In just a dozen years, Daniel Island, a 4,000-acre (1,619 ha) site at the northern end of Charleston Harbor has been transformed from a private hunting retreat to a master-planned community. In the process, it has become an important center for the region and a national model for smart growth.

At the project’s inception in 1995, the region’s newly opened I-526 beltway passed through Daniel Island, presenting a unique suburban infill opportunity that would enable the city to grow without contributing to sprawl. On its way to becoming a small town—the community is 50 percent complete as of early 2007—Daniel Island already has nearly 2,000 residences and a town center with shops, restaurants, and other conveniences; extensive recreation amenities; and many businesses, schools, churches, and two professional sports facilities. At buildout in 2015, the community is expected to contain approximately 6,000 residences and 3 million square feet (278,709 m2) of commercial space.

Developer/Owner
The Daniel Island Company
Charleston, SC

Site Planner
DesignWorks LC
Charleston, SC

Master Planners
Cooper Robertson & Partners
New York, NY

Jonathan Barnett
New York, NY

Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company
Charlotte, NC

Principal Authors
Julie Stern

ULI Awards for Excellence 2007 Winner