Hair Salon near James Island, SC

JAMES ISLAND – Tucked away in an overgrown forest blanketed in draping Spanish moss, The May Forest Convent will soon become the centerpiece of a new state park.

From the outside, the single-story beige building could be anything, but this was where Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy lived and spent their lives in service to their faith on the edge of Charleston Harbor with a panoramic view of the city.

Much of the religious artifacts have been removed but the tall stained-glass windows forged in the 1800s and vaulted point of the chapel are the only giveaways to its former life.

Soon, it will serve a new purpose as an event venue.

Saving Grace

Every day, the sisters would start their mornings together in prayer as the sunrise shined through the chapel’s stained-glass windows. They spent most of their days volunteering in the community, caring for their eldest sisters and spending time with one-another during mass, meals and free time.

Sister Mary Joseph, general superior of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, made her vows in 1960 after graduating from high school. Now 80, she said many of her favorite memories throughout those 63 years of service are the times spent with sisters in their chapel after taking the vow “of commitment to the church and in service of God’s people.”

The Sisters of Charity congregation of nuns dates back nearly two centuries in Charleston. The group ran a school for free children of color in the 1840s, cared for both Union and Confederate wounded soldiers during the Civil War, founded the hospital that would evolve into the Roper St. Francis Healthcare system and ran social service organizations that helped those facing poverty.

As the congregation aged and fewer women joined the ranks, a decision was made to relocate its surviving members to the Bishop Gadsden retirement home and sell the property. The once sacred place of prayer is just a place of peace now, nestled along the waterfront. It sits empty, but the state has big plans for the site.

New life for former convent

The 23-acre waterfront parcel was bought by the state in 2021 for $23.25 million. Located at the end of Fort Johnson Road, the convent was built in the 1950s.

The waterfront property offers a one-of-a-kind view that can only otherwise be seen from a boat in the harbor, complete with views of downtown Charleston, Fort Sumter, and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The waves gently grace the shore, offering a soothing sound in tune with the rustling trees.

Despite having a cash offer from a developer, the Catholic Church worked with the state to preserve the property. Many had hoped it would become a park to keep that rare view from being privatized. It’s a promise the state intends to keep.

The property is owned by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, which runs the marine lab next door, and is managed by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

“Unless you were a sister or visiting priest, chances are you didn’t know that this was tucked away back here,” said agency Director Duane Parrish. “This is a rare opportunity here. We envision the building to become a space for people to stay or to enjoy events like weddings, and for the property to become a place where people can relax along the harbor-front in a peaceful park setting.”

The venue will be similar to Charles Towne Landing, he added.

Director of State Parks Paul McCormack envisions the rental space will include overnight accommodations as well as a chapel area, a rental hall and dining offerings, and the scenic view will be a “prime wedding location along the harbor.”

“It may not look like it now but there’s no doubt about it, this would be a unique event space,” McCormack said. “To be right on the water outside of downtown and to have this view, it’s one of a kind.”

As it stands, the convent main building has 27 rooms, a chapel that seats 60 and a large open meeting space that can seat 125. Once updates are completed, they expect around 15-20 rooms. They also hope to add a dock along the water to complement the existing gazebo and bench swing.

McCormack said the biggest challenge is the convent is not turnkey and ready to rent out.

The property is undergoing evaluation as part of a master planning process that will map out the next 20 years for the entire Fort Johnson pointe, the area surrounding that part of James Island. The building needs to be reviewed by architects and engineers to see what the price tag will be to renovate.

“This was a treasured place of religion, which is evident by the chapel and other markers,” Parish said. “We want to acknowledge and honor its 70-year history as a convent, yet modernize it for future generations to cherish. It’s location along the harbor makes it the perfect place for weddings and events.”

The property was most recently used as a film set for the Netflix flick “Suncoast,” featuring Woody Harrelson and Laura Linney. A faux digital stained-glass window featured in the film still sits in the chapel as a centerpiece over the former altar.

This business model is a new approach to helping the department become more self-sustaining, Parrish said. Eventually, money made from renting the convent’s rooms and event space will go back into upkeep and renovations.

The undertaking is expected to have an architectural design in place by sometime in 2024. Parrish said his office has requested about $10 million in assistance from lawmakers, on top of the $5 million received last year.

