we pair the finest engagement jewelry near Summerville, SC, with one-on-one showings and helpful advice - to ensure that you discover dazzling rings at an affordable price. With the Colucci team by your side, we take second-guessing out of the equation, so you can focus on popping the question with confidence. After all, a diamond engagement ring is meant to be cherished for a lifetime!

Factors to Consider Before Buying an Engagement Ring

We find that taking the time to give our clients as much information as possible makes their experience easier and more enjoyable. Before you visit our store in person, consider the following factors when choosing an engagement ring:

  • Ring Size: Knowing your fiance's ring size is crucial, especially if you're planning a surprise without her knowing. Borrow one of her rings and bring it to Colucci's Jewelers, and we will measure free of charge. For the perfect fit, we can also resize her ring when the time is right.
  • Jewelry Preference: Sapphire? Ruby? Emerald? Diamond? At Colucci Jewelry, we have a wide range of gemstones to choose from which to choose, as well as settings and metal types. Ask your fiancee's friends or family for tips, or better yet, ask her yourself if you can do so without spoiling the surprise.
  • 4 C's: The four C's represent color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. If you're just starting your search, this system might be foreign to you, but it is a trusted grading system used throughout the world. We recommend you visit Colucci's Jewelers for a quick education on this system, so you can find a quality diamond at a price that fits within your budget.
 Full Service Jewelry Store Summerville, SC

On-Site Jewelry Services near Summerville

 Best Jewelry Store Summerville, SC

With regular care and maintenance, your piece of fine jewelry from Colucci's Jewelers will give you a lifetime of enjoyment. Whether your favorite emerald necklace needs cleaning or a small diamond in your engagement ring is loose, we are happy to help. With more than 50 years of experience as Colucci's Jewelers' in-house repair expert, Stefan Colucci will handle your jewelry with care and compassion. Stefan is also highly skilled at creating designer jewelry near Summerville, SC. If you have a grand idea for a custom jewelry project, Stefan will consult with you one-on-one to turn your dream into reality.

In addition to the above services, Colucci Jewelers also offers:

  • Class Rings
  • Cash for Gold
  • Gold Dealer Services
  • Consignment Services
  • Custom Diamond Engagement Rings
  • Luxury Watches
  • Luxury Watch Repair
  • Rhodium Plating
  • Same-Day Jewelry Repair
  • Gold Coins for Sale
  • Restringing

Don't risk sending your jewelry off to another state or country to be repaired by someone you can't see or talk to - as the premier on-site jewelry store near Summerville, we will handle all of your jewelry needs in person, with hard work and a smile.

If you need to get your fine jewelry appraised for insurance purposes, Colucci's Jewelers can help.

It's a great idea to get your jewelry appraised periodically. As the years pass along, the value of your precious metals and gemstones can fluctuate. If your last appraisal was more than two years ago, you could run into problems with your insurance coverage. If your jewelry is insured for less than its replacement value, you could lose a substantial amount of money if it is stolen or lost.

To help prevent situations like this from happening, our on-site jeweler Stefan Colucci will provide you with an up-to-date appraisal report based on your jewelry's current market value. That way, you can update your insurance accordingly.

We also specialize in estate jewelry appraisals, so you know exactly how much your old jewelry is worth if you are thinking of selling.

Our appraisal services include:

  • Diamond Appraisals
  • Insurance Appraisals
  • Court Appraisals
  • Estate Jewelry Appraisals
  • Cash Offer for Appraised Jewelry

Jewelry Appraisal Services near Summerville

 Cash For Jewelry Summerville, SC
 Buy Your Rolex Summerville, SC

Sell Your Jewelry near Summerville

Selling jewelry from years past can be a hard experience. Estate jewelry, in particular, can have sentimental value attached and can be hard to sell. This is because jewelry is often a symbol of achievement or affection, such as your class ring from high school or your grandmother's wedding band. At Colucci's Jewelers, we understand the connection to old jewelry and appreciate the memories and value you have with these antique pieces.

In addition to the personal value, antique and estate jewelry can be quite valuable from a monetary standpoint. Estate jewelry is extremely popular in this day and age. Many Lowcountry locals are selling their vintage pieces to trusted jewelry stores near Summerville, SC, like Colucci's Jewelers.

