The land west of the Ashley River, historically known as St. Andrews Parish, was primarily agricultural in its early days. Post-Civil War St. Andrews Parish saw growth, and by 1926 the introduction of a new bridge connecting West Ashley to the peninsula catapulted the development of the area.^[1]

In 1941, Joseph M. Harrison sold a tract of land that was once part of Pleasure Grove Plantation that included 221 acres of highland and 116 acres of marshland to Mor

eland Corporation for $122,500; this sale included present day South Windermere.^[2] In the 1950s, Bill Ackerman purchased the land and began to build homes throughout the area. According to a 1951 Post & Courier article, the new development in South Windermere was initially limited to single-family homes, each with a minimum of 1,200 square feet of living space, not including breezeways and garages.^[3]

Ackerman also developed the South Windermere Shopping Center after noticing the lack of commercial business in the area. He brought big chain stores to the shopping center like Belk’s and A&P, as well as locally owned businesses like pharmacies, barbershops, and liquor stores.[4] Over the years, business have come and gone but the shopping center remains a central part of the neighborhood.

Today, South Windermere stands as a testament to the area’s historical transformation from rural farmland to a vibrant suburban community. Its development reflects the broader changes in Charleston’s urban landscape, driven by infrastructure improvements and shifting residential patterns.

The Preservation Society of Charleston actively monitors public meeting agendas for items impacting South Windermere to prevent the loss of historic material and properties. This vigilance ensures that South Windermere’s unique historical character and architectural heritage are preserved for future generations.