While the future state park on the site has not been officially named, it is likely to be May Forest at Fort Johnson State Park. It’s a nod to the convent and the area’s rich history — the point at the end of Fort Johnson Road is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired on Fort Sumter.

Changing times

When the property was bought by the Catholic Church, the sisters raised money to clear the land and build their new home. The building housed sisters and new members joining the religious community who needed to be trained.

Sister Mary Joseph said that as times changed, the needs of the sisters did too. Much of the building was renovated after Hurricane Hugo. By that time fewer sisters were joining and existing members needed somewhere to age in place. A great hall was added to become the “center of spirituality” and more rooms for the aging and semiretired sisters were built, as well as a medical wing for those needing more intense medical care.

Now, the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy are only 12 members strong. While the decision to sell their home was a difficult one, Sister Mary Joseph said their top priority was ensuring their members were taken care of. It came down to knowing their financial and health care needs were too great.

“The sale of the property allowed us to move to Bishop Gadsden, which allowed us to provide continuing health care at different levels for our sisters,” Sister Mary Joseph said. “There is a strong sense of community at Bishop Gadsden. Our sisters there, who are able, can continue practicing their faith and provide ministry to other residents. It’s been life-giving in that sense for the sisters.”

Sister Mary Joseph said that the sisters’ faith, ministry and charity are gifts that they “continue to share wherever we are.”

A collection of artifacts and history panels are displayed in a room within the convent, which has been called the “Heritage Room.”

The state will soon open the former convent’s grounds for individuals looking to picnic or roam the property of the former convent.

“I’m so proud that our state stepped in to protect this property and its history by ensuring it’s accessible to everyone,” McCormack said. “The opportunities we have before us with this project are endless.”

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — The Lowcountry Cajun Festival will return at James Island County Park on April 22 from noon to 6 p.m.

New for 2023, festival admission will be charged per vehicle, and tickets are available for advance purchase, according to a Feb. 23 press release. A limited number of vehicles will be admitted. Tickets will be $35 per standard vehicle of up to 15 people in advance. If available, tickets at the gate will be $40 per vehicle. For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Gold Passes will be valid for vehicle admission; the pass must be presented at the gate for entry. Gold Passes will not be sold on site the day of the festival, but may be purchased in advance online. Receipt of purchase will not be accepted, according to the press release.

Read more: Lowcountry Cajun Festival returns to James Island County Park on Saturday

According to the press release, the 2023 Lowcountry Cajun Festival entertainment lineup is Shrimp City Slim Swamp All-Stars from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Les Freres Michot from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Corey Arceneaux & The Zydeco Hot Peppers from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The festival's small stage will host Friends of Coastal South Carolina for a program called “Who Calls the Swamp Home?” at 1 p.m. and the annual Crawfish Eating Contest will take place at 2:30 p.m., according to the press release. Other festivities include a crafters' market, souvenirs for sale and a kids' area.

Read more: Lowcountry Cajun Festival

Children can enjoy access to the inflatables and climbing wall in the kids' area all day with the purchase of a $10 hand stamp. Credit cards will be accepted at select locations, but attendees are encouraged to bring cash for convenience purposes, according to the press release.

No coolers or outside food or alcohol permitted, according to the press release. Carpooling is highly encouraged. Pets are not permitted to this event. James Island County Park will be closed to regular park guests on April 22 in order to host the festival.

The press release says Lowcountry Cajun Festival is presented by Charleston Animal Society, Coca-Cola and Charleston County Parks. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.

Repurposed oysters and stunning shell jewelry are popping up all over Southern shops and in jewelry boxes. But designer Laura Reed of Margerite & Motte is doing things differently. Image: Anne Rhett Photography

Laura Reed often finds herself with burnt shoulders, bug bites everywhere, and an achy back — and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Laura grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and spent six years in the U.S. Navy, where she was introduced to the South Carolina Lowcountry. After turning in her uniform, Charleston pulled her back, and she’s called it home since 2018.

