Irmo, SC — A proposed development along the picturesque shores of Lake Murray is causing a stir among local residents. The project, dubbed Water Walk, aims to transform 65 acres at 2947 Dreher Shoals Road/S.C. 6 into a vibrant community hub with 550 homes, restaurants, retail spaces, and a boutique hotel.
The development, spearheaded by Charleston-based Material Capital Partners, plans to include 308 single-family homes and townhomes, along with 242 senior-living units. The commercial aspect will feature 13.2 acres of dining and retail spaces, designed to attract local favorites and new regional businesses. A small hotel with a rooftop patio is also part of the proposal, envisioned as a venue for community events and celebrations with scenic lake views.
While the project promises significant economic benefits and enhanced amenities, many Irmo residents are concerned about the potential impact on local infrastructure, particularly traffic on the already congested Dreher Shoals Road. The two-lane road connects the Lake Murray Dam to Ballentine and is a crucial artery for the area.
“Expand the roads and fix the infrastructure before adding more housing come on what are we even doing here?,” local resident Michael Andrew commented on Facebook.
Karen René Christie Hilyer, another concerned resident, echoed these sentiments, saying, “That would be a big NO. Stop with all the development and growth. We can’t even get Broad River widened, and you think these overloaded roads can handle this? What has the council been smoking?”
Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson has addressed these concerns, emphasizing the potential for the development to bring investment into local infrastructure, including plans to widen parts of Dreher Shoals Road and add turn lanes and traffic lights. He highlighted that the town has already allocated $250,000 for a comprehensive study on widening the road, a project that might otherwise take a decade to realize but could now be expedited.
“The development will help mitigate the impact of higher-density proposals that could have brought over 700 residences to the area,” Mayor Danielson explained. “With fewer residential units and an emphasis on senior living, the project is a better fit for our community.”
The Water Walk development plans to preserve the property’s tree line along the lake and incorporate pocket parks and ecological corridors to support wildlife and native plant species. Walking and biking trails will weave through the neighborhoods, maintaining the natural beauty of the area.
Despite these assurances, residents remain skeptical about the increased traffic and potential disruption to their way of life. The public outcry was significant at a recent information session, prompting developers to delay their appearance before the Irmo Planning Commission from July to August. The earliest the Town Council could approve the zoning changes necessary for the project would be September.
Material Capital Partners, while not yet conducting interviews, has committed to keeping the community informed through regular updates on the Water Walk website. They remain optimistic about the project’s potential to bring new opportunities to Irmo.
Mayor Danielson is hopeful that the development will provide a much-needed economic boost, particularly since the town does not collect property taxes. “It will be a place for everybody to recreate, to dine, to shop. It would be pretty upscale, so I’m told,” he said. “Hopefully, it will offset the cost of us servicing that area with police and fire, with the tax base from the businesses.”
As Irmo continues to grapple with the implications of this significant development, residents and town officials alike are eager to see how Water Walk will ultimately shape the future of their community.
