If you live or work in Summerville, SC, chances are you’ve heard about the Nexton development under construction at the intersection of Interstate 26 and Highway 17A. If you haven’t been to that side of town over the past few months, you might be surprised to see how different it looks already. Described by Mayor Bill Collins as a “game-changer for our town and the Charleston region,” Nexton is poised to become one of the most desirable communities in the Lowcountry.
Developer MeadWestvaco’s website states: “We’ve brought in the best local and national talent to help us create a new model for town-building. One that looks forward and back, combining the latest ideas for connectivity and efficiency with the wisdom of Charleston’s inspired, walkable cityscape.”
Nexton is in the beginnings of a 20-year buildout, 
and the 4,500-acre community will play host to residential areas, park areas, commercial space, schools, hotels, restaurants, and a recently announced 50-acre medical campus. In addition to being the first gigabit community in South Carolina, the Nexton development will include:
- Over 10,000 homes, including 2,000 apartments
- 6 million square feet of commercial space
- 1.5 miles of frontage on I-26
- 2,000 acres of parks and nature
- Over 50 miles of trails
Phase 1 of Nexton is well under way. The first 148 acres will be made up of mostly commercial space. Currently under construction are MWV Community Development and Land Management’s 100,000-square-foot building, SCRA’s 75,000-square-foot office, and a Courtyard by Marriott. Phase 1 will also introduce a Residence Inn Marriott, a Carolina Ale House, The Parks apartments, and smaller retailers and boutiques.
Phase 2, Brighton Park, is projected to include 675 homes and one elementary school, set to open in August of 2015. Brighton Park will also host a 30-acre park intended for youth sports. It’s just one of seven large parks to be located throughout the community. The remaining phases will likely consist of additional commercial and residential space.
According to MeadWestvaco’s website, “This is new thinking — a fresh, sophisticated concoction of things you never knew could go together. All of life’s essentials, brought together in a unique mix of high technology and Lowcountry living. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
We don’t know about you, but we’re excited to see what the Nexton community will do for the area. What are your thoughts on the expansion and innovation? Do you think it be great for families and businesses alike, or will it lead to overcrowding and further traffic congestion in Summerville? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