When Laura began noticing the beaches’ beautifully delicate and imperfectly patterned shells, she decided to transform them into wearable art as a tribute to the natural beauty of her newfound home. We spoke with Laura about her journey to the creation of her jewelry brand, Margerite & Motte, and what sets her apart within the current oyster repurposing frenzy.

“The name Margerite & Motte is the perfect blend of my family, dogs, and city,” Laura says. ‘Margarite’ was once another name for a pearl, and ‘Marguerite’ is a family name Laura’s always loved, so she blended the two into Margerite. ‘Motte’ is a tribute to one of Laura’s dogs, who loves to jump and swim on The Battery beach. Image: Anne Rhett Photography

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

From designs that prominently feature oyster shells, to more subtle options like these Bicycle Earrings ($95), Margerite & Motte creates jewelry that is, quite literally, infused with traces of the Lowcountry.

I feel like I was always creative. I loved to draw and paint all the time. I was even celebrated as an artist at my elementary school. One time I won an art contest and my drawing was published on notecards as a fundraiser for my school. (Wow! That brought back a lot of memories!) Years later, I was “encouraged” to focus on school work and more “serious” subjects. That’s what led me to take a commission in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer after earning an engineering degree at Texas A&M University. But I left all that and could not be happier. I’m so grateful I returned to what I was first drawn to at such a young age.

After moving to Charleston in 2018, Laura had a few jobs that never quite fit. She started making jewelry part-time at home. After six months, she quit her job to focus on jewelry full-time. Image: Margerite & Motte via Facebook

I don’t use shells that are large enough to be recycled (used to form new oyster beds). I also use real gold (not gold-colored paint). Adding gold to the shells takes a lot of time and effort, so only the most beautiful ones I find are transformed using real gold. My business does not bring oyster shells to the masses at a low price point. I go to great lengths to choose suitable shells to be made into beautiful jewelry. I hand-make every piece.

Creating a new batch of pieces is a multi-day process. Laura spends one day finding, gathering, and sorting shells. One day is spent disinfecting and cleaning. Another day is spent pairing, polishing, and attaching studs. And two more days are reserved for gilding each piece. Image: Margarite & Motte via Facebook

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

My jewelry is a tribute to this place that I now call home. Even though I’m not from here, I love all the things that make it beautiful. I don’t want to change the Lowcountry — I want to celebrate it and focus on what makes it beautiful and unique. This place is the inspiration for all of my work, but done in a style that I can proudly say is mine.

Laura’s resin shell cuffs are named “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere” — a nod to a Dwight Yoakam lyric. Image: Margerite & Motte

That all my supplies are free and unlimited. I guess, technically, that is true, but I don’t treat it that way. I spend hours combing the shoreline for the right shells and put back what I don’t use. Each shell I collect has an intended purpose, and I have intention behind everything I do. My family sometimes likes to help me collect, and I appreciate it, but I feel bad when I tell them I can’t use 99% of what they collect because I have a very narrow set of requirements.

We are grateful to all our sponsors:

No one understands what goes on in my mind about what I select. I don’t like to “waste” this beautiful resource we’ve been given. To be a good steward of the ocean, I must understand that what I take is not “free” and “limitless.” I am very grateful for what nature has given me and will try my hardest not to abuse that privilege.

Laura painstakingly selects and collects her shells on Sol Legare Landing in James Island, South Carolina, and other nearby beaches. Image: Anne Rhett Photography

I’m fortunate to live in one of the best vacation cities in the world and constantly enjoy all that Charleston has to offer. I love to walk The Battery on a beautiful day or take a trip to a surrounding beach. My favorite Charleston spots are The Royal American, Harken Cafe, Monarch Wine Merchants, Little Miss Ha, Kwei Fei, NICO, and Burbages Grocery.

“Even though I’m not from here, I love all the things that make it beautiful,” says Laura of her current home.

Don’t be afraid to charge what you know you’re worth. I don’t know who told me that or if the many businesswomen in my life have given me that advice. I see so many small business owners who don’t charge enough for all the work they do. If I could make jewelry for free, I would, but that’s not our world.