Many customers choose to sell their jewelry to Colucci's Jewelers because we offer an intimate, honest experience - something that you will certainly not receive if you list your jewelry for sale on an internet marketplace. We will be upfront with you every step of the way to help separate personal value from monetary value, and will present you with a fair offer to consider.

If you are interested in selling your jewelry, we encourage you to visit our showroom to meet our staff and get an accurate appraisal of your jewelry's worth.

We buy a multitude of different jewelry, including:
  • Estate Jewelry
  • Custom Jewelry
  • Antique Jewelry
  • Diamonds
  • Rubies
  • Sapphires
  • Emeralds
  • Male Wedding Rings
  • Female Wedding Rings
  • Engagement Rings
  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Necklaces
  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Platinum
  • All-Things Rolex

Summerville's Most Trusted Jewelry Store

We are proud and grateful to have served thousands of customers looking for quality jewelry and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere. We would love the opportunity to speak with you face-to-face so that we can learn what you're looking for and what you love about jewelry. Whether you're looking for a custom diamond engagement ring or need friendly advice about what looks right, we are here help.

Latest News in Summerville, SC

Berkeley, Summerville mark 100 years of rivalry football

One hundred years ago, Berkeley and Summerville played football for the first time.“Moncks Corner overwhelmed by large score,” reported the Charleston News and Courier on Nov. 3, 1923. Summerville defeated the old Moncks Corner High School by 59-6.“The entire Summerville backfield, Riggs at tackle and Hutchinson at end starred,” the article said. “O. Sanders at quarterback played a splendid game for Moncks Corner.”Friday’s contest at John McKissick Field in Summerville will be th...

One hundred years ago, Berkeley and Summerville played football for the first time.

“Moncks Corner overwhelmed by large score,” reported the Charleston News and Courier on Nov. 3, 1923. Summerville defeated the old Moncks Corner High School by 59-6.

“The entire Summerville backfield, Riggs at tackle and Hutchinson at end starred,” the article said. “O. Sanders at quarterback played a splendid game for Moncks Corner.”

Friday’s contest at John McKissick Field in Summerville will be the 88th overall in the series. The teams played sporadically in the 1930s and ’40s, mostly in the postseason.

The rivalry has featured many players who went on to star in college and in the NFL, and great coaches such as Summerville’s John McKissick and Berkeley’s Gerald Moody and Jerry Brown. Summerville announced Friday that the McKissick Museum, dedicated to the winningest football coach of all time, will open at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 before the Berkeley game.

Our town, our coach.Join us this evening for the McKissick Museum grand opening, tonight at 6:00 before we take on the Berkeley Stags. pic.twitter.com/jkVptNq7JZ

— Summerville Football (@SummervilleFB) September 1, 2023

The series heated up in the late 1950s, and the teams have played nearly every year from 1960-2007. That 2007 season saw each school play teams from Florida as part of a doubleheader. The series resumed in 2008 and has been played every year since.

Summerville holds a 61-23 edge in victories, with four games ending in a tie. The Green Wave holds the longest winning streak at 11 games in the series. The Stags won three straight from 2017-19, but Summerville has won the last three contests.

Current Summerville head coach Ian Rafferty is 5-0 all-time in the series. Rafferty was a player in two wins back in the 1990’s and has won all three meetings since he has been head coach.

For a long time, Berkeley and Summerville were the only high schools in their respective counties. The creation of new high schools over the years have added other rivals to each team’s schedules. Goose Creek came along in 1969, followed by fellow Berkeley County schools Stratford (1983) and Cane Bay (2008).

In Summerville’s district, Fort Dorchester (1992) and Ashley Ridge (2008) have also become rivals for the Green Wave.

“I think it still means a lot to some people, but things have really changed over the years,” Rafferty said of the Berkeley game.

Berkeley’s Eric Lodge, as a new head coach in the Lowcountry, is experiencing his first game against Summerville. The game still means a lot in Moncks Corner, he’s been told.

“I heard about that game during the interview process,” Lodge said. “I got the impression that for a lot of people, it’s still a big deal.”

