A $2 billion mixed‑use project—called Santee Development—is proposed along I‑95 at Exit 97. If approved, it will convert 4,700 acres into housing, hospitality, retail, logistics, and light‑industrial space over the next 15 years.*
*All facts below come from the public video and documents at SanteeDevelopment.com.
Why This Project Matters
Population growth. The master plan estimates more than 6,500 new permanent residents once the community is built out. More people usually translates into stronger long‑term rental demand and rising property values.
Housing mix. Plans call for single‑family homes, town‑homes, build‑to‑rent clusters, and multi‑family apartments. New supply will create competition, but it also establishes solid comparable rents and keeps the market vibrant.
Jobs and commerce. The site reserves space for distribution centers, light‑industrial buildings, hotels, and retail. Those businesses bring a steady flow of employees looking for nearby housing—exactly the tenant pool investors want.
Timing. First vertical construction could begin as early as 2026, pending county approvals. That gives current owners a window to acquire additional units—or improve existing ones—before demand ramps up.
Key Details From the Public Presentation 📺
- Location: I‑95 at Exit 97 in Santee, extending west toward Lake Marion.
- Infrastructure: A new interchange, upgraded water and sewer lines, a network of greenway trails, and an on‑site solar array.
- Phasing:
- Years 1–5: Site prep, roadwork, initial residential pad sites.
- Years 6–10: Retail village, 300‑unit multi‑family community, first hotel.
- Years 11–15: Logistics park plus another 500+ housing units.
Watch the two‑minute overview video here → SanteeDevelopment.com.
(We link to the official source and do not host or reproduce the video to respect copyright.)
Action Steps for Property Owners
- Evaluate nearby rentals now. Towns such as Santee, Elloree, Eutawville, Orangeburg and Holly Hill could see demand spikes. We can run current rent comps and five‑year cash‑flow projections for you—just ask.
- Plan for higher construction and labor costs. Big projects tend to absorb local contractors. Build capital‑expense reserves sooner to avoid “surge pricing” later.
- Stay zoning‑smart. The county will hold public hearings and release rezoning maps. We’ll track every milestone and share updates in our monthly newsletter.
- Get professional management in place. Consistent tenant screening and proactive maintenance position a property for success when the market heats up—and keep your stress level low in the meantime.
How We Help Owners Stay Ahead
- Quarterly market briefs focused on Orangeburg surrounding areas
- Updated pro‑forma analyses whenever major development steps forward.
- An on‑the‑ground leasing team ready to pre‑market vacancies 60-120 days out.
- Keeping properties in top condition by a value add approach and preventative maintenance
Thinking about buying or repositioning a rental within 30 miles of Santee?
Schedule a free strategy call today: Schedule or call (803) 200-2438.