You can find Laura alongside many other makers at seasonal markets and events like Bluffton Artisan Market by Lowcountry Made, a champion of the area’s makers, artists, and small businesses. Image: Lowcountry Made via Facebook

The network of other small business owners here in Charleston. I am so grateful for the incredible women I have met who are so talented! We constantly lift each other up and help where we can. We have a very supportive small-business community in Charleston, and good people are working hard every day to create a life they are proud of; they would do anything to help others achieve the same.

Thank you for chatting, Laura! Shop Margerite & Motte here.

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JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston City leaders provided some insight on a flood-prone neighborhood on James Island that saw an excess of water after Hurricane Ian.

News 2 first introduced viewers to Michael Miller and his wife on Friday when Hurricane Ian flooded their home and others on Shoreham Road.

According to Miller, it took about five to six hours for the water to drain on the street and about three hours for it to recede inside his home.

“We just started getting as much of the water and as much of the dirt out as we could. Putting up fans, scrubbing down everything. Trying to assess the damage,” said Miller.

According to Charleston City leaders, Shoreham Road is known to flood because it sits in a low-lying area.

“It’s a neighborhood where when that water falls on the streets and on the roofs and on the properties it’s hard to move it out very quickly especially if we get higher tides,” explained Matthew Fountain, the Director of Stormwater Management for the City of Charleston.

There are a few projects in the works to help prevent flooding in the neighborhood. Fountain said one includes a rain garden that is set to be built at the site of a former flood-prone home the city acquired through federal grants.

He said the other small project consists of constructing a drainage swale system to help store more water in the neighborhood. While these projects can help with a typical thunderstorm/rain event, Fountain said it will take more to prevent flooding in a major storm like Ian.

“That neighborhood is going to experience flooding. That’s part of the reason we’ve looked at home acquisitions and demolition in that location giving people the opportunity if they have a heavily flooded home to have the city work with the federal government and eventually buy their homes,” explained Fountain.

Meanwhile, drainage projects on other parts of James Island seem to be showing signs of improvement. News 2 met with Charleston County Councilwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course where drainage improvements are underway.

She said Hurricane Ian was one of the first big storms to hit the area since rolling out the projects. Because of the work that was done over the last few years, Honeycutt said the water in the system was able to drain within one tide cycle, as opposed to sitting for days as it has in the past.

“One of the parts of the improvements that really helped was cleaning out the Stono River outfall and then back up the ditch system to the entire watershed, so that water could drain out faster. In conjunction, we also enhanced these ponds you see on the golf course to allow more water to stay in the system as the tides change,” explained Honeycutt.

According to city leaders, they monitor streets like Shoreham Road ahead of big storms, making sure the pipes aren’t clogged.

The City of Charleston’s Planning Commission on Wednesday will review plans for a new residential development on James Island.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The City of Charleston’s Planning Commission on Wednesday will review plans for a new residential development on James Island.

The property has both low-lying wetlands and high ground, which appears to be causing concern for some James Island residents.

One James Island resident, Franny Henty, said she is concerned about the flooding problems that developments in low-lying areas may cause for surrounding neighbors.

Developers are proposing to build the ‘Harbor View Towns’ near the intersection of the James Island Expressway and Harbor View Road. According to the submitted plans, it will consist of six single-family and 10 multifamily units.

Henty lives off of Folly Road, right near Publix.

With the multiple jurisdictions interacting on James Island, she said she hopes the city is being careful with its stormwater retention plan, especially considering the low-lying areas and wetlands on the property.

“Adding so much development can flood out the neighbors, and that’s not apparent immediately, its apparent years later, Henty said.

City of Charleston Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability Robert Summerfield said the majority of the property is high land, but the portion of the property containing wetlands will be “pretty significantly” buffered away.

He said the developer’s plans include a stormwater retention plan, and even though the multiple jurisdictions can be confusing from a planning perspective, he is confident in the city’s stormwater requirements.

“This property is in the city, this property is not, and so on and so forth. But this one is in the city, has to meet all of our requirements. And again, our stormwater requirements, I would put those up against any in the state in terms of their stringent requirements to safeguard against future, and particularly downstream, flooding,” Summerfield said.

We are waiting to hear from the developer for comment.

Today’s planning commission meeting will take place at 5:00 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room on the first floor of 2 George Street.

The meeting will also be live streamed and recorded on the City of Charleston Public Meetings YouTube channel.

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