Celebrating 50 Years of Designing With Nature

Kiawah Island has long been recognized as a leading example of environmentally conscious development. Flourishing with raw, natural beauty, nothing is more vital to the Island’s ecosystem than sustainable growth that seamlessly blends human living spaces with the nature surrounding it. 

Although these sustainability efforts date back 50 years, South Street Partners (SSP) currently holds the torch, ensuring that the Island’s environmental community plan remains a top priority for years to come. SSP believes that nature is the star attraction on the Island and their mission is to maintain the balance between the natural world and our interaction with it. Partnering with leaders in architecture and conservation, along with the Urban Land Institute, Kiawah Partners continues to enhance the livelihood of the Island’s residents and wildlife. 

A Focus on Better Development: From the Beginning

Before 1974, few property owners lived on the Island, and attempts to settle Kiawah were stifled by the rough coastal conditions. Although attempts to tame the Island were thus far unsuccessful, many still understood the significance of Kiawah and its potential for serving the greater community. The preliminary planned development district application proposed by the Kiawah Beach Company in 1974 set the foundation for what it means to design with nature. 

This began a comprehensive collaboration between county officials, community developers, planners, and consultants to ensure sound environmental planning and management. In 1974, the Kiawah Investment Corporation purchased the Island and enlisted the Sea Pines Company to develop the eventual master plan, which included 7,000 units, 600,000 feet of commercial space, retail sales, and unlimited hotel accommodations. Over the next 40 years, even with many changes in ownership, the concept of “designing with nature” remained constant.

A Continued Mission

While the initial development of the Island was complex and often difficult, it was an essential part of spurring economic growth in the Lowcountry and enhancing a piece of the region that has always been considered a gem. 

In 1975, Sea Pines partnered with The Environmental Research Center, Inc. to undertake a comprehensive 16-month ecological and environmental study of Kiawah Island. Utilizing aerial photography, mapping, soil analysis, grain studies, and beach profiling, the study yielded significant insights. Notably, it revealed that the Island’s maritime forests, which comprise its core, constitute “… the most stable ecosystem on Kiawah.” Guided by these findings, a multidisciplinary team of experts–including biologists, conservationists, architects, financial planners, investors, and professors from various fields–collaborated to inform thoughtful development decisions for the Island.

In 1976, The Kiawah Island Company brought together an Architectural Review Board with the intent to “achieve an uncommon and visually pleasing blend of natural beauty and man-made improvement” and to be “… dedicated to preserving a unique and ecologically sensitive community.” Over the next decade, a plan was developed to stay true to the original sustainable development vision while expanding the Island’s offerings.

Related: The Kiawah Island Architectural Review Board (ARB)

Notable Awards

• ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD SC DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES  
• AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY PLANNING URBAN LAND INSTITUTE
• SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE FOUNDATION LAND CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
• AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS NATIONAL MERIT AWARD FOR ECOLOGICAL PLANNING

All About Kiawah Island Conservancy

Kiawah Island hosts some of the Carolinas’ healthiest and most beautiful beaches. Home to an extensive wildlife population, including Great Blue Herons, long-legged egrets, and white ibis, the Kiawah marshlands are truly a diverse ecosystem. The Island’s tidal creeks are also brimming with wildlife, including red drum, spotted sea trout, and flounder. In total, Kiawah Island proudly boasts 18 species of mammals, 30+ species of reptiles, and 300 bird species.

The Kiawah Island Nature Center

The Kiawah Island Nature Center hosts an experienced team of nature lovers and preservationists who maintain the Island’s true beauty. The center also connects guests to the Island and its wildlife. From the excitement of a gator walk to the peacefulness of bird watching, the Nature Center truly celebrates all that the Island has to offer. 

As a highly touted sustainably developed community, Kiawah Island is dedicated to merging mindful development with the natural environment. The Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy was developed in 1997 and has since preserved more than 52 properties that total over 2,273 acres of pristine barrier island. These combined efforts ensure that the natural beauty and wildlife on the Island will remain for generations to come. 

Learn More: The Untouched Beauty of Kiawah Island’s Environment

Live Within Nature on Kiawah Island

With the abundance of natural beauty on Kiawah Island, it’s easy to see why our residents love living here. Fifty years of designing with nature has led to a harmonious ecosystem of both luxurious living and rugged, untouched nature. Grab yourself a slice of Island living and view our properties below. We look forward to welcoming you to our natural oasis!