As for this year’s meeting, one team will take its first loss of 2023. Summerville, the top-ranked team in the state for Class AAAAA, won its opener last week at Carolina Forest. Berkeley is off to a 2-0 start with wins over Timberland and Hanahan by a total of five points.

Both teams have excellent quarterbacks in junior Jaden Cummings at Summerville and freshman Henry Rivers at Berkeley.

“We need to play better than we did last week,” Rafferty said. “Berkeley has some good talent. Their quarterback (freshman Henry Rivers) is the real deal. They have our full attention.”

Lodge says the Green Wave is worthy of its lofty state ranking. He says Summerville has explosiveness on offense with a physical, fast defense.

Wright Cousins

Another area rivalry resumes on Saturday night as Cross hosts Berkeley County rival Timberland at 6 p.m. Cross head coach Shaun Wright and Timberland head coach Greg Wright are first cousins (their fathers are brothers). This will be the third matchup between the two as head coaches, with each having a win.

Timberland has dominated the overall series, which began after Timberland opened in 1997. Cross won games in 2000 and 2001 but did not win again in the series until last season.

In fact, Cross won the 2001 game when Greg Wright scored the winning touchdown for the Trojans. His cousin, Shaun, was an assistant coach on that team.

“Timberland sort of took off when Art Craig got there as head coach,” said Shaun Wright, who became an assistant at Timberland in 2002. “It should be a great game on Saturday night. Timberland is 0-2 but they could easily be 2-0. They are good.”

Cross is 1-1 with a win over Hemingway and a loss to Calhoun County. Timberland lost to Berkeley (36-32) and Indian Land (7-6).

David Shelton’s Lowcountry Top 10

1. Summerville

2. James Island

3. Fort Dorchester

4. Philip Simmons

5. Oceanside Collegiate

6. Lucy Beckham

7. Ashley Ridge

8. Woodland

9. West Ashley

10. Berkeley

High School Football Schedule

Sept. 1

Berkeley at Summerville

Ashley Ridge at Conway

White Knoll at Colleton Co.

Grayson (Ga.) at Fort Dorchester

Sumter at Goose Creek

Lexington at Stratford

Stall at Wando

Cane Bay at West Ashley

Timberland at Cross, 6 p.m. Saturday

Lucy Beckham at Bishop England (canceled)

First Baptist at James Island

North Charleston at Baptist Hill

Philip Simmons at Georgetown

Woodland at Bluffton (canceled)

Academic Magnet at Burke

Colleton Prep at Branchville

Palmetto Christian at Military Magnet

Denmark-Olar at St. Johns

Camden Military at Porter-Gaud

Northwood at Thomas Heyward

Ben Lippen at Pinewood Prep

Conway Christian at Faith Christian

Cross Schools at Dorchester Academy

Isolated tornadoes a risk along SC coast from Hurricane Idalia, forecasters warn

As Hurricane Idalia spins a gradual, destructive path through Florida on its way to Georgia and South Carolina, cities and towns in its way prepare for the usual possibilities of strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge.But forecasts suggest coastal area residents should prep for another weather event associated with the incoming storm: tornadoes.The Nat...

As Hurricane Idalia spins a gradual, destructive path through Florida on its way to Georgia and South Carolina, cities and towns in its way prepare for the usual possibilities of strong winds, heavy rains and storm surge.

But forecasts suggest coastal area residents should prep for another weather event associated with the incoming storm: tornadoes.

The National Weather Service based in Charleston is predicting about a 5 percent chance of isolated tornadoes across the coastal South Carolina from the afternoon of Aug. 30 into the morning Aug. 31.

It’s not unusual for tornadoes spurred by hurricanes or tropical storms to form on the northeast flank of a storm system, said Brian Haines, a NWS meteorologist in Charleston.

“Hurricanes and tornadoes have always gone hand in hand,” Haines said.

South Carolinians don’t have to look far back in time to find that’s true.

In 2004, Hurricane Frances made landfall in Florida before sweeping up to South Carolina. That storm spawned 46 twisters in its wake.

The 1994 Tropical Storm Beryl is another example that comes to mind for Frank Strait, a severe weather liaison with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

Beryl churned out 23 tornadoes in South Carolina. The storm hit Lexington hard, causing millions of dollars in damages, Strait said.

