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BlueWater Owner Buys Charleston King Street Retail Building

This blog post explores the recent multi-million dollar commercial real estate transaction in downtown Charleston involving investor Eddie Buck. We break down the details of the $6.2 million purchase of a historic retail building on King Street.

Readers will learn about the mechanics of the sale-leaseback structure used in the deal and what it means for the current tenants. For more background on property movements, you can look through our informational guides.

Commercial Real Estate Expansion on King Street

Eddie Buck, known as the owner of local BlueWater gas stations, finalized the acquisition of 312 King St. through Buck Investments Limited Company. The property commanded a price tag of $6.2 million and currently serves as a retail location for Hampden Clothing.

Originally erected in 1880, the structure boasts a rich heritage typical of historical architecture in the region. The building carries a commercial zoning designation and spans three stories.

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Transaction Structure and Tenant Continuity

An affiliate of Hampden Clothing, led by Stacy Smallwood, previously acquired the asset for $3.25 million back in November 2022. Rather than forcing a relocation, the recent transaction was structured as a classic sale-leaseback arrangement.

This method allows the business owner to unlock capital tied up in real estate while securing a long-term lease to stay put. Consequently, retail operations will proceed without any disruptions.

Future Outlook for the Portfolio

To better understand how these commercial shifts influence cityscapes, consider reviewing our collection of architecture articles. Urban retail dynamics often shift as businesses optimize their operational footprints.

While the retail storefront remains untouched, Hampden Clothing recently secured a standalone flex building on Meeting Street for office and distribution uses. Meanwhile, Buck continues to expand his footprint along major commercial corridors.

Highlights of his downtown investment collection include properties leased to:

  • Vineyard Vines at 275 King St.
  • The Prince Art Gallery at 184 King St.
  • O-Ku restaurant at 463 King St.
  • Ultimately, this acquisition