Located in the Northwest Quadrant of the historic district, the homes cost $50,000 and would be ideal for family members or artists, developer Dick Stewart told Beaufort’s Redevelopment Commission last month. It is a “troubled area” and needs work, according to islandpacket.
Originally proposed last year by Stewart and fellow developer John Trask, particulars about allowed uses within the district and, making certain the homes fit in stylistically will need to be hammered out and approved by the Historic District Review Board.
Redevelopment Commission member Mike Sutton says anything is better than nothing. However, Historic Beaufort Foundation director Maxine Lutz said, “I think we would be very concerned if materials allowed in this new construction were things we don’t allow historic houses to use. I think we need to protect what’s there. I don’t like the idea of manufactured housing.”
Panel chairman Jon Verity said no rules would be bent and the homes would conform to the appropriate historic standards. The small houses “can serve as areas of collaboration and bases for local artists to grow and develop their art and careers,” Beaufort Arts Council director Kim Sullivan said.
Support for the project is basically coming from all sides. Wrote Mayor Billy Keyserling, “This is not just about housing. The concept ties to it the economic driver – art. There are several issues to be worked through, but this is an idea worth pursuing as it weaves affordable housing, economic development and regenerating neighborhoods together.” ##
(Photo credit: 27east/Kyril Bromley–modular housing)
