916 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902

This waterfront property has a 5,000 square foot penthouse condominium on the top floor with three levels of retail and/or office space for rent on the remaining three levels of the building. It is located between Charleston and Savannah and is situated directly on Bay Street adjacent to the picturesque Beaufort Waterfront Park. This unique property offers miles of breathtaking views along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). With nearly 20,000 square feet of improved space spread across four floors, plus a rooftop suitable for further development, 916 Bay Street is a landmark with unmatched potential. Each floor has roughly 5,000 square feet of space, including terraces and balconies. The building can either be a huge residential waterfront fortress for a single occupant, or the cost of the existing waterfront penthouse can be subsidized by the rental income from three levels of commercial space below. Alternatively, the commercial space could be converted to condominiums like the existing penthouse and either rented or sold. Its versatility opens the door for redevelopment as a boutique hotel, high-end restaurant, luxury residences, retail spaces, office spaces, or a blend of these possibilities. The building was designed by renowned architect Jim Thomas of the architectural firm of Thomas & Denzinger. The building was constructed of formed concrete in the Brutalist architectural style, which emphasizes clean lines and the raw beauty of the materials used. The cast-in-place concrete showcases the natural imprint of the Cypress wood that was used in its formwork. Multiple covered balconies and high vaulted concrete ceilings add to the building's visual and structural appeal, while large expanses of glass showcase the gorgeous water views from every floor. The engineering standards and materials used in its construction make it immune to termites and moisture and capable of enduring hurricanes, floods, and fires. The Bay Street location places the charms of downtown Beaufort, with its boutique shopping, fine dining, and historic character, right at your doorstep. Meanwhile, the Waterfront Park serves as the backyard, providing stunning open spaces and playgrounds with none of the associated maintenance costs. The City Marina is just four hundred feet away for boating and kayaking enthusiasts. This property is already zoned “commercial” and has a permit for short-term rentals, so there are relatively few permitting issues for any desired use. The steel-reinforced concrete walls, sturdy roof, and two vertical chases running from ground to rooftop (complemented by two horizontal chases on each floor) make any desired modifications to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems easy and inexpensive. The existing elevator provides access to all floors, while covered parking with a security gate adds to the convenience and security of the site. A southern exposure with covered terraces ensures year-round comfort, with abundant sunlight in the winter and both shade and cooling breezes in the summer. With its unique architectural character, prime location, and panoramic views unmatched in the Southeast, 916 Bay offers an opportunity to create something extraordinary and of lasting value. *Floor plans are available upon request.