Exciting Changes Coming to Downtown Charleston!
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the Uptown Hospitality Group takes on an ambitious project. They are transforming the former Brewer and Baker restaurant located at 94 Stuart St. into a stunning wedding venue, aptly named The Waverly. This renovation is set to make a splash in our beautiful city, which is already known as one of the most popular places in the U.S. for couples looking to tie the knot.
A New Place to Say ‘I Do’
The Waverly is envisioned to be a glorious 3,000-square-foot venue that will feature a spacious main entertaining area, cozy suites for both the bride and groom, and a lovely covered porch for guests to enjoy. The construction is already underway, and everyone involved is excited about welcoming couples in early 2025.
In Charleston, weddings are big business. Last year alone, the city hosted over 3,800 weddings at numerous beautiful venues. From The Dewberry to the American Theater, there are plenty of options. But with The Waverly coming to life, couples will have yet another picturesque locale to consider for their big day. The Charleston zoning board recently gave the thumbs up for this venue, which is a sigh of relief for many who are looking forward to planning their celebrations in a charming space.
What’s in Store for The Waverly?
Uptown Hospitality Group, the team behind popular spots like Bodega and Uptown Social, is dedicated to creating an inviting and unique atmosphere at The Waverly. Co-founder Keith Benjamin has shared that they aim to provide a space filled with Southern charm right on the picturesque Cooper River. Sporting the character and essence of our beloved Charleston, the venue will offer the kind of setting couples dream about for their wedding ceremonies.
This new wedding venue will include a spacious indoor reception hall and accommodate various outdoor activities on beautifully landscaped grounds. While weddings are often celebrated in big, sophisticated spaces, The Waverly aims to carve its niche by blending simplicity with elegance.
The Approval Process
The journey to bring The Waverly to fruition hasn’t been without its challenges. The zoning board voted 5-to-1 to approve the venue’s plans but included some specific conditions concerning noise levels, aiming to keep the venue respectful to its neighbors. Sounds fair, right? The owners reported that they will not permit amplified noise outside the venue after 10 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, extending to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays—an allowance that is sure to help maintain peace in the community.
But some board members voiced concerns about the limiting noise rules. After all, weddings are often lively events with music and celebration often continuing well into the night. To ease the worries of the zoning board, Dan Sweeney, the architect behind The Waverly, highlighted that the space is replacing a bar that was open late with live music. He argued that having such significant limitations would make it difficult for The Waverly to function as a wedding venue.
Community Support
Support for the venue has been robust, with letters of approval pouring in from various community leaders, excited about the potential positive impact that The Waverly could bring to the area. Following the meeting, Benjamin expressed gratitude for the support while acknowledging that they were pleased with the approval, despite the noise stipulations.
As the construction continues, the team at Uptown Hospitality is gearing up to obtain necessary permits to operate the venue as a late-night establishment. There’s a lot of anticipation in the air, and the team hopes to welcome their first couples in January 2025.
What’s Next?
With wedding season approaching, there’s no denying that The Waverly will quickly become a sought-after destination for couples wanting the perfect spot for their special day. As Charleston continues to be a hot spot for weddings, we can’t help but be excited about this gorgeous new venue that is set to enhance our city’s rich wedding landscape.
So, keep your eyes peeled for updates on The Waverly! It’s bound to become one of Charleston’s most cherished locations to say “I do.”
