Raise your hand if you enjoy shopping or dining at South Windermere Center. Whether you’re enjoying a warm pastry at Normandy Farms, refreshing yourself at Urban Nirvana, dining on the deck at Three Little Birds, adding to your wardrobe at Bashful Boutique, preparing for your next fishing trip at Haddrell’s Point Tackle & Supply, or simply doing the weekly grocery shopping at Earth Fare, it’s a bustling neighborhood space with a variety of shops and dining all enhanced with landscaping, and updated signage. In addition, a very popular branch of the Charleston County Library is located on the grounds.
But this enthusiasm (everyone had their hand up, right?) has not always existed for the Center.
Now sit back and read why 70 years ago the idea of a shopping center in South Windermere was highly controversial and considered by some to be potentially destructive to the established neighborhoods.
In 1953, the proposed development of South Windermere Shopping Center adjacent to the new South Windermere subdivision prompted protests from the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Degradation of property values, conversion of businesses to “honky-tonks,” and business noise disrupting peaceful neighborhoods were some of the concerns expressed in The News & Courier opinion piece that ran in February of 1953.
Nevertheless, despite the protests, obstacles, and stumbling blocks construction of the shopping center began in June of 1953. (We all know how this story ends—South Windermere Center is one of the older shopping centers in the state, the first in the Lowcountry and still thrives today). When the spaces were ready for leasing, applications were few and far between.
William (Bill) Ackerman, the brains and driving force behind both the neighborhood and the shopping center, decided to recruit an anchor store. By late 1953, the announcement was made that an A&P Super Market would open in the shopping center. Over the next three or so years, the big names of F.W. Woolworth’s and Belk’s-Robinson would open in addition to South Windermere Drug Store (a Walgreen affiliate), Kiddyland, Legerton’s, Ideal White Swan Laundry, Ashley Hardware and Supply Co., The County Store, Conklin’s, LeRoy’s Jewelers, Mickelberg’s Bakery, Herman’s Barber Shop, Eugene’s Beauty Salon, Dr. Felix Nepveux’s dental practice, Seithel’s Florist, Howard R Jacobs Photographic Studio, Robinson’s Service Station (later the site for Turky’s Towing), Zinn’s Delicatessen, and Words & Music.
Stories are told that Roy Hart, famous for his two locations on Savannah Highway, ran the soda fountain located in the drug store. The center continued to expand and add businesses well into the 1970s even adding a theater.
Over time, establishments have come and gone. (Remember when Staples took over the Belk?) Now a variety of different stores have replaced these original establishments. The old theater space even houses a rock-climbing boulder within Half Moon Outfitters.
As the Center celebrates 70 years of success, it is intriguing to reflect on the opinions that once viewed the Center as a minus for the community. Today, neighbors might find it hard to think about living without this shopping/dining experience in their backyards.
Shopping Stories? Contact Donna Jacobs at westashleybook@gmail.com.