Most tropical tornadoes that hit South Carolina are from systems that make landfall in the Gulf of Mexico and continue on a path toward the north or northeast.

Usually, tornadoes produced by tropical cyclones are relatively weak and short-lived, but they can still pose a significant threat, according to the National Weather Service.

The number of tornadoes possible with Idalia is difficult to forecast, Strait said.

“The important thing to keep in mind is that people who live along our coast need to be ready for this tornado risk that’s coming Wednesday night,” Strait said.

That preparation includes tuning in to local weather stations, turning on weather radios and forming a plan to find shelter well before a tornado touches down.

Idalia reached hurricane strength early Tuesday, and the National Weather Services predicts the storm will continue to intensify. It’s expected to make landfall north of Tampa, Fla., the morning of Aug. 30.

The National Hurricane Center issued a storm surge watch for the entire South Carolina shoreline. A flood watch has been issued in Charleston, coastal Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties for Wednesday and into Thursday morning.

Despite the potential for Idalia to churn out a tornado or two, Haines ranks storm surge, coastal flooding and heavy rainfall as more pressing and dangerous potentials than the possibility for isolated tornadoes.

He urges coastal residents to prepare.

Summerville designer Gray Benko and family are stars of new home renovation TV series

Summerville designer Gray Benko and her family are on a quest to bring color and life back to historic spaces in the Charleston area. It’s a feat they are accomplishing head-on in a new TV series called “Happy to be Home with the Benkos.”In six episodes, Gray Benko teams up with her craftsman husband, Mike Benko, and her father, Joe “Grumpy” Highsmith, to renovate portions of six historic Charleston-area homes.Each episode features a different house that dates back at least 100 years. The idea is t...

Summerville designer Gray Benko and her family are on a quest to bring color and life back to historic spaces in the Charleston area. It’s a feat they are accomplishing head-on in a new TV series called “Happy to be Home with the Benkos.”

In six episodes, Gray Benko teams up with her craftsman husband, Mike Benko, and her father, Joe “Grumpy” Highsmith, to renovate portions of six historic Charleston-area homes.

Each episode features a different house that dates back at least 100 years. The idea is to add color, texture and fun to each one while breaking away from the “stereotypical farmhouse concept that has been so popular for so long,” said Mike Benko.

Most of the renovated spaces are ones the homeowners were unhappy with. They were either looking for a change, or the space needed some sort of structural or construction work.

The crew works to salvage the integrity of each home’s history while adding the flair of Gray Benko’s designs. Once complete, most of the spaces are revived from floor to ceiling with brand new construction, vibrant colors and patterns, antique furniture and fixtures from local shops.

Each member of the trio has their own rule in the renovations. Gray, who is also a photographer, is responsible for the designs. Highsmith, a general contractor from Hilton Head Island, oversees the construction. And Gray describes her husband, Mike, as a renaissance man who’s “like a jack-of-all-trades kind of guy.” He completes a personalized, special project for each homeowner.

Gray, a Lowcountry native, said her family’s passion for this work likely stems from living in historic homes for so many years. They’ve renovated their own homes, “and that’s kind of how this whole things started,” she said.

“I did our houses, people saw it on my Instagram, loved it and then started asking me for help with their house,” she said. “And then it all turned into this whole TV show thing, and here we are.”

“Happy to be Home with the Benkos” airs on the Magnolia Network, which features original shows curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of the hit home renovation TV series “Fixer Upper” and owners of the Magnolia home brand. The show can be streamed on HBO Max and Discovery+, too.

Since the Benkos utilize local businesses to help with the renovations, many Lowcountry faces are seen on the show, too, like Charleston upholsterer Kelvin Moultrie of Carolina Auto Trim, seamstress Elizabeth Wheaton of Wheaton Whaley Home and designer Sally Bennet of Mirth Studio, among other South Carolinians.

The Benkos are currently taking on new projects in the Summerville and Charleston areas. Homes that are built in the 1920s or earlier are preferred.

“We are looking for people who are not afraid of color, obviously, and who have renovations that they already want to do,” Gray said.

Those who are interested should send an email to info.graybenko@gmail.com.

