If you’ve driven down Buckwalter Parkway recently, you’ve seen the orange cones and clearing crews. With Bluffton continuing its run as one of the fastest-growing towns in the South, the “Buckwalter corridor” is undergoing its most significant transformation yet. From highly-anticipated sandwiches to a literal shift in the skyline, here are the five major projects currently reshaping our daily commute.
1. The Arrival of Brown Dog Deli
The secret is officially out: Charleston’s famous Brown Dog Deli is coming to Bluffton. Located near the intersection of Buckwalter and Lake Point Drive, this project is one of the most talked-about “foodie” developments in town. Fans of the Charleston original can expect the same creative, high-stack sandwiches in a much larger space. Construction is moving quickly, and the restaurant is currently on track for a Spring 2026 grand opening.
2. PickUp USA Fitness
Just off Plantation Park Drive near Westbury Park, a massive 15,000-square-foot structure is nearing completion. This is PickUp USA Fitness, a basketball-focused club that will feature multiple courts, professional officiating for pickup games, and a full-service weight room. It’s a specialized concept that reflects Bluffton’s growing demand for high-end recreational facilities, with a “full-court” opening expected by mid-2026.
3. MUSC Health Bluffton Medical Pavilion
The most prominent building rising along the parkway is the three-story MUSC Health Pavilion. This 54,000-square-foot hub is a major win for local healthcare, consolidating primary care and specialty services under one roof. Most notably, it will house a Hollings Cancer Center Satellite Clinic, bringing advanced oncology care directly to our backyard. The facility is in its final stages and plans to welcome patients in May 2026.
4. Beaufort Memorial’s Community Hospital & LiveWell Terrace
At the corner of Bluffton and Buckwalter Parkways, a massive $100+ million medical campus is taking shape. This site will house a 28-bed Community Hospital as well as LiveWell Terrace, a 120-unit affordable housing development. While the hospital is a longer-term project (aiming for 2027), the workforce housing units are currently in active pre-construction. These apartments will provide essential housing for the nurses, teachers, and first responders who keep our town running.
5. The Buckwalter “Skyline” Water Tower
You can’t miss the new 107-foot giant in the sky. While not a business you can visit, the 1.5-million-gallon elevated storage tank near the Bluffton Parkway intersection is a critical piece of infrastructure. After an investment of over $28 million, BJWSA has completed the final sanitization and testing phases. This tower is now officially coming online to ensure consistent water pressure for the thousands of new homes and businesses joining the Buckwalter corridor this year.