June 2017
D I G E S T
The Official Publication of the Kiawah Island Community Association
Sandcastle Renovation Plans Presented to KICA Board
After years of discussion and planning, the Sandcastle is one
step closer to getting a significant upgrade. At the May KICA
Board of Directors meeting, representatives from Bello|Garris
Architects presented early conceptual plans for additions
and renovations to the 21-year-old community center, while
members in attendance asked questions and provided feedback. experience, the pool would also include ample deck space
and lounge seating. The initial concept includes an infinity
edge with unobstructed views of the beach/ocean, and multi-
purpose lawn spaces that could be used for yoga, small events,
etc. Near the new pool, where the current ping-pong table and
porch area reside, a new covered bar would be added.
Though the plans are still in the early phases, a few key project
and building goals were outlined: In addition to the reconfiguring of the first floor to
accommodate more room for fitness, the second floor would
remain similar to its current state, though planners proposed
turning the library into a more active lounge area with a TV
and seating. Both floors would receive all new finishes for a
revitalized look and feel.
• Emphasize and enhance the visual connection to the
beach/ocean
• Expand the size of the group fitness studio by 42%
• Add new oceanfront adult pool and deck (existing pool
remains)
• Improve parking
• Provide a stronger connection between interior and exterior
• Improve interior aesthetics and functionality
• Relocate the bar to an ocean view location
“During our initial planning and research, we found that the
Sandcastle’s best assets were the incredible views,” said Eddie
Bello from Bello|Garris. “Unfortunately, these views were
really only available from the second floor. We wanted to really
connect the entire facility to the world-class beach.”
The two main features of the plans were the expansion of the
group fitness studio and the addition of a brand new pool,
located on the beachside of the facility (the current pool
would remain as-is). Envisioned as a more “adult” recreational
Following the presentation, members were given the
opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. The board
and architects plan on using this feedback to help refine the
project as it moves forward.
While these plans are still in the early stages, the board and
planning group are pursuing a fairly aggressive schedule.
The goal is to have the project completed and in service by
summer 2018.
The full presentation and Q&A session are available on the
KICA YouTube channel (youtube.com/kiawahisland1976).
Additional conceptual images from the presentation can
also be viewed at kica.us/sandcastlerenovations. If you have
questions, comments or feedbacks on the plan, please send
them to [email protected].