The PDD identified the architectural design of Kiawah
River Village as “low country.” The planners wanted a
local look, drawing on the design of older buildings in
long-established South Carolina towns. They considered
relocating historic buildings from Bull’s Bay, S.C., and
Rockville, S.C., to ensure a certain authenticity to the village.
This area was also expected to house the Community Hall, a
facility large enough to host island-wide civic meetings and
group functions. In addition to the marina on the Kiawah
River, a freshwater dock was planned on Bass Lake. Dredging
Bass Lake was considered, to accommodate canoeing,
fishing, and small boat sailing, as well as other undefined
water activities.
The final feature of the Kiawah River Village was to be
a yacht club. Captain Maynard’s Island was pictured as a
possible site for the yacht club, including having its own
docks. Yacht Cottages were also envisioned for this area.
The Kiawah Island Parkway, stretching from the first
security gate to the Bass Lake Causeway, was expected to
become a four-lane road by the time all development was
complete. The developers recognized the need for this road
and other thoroughfares to be heavily buffered. In addition
to lush landscaping, the developers wanted drivers to pass
farm fields, marsh vistas, golf views, and the maritime
18
forest. The look and feel of the driving experience were
meant to highlight the charm of the island. The existence of
development would be “peripheral, not distractive.”
Within the first four villages, residential development was
primarily townhomes, condominiums, and clustered housing.
The primary focuses in each of these four villages were
commercial activities and tourist attractions. Housing was
planned within a grouped setting, often in a circular pattern,
and with a medium density footprint. Once past the Kiawah
River Village, however, the planners expected single-family
homes with larger lots and fewer tourist attractions. The
gatehouse, on what is now Governor’s Drive, was designed
to be a secure entrance into the Vanderhorst Woods Center.
This village was designated to be “… a predominantly low
density, permanent residential, private community …” with
a lower need for support services as compared to the other
villages. It would be anchored by the Vanderhorst Mansion,
to be restored to its former glory and used as a museum and
teaching center. Local historical artifacts would be displayed,
and nature trails used to teach visitors about Kiawah’s rich
history. The space could eventually evolve into a community
art studio or craft workshop and used as a formal classroom
for clubs or other presentations.
Individual garden plots and demonstration gardens for
Naturally Kiawah