From former school sites to quiet streets, Cayce is seeing a wave of development that’s bringing opportunity and concern among longtime residents.CAYCE, S.C. — A wave of residential development is reshaping Cayce, bringing with it new housing options, expanded senior living, and long-term visions for growth.From former school grounds to quiet neighborhood lots, city leaders said five new projects are underway, each with a unique focus on affordability, retirement, or revitalization.Among the biggest projects ...
From former school sites to quiet streets, Cayce is seeing a wave of development that’s bringing opportunity and concern among longtime residents.
CAYCE, S.C. — A wave of residential development is reshaping Cayce, bringing with it new housing options, expanded senior living, and long-term visions for growth.
From former school grounds to quiet neighborhood lots, city leaders said five new projects are underway, each with a unique focus on affordability, retirement, or revitalization.
Among the biggest projects is Hattie’s Crossing, which will be built on the site of the former Cayce Grammar School. Nearby, the Dunbar Village development will rise where the old Busbee Middle School once stood, bringing 52 attached homes to the area.
Also under construction is an expansion of the Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community at 9th Street and F Avenue. That project includes 14 new independent-living cottages for seniors. In addition, three affordable homes built by Habitat for Humanity and two more homes near Benedict Street are part of the city’s housing mix.
City Council members said the development boom is much-needed.
"These developments are some of the first neighborhood-style developments since 2016 in Cayce," said Councilman Hunter Sox. "So, we’ve really created a bubble where houses are on the market, and people that want to move here only have so many houses they can choose from, and so adding housing stock is going to be great to bring prices down."
"I know people get afraid of growth, and growth is not a bad thing because with growth comes new opportunities for restaurants and retail, which all adds on top of that the amazing quality of life that we have in the city of Cayce,” Councilman Byron Thomas said.
But not all residents were enthusiastic. Some said the rapid changes are overwhelming for the city’s small-community feel.
"I don’t know; it’s a lot for this little community, the schools,” said Cayce resident Cheryl Lewis. "It's going to be a lot for this little community, really close. We’ve enjoyed the quiet, but that is going to be long gone."
Mayor Elise Parton said city leaders are focused on ensuring the new housing options welcome everyone.
"There is all different price points, but we want to make sure that everyone is welcomed in our city,” Parton said.
According to city officials, all three Habitat for Humanity homes have been sold, and only one home in Dunbar Village is currently under contract.