Vasectomies are on the rise, but a Summerville man’s case should give pause

SUMMERVILLE — Jacob Limehouse, 26, and his wife do not want children and had already discussed Jacob getting a vasectomy. Then the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in late June 2022, allowing states like South Carolina to seek to ban or severely restrict access to abortion, and that sealed it for them.“That definitely added to t...

SUMMERVILLE — Jacob Limehouse, 26, and his wife do not want children and had already discussed Jacob getting a vasectomy. Then the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in late June 2022, allowing states like South Carolina to seek to ban or severely restrict access to abortion, and that sealed it for them.

“That definitely added to the desire to get it done,” Limehouse said.

After doing what he felt was a lot of research, much of which downplayed the risk from the procedure, he went in for a vasectomy on Jan. 9. What followed was a trip to the emergency room and a week at Summerville Medical Center battling severe complications that have left him with lingering pain and extensive medical bills.

Limehouse wasn’t alone in his newfound interest in vasectomies. Immediately after the Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court, the search for information on vasectomies hit a five-year high on Google Trends, according an article in the journal Fertility and Sterility. In many states, particularly those which banned or severely restricted abortion in the wake of the decision, interest in vasectomies took off, according to an analysis by The Post and Courier.

In Michigan, where a temporary injunction blocked a 1931 law that banned abortion except to save the life of a mother, inquiries about vasectomies at one clinic increased 225 percent compared to the year before, according to a study in the Journal of Urology. Another study at 10 academic medical centers spread across the country found an overall 10.9 percent increase in vasectomy interest among patients compared to a slight decrease the year before. The rates varied across the centers and were higher in states where bans or restrictions were enacted, the authors found.

In Ohio, where a ban on abortions after six weeks is on hold, the number of inquiries at one large clinic increased 22.4 percent in the months after the decision compared to the year before, according to a study in the International Journal of Impotence Research. More of those men, like Limehouse, tended to be younger and childless compared to those who sought vasectomies the year before, the Ohio study found, which lines up with the experience at other clinics.

Not every clinic is seeing an increase.

“We’re seeing roughly the same number of vasectomy consultations,” said Dr. Tracy J. Tipton of Urology Associates of Charleston. Because the practice sets aside a certain number of slots for vasectomies, the wait to get in has increased over the last several years, particularly during the pandemic, but is back down to about four to six months, he said, what it has been for the last couple of years.

While weighing the impact of the abortion ruling and surge of interest in vasectomies, there were also concerns about how the procedure was being portrayed on social media, according to a Perspective in the Journal of Urology, which is published by the 23,000-member American Urological Association. Particularly troubling were suggestions that vasectomies were a “solution” to contraception concerns and that the procedure was easily reversible, the authors noted. But reversal procedures are “technically challenging and expensive” surgeries that insurance companies are not likely to cover, the Perspective found.

Tipton of Urology Associates in Charleston said reversals are rarely covered by insurance and not likely to work if many years have passed, so he counsels his patients to consider a vasectomy as permanent.

“I try to tell them, yes, technically this is reversible but you should think about this like an irreversible procedure,” he said. “If you are on the fence, maybe we need to think about this a little bit more.”

‘It could happen to you’

The risks involved might also be downplayed on social media. When Limehouse did his research, he found the complications were portrayed as “super minor,” mainly swelling, bleeding at the surgery site and some persistent pain that could last a month. He got similar counseling about complications at the clinic.

On the afternoon he headed in for the procedure, “I wasn’t nervous at all,” Limehouse said. “I had read so many positive stories. I couldn’t find a negative story, to be honest.”

The whole thing took maybe 20 minutes under local anesthesia, he said, then he rested for five minutes before heading home.

But almost immediately, there was a lot more swelling than he expected, even when applying ice packs. Then he got nauseous, then dizzy, then tried to make it to the bathroom.

“The next thing I know, my wife was standing over me, trying to wake me up,” Limehouse said. It was the first time in his life he had ever fainted.

His wife, Marissa Christine Wiggins, called her parents for advice. When the nausea continued and Limehouse passed out again, they took him to the ER at Summerville Medical Center. Limehouse said he was only semiconscious then but Marissa told him he was extremely pale. He was rushed back for tests and a CT scan and eventually admitted for syncope, fainting or passing out, after his blood pressure dropped significantly when he stood up, according to Limehouse’s medical records.

The CT scan found a suspected blood clot just under 3 inches in diameter above his left testicle and swelling throughout the area but nothing else remarkable, the records showed. When he was again administered a test for syncope by standing for several seconds, “I passed out in the nurse’s arms,” Limehouse said.

His hemoglobin level, which measures the red blood cells that carry oxygen, and hematocrit level, which looks at the percentage of red blood cells, appeared normal at first but began dropping. A few days later, when his hemoglobin dropped to about half the normal range, nurse Ellen Patrick flagged it, records show. The urologist who performed the vasectomy, whom Limehouse does not want named, came in to perform surgery and removed the blood clot. But Limehouse said neither he nor his family was told about the clot.

Summerville Medical Center did not provide a relevant response for comment or make the nurses, whom Limehouse credits for getting the care he needed, available for comment.

Months later, he is left with some pain and a load of medical bills from his stay. He started a GoFundMe to seek help.

Still, “I don’t regret getting the procedure,” Limehouse said. “I’m happy I did it. But I regret the little research I did.”

Overall, the rate for serious complications for vasectomies is low, with infections and hematomas or lumps from blood clots, in the 2-4 percent range, according the World Journal of Men’s Health. But it is something to keep in mind, Limehouse said.

“What’s the old saying? It could happen to you,” he said.

‘The future is growth’: Summerville businesses agree with proposed development

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Some businesses say prioritizing a sense of place in the town of Summerville is most important and sometimes that means new development, despite what some people might think.Dorchester County has a proposed plan to turn 500 N. Main St., also...

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) - Some businesses say prioritizing a sense of place in the town of Summerville is most important and sometimes that means new development, despite what some people might think.

Dorchester County has a proposed plan to turn 500 N. Main St., also known as their main county building, into a hotel, retail spaces, a parking garage and more.

Some businesses located in the heart of Summerville, like Eva’s Restaurant, think change is about time.

“If we don’t have growth, we don’t have a future,” general manager Tina Howard said.

Eva’s Restaurant has been serving the town since 1944. With the proposed development, Howard says she’s not worried about competition.

“I think it would benefit us as a small business with, you know, bringing in tourists,” Howard said. “...I don’t feel it would hurt us personally because we have such a strong, established business.”

Diane Frankenberger, the owner of People, Places & Quilts, says she’s watched Summerville grow for over 30 years. She says with the old post office as the new public works art center, the old Coca-Cola company as the new YMCA and an old hardware store as her own business, she believes both the county and town councils prioritize preservation.

“You have to go forward with the future,” Frankenberger said. “We still can’t have the same houses around here and the old town hall and no computers and blah blah blah. And so, it’s keeping a sense of place, but moving forward with an eye towards the future.”

The county has already approved plans to preserve part of the county building, which once was the old hospital, and improve the current Veteran’s monument.

“I think when people are calling names or say, ‘Don’t do something,’ let’s wait and see and work together and make the best use of what we’ve got there,” Frankenberger said.

Howard says she wants her 6-year-old grandson to be able to experience a flourishing Summerville, just like she has all her life.

“A lot of people complain about the growth and ‘People will stop coming here, we’re full, don’t come here,’” Howard said. “Without growth, we don’t have a future. The future is growth.”

Frankenberger says she’s ready to move forward.

“No more gas on the fire,” Frankenberger said. “Let’s put water on the fire.”

Dorchester County provided the following statement about the proposed plan:

Dorchester County is looking forward to having greater capacity and flexibility to complete the following projects from fee revenues of the redevelopment:

Funding to preserve the façade of the old hospital building.

A new civic park and improvements to the Veterans Memorial.

An additional $8 Million in funding to DD2 schools to supplement $2 Million from the TIF.

Provide $20 Million in funding for a Community Recreation Facility in the Summerville area.

Provide $2 Million in additional funding for streetscaping and improvements to Main Street and Cedar Street.

Provide credits for workforce housing for teachers, firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders within the multi-family development for at least 15 years.

A modern County office building and additional Class A Office Space in the downtown area.

A new downtown hotel and restaurant to provide much-needed retail and hospitality amenities in the downtown area.

Create additional parking by providing for the construction of a parking garage in the downtown area.

Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.

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