Notes from Bryan

Sandlapper Journal

A collection of observations on Charleston, real estate, history, planning, technology, and other subjects that pique my interests.
sand•lap•per
noun
An early regional name for a South Carolinian, especially one from the state’s sandhills and coastal regions.
  • FEMA flood zone map showing X, AE, and VE on Sullivan's Island.
    August 12, 2020

    New Flood Zone Maps

    Updated flood zone maps for Charleston County will take effect in January 20211. The maps are based on more accurate data and methods that reflect the flood risks from storm surge, rainfall, and tidal forces2. The…
  • A dish of shrimp & grits
    May 4, 2020

    Shrimp & Grits

    Indulge in the flavors of Charleston's iconic shrimp and grits, a delightful Southern fusion that showcases the city's rich culinary heritage. My own take on this Lowcountry staple is a harmony of savory shrimp and creamy…
  • April 22, 2020

    Rethinking Coleman Boulevard

    Coleman Boulevard is the main street of Mount Pleasant, SC. It evolved from a colonial road to a suburban highway, and then to a more urban and attractive corridor. Through a long history of construction and…
  • A rendering of The Montford Building in Charleston
    October 23, 2019

    A New Flatiron Building

    The proposed Montford Building will feature ground floor amenities, a rooftop restaurant and pool lounge, and 191 rooms, contributing to the revitalization of the underutilized entrance to Charleston.
  • Satellite image of Hurricane Hugo making landfall at Charleston in September 1989
    September 18, 2019

    After Hugo: A Stronger Charleston

    Charleston became stronger after Hurricane Hugo in 1989 by improving its building codes, ecosystems, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and economic diversity. Measures were taken to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the resilience of the Lowcountry to future…
  • Christophe Chocolatier in Charleston
    June 12, 2019

    French Cuisine of the Lowcountry

    Our current experience of Lowcountry French presents somewhere on the spectrum of French rustic/Gullah traditional Parisian patisserie/East Bay café.
  • People enjoying Second Sunday on King Street
    March 7, 2018

    Second Sunday on King Street

    Would it be feasible and beneficial to extend the pedestrian-first concept of Second Sunday to every day?
  • A flooded street in downtown Charleston with stormwater flowing into a drain, with the steeple of St. Philips Church in the background
    February 22, 2018

    A Check on Tidal Street Flooding

    Charleston combats tidal flooding by installing check valves in stormwater drains, effectively reducing street flooding during high tides. Early results are promising, and the city plans broader implementation.
  • An aerial fisheye lens view of Riverfront Park in Charleston, with the park area and concert stage in the center, surrounded by coastal water views of the surrounding river along the bottom
    January 10, 2018

    Charleston Music Festivals

    Charleston's musical heartbeat isn't confined to clubs. A dynamic festival scene explodes throughout the year, offering experiences as diverse as the city itself. From jazz-drenched Piccolo Spoleto to the boat-rocking High Water Fest, each festival pulses…