Developer plans to move forward with Shem Creek parking garage

Some Mount Pleasant residents oppose an office building and parking garage plan at the corner of Mill Street and Coleman Boulevard (upper left) near Shem Creek. Wade Spees/Staff

The developer of a planned 54-foot parking garage and office building near Shem Creek said Monday that he will submit building plans in the next couple of weeks, despite indications from the mayor otherwise.

Last week, Mayor Linda Page released a detailed letter to Jim Owens, a resident leading opposition to the building, stating that the developer indicated the project had become "economically unfeasible." That was due to changes including new setback requirements that Town Council approved this spring.

The letter left the building's opponents, who fear it will overpower Shem Creek, hopeful over the weekend that the battle was won.

However, developer Tex Small said Monday that he still plans to pursue construction.

"It's unfortunate things have gotten so out of kilter," Small said. "It leads to a lot of confusion."

Small said he has revised his plans to fit new requirements including setbacks despite the cost to do so. "Nevertheless, we are moving forward," Small said.

Residents have packed recent town meetings to object to the building which they contend would be too large for the quaint Shem Creek, a popular destination spot known for its water views and shrimp boats.

At the corner of Mill Street and Coleman Boulevard, the building marks a joint venture between the town and Small, developer of The Shops at Oakland.

Small is planning a four-story structure whose top two floors would include commercial office space with views overlooking Shem Creek and Coleman Boulevard. A parking garage on the lower two levels was going to include about 270 parking spaces. Small said his revised plans will include 245 parking spaces.

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Developer plans to move forward with Shem Creek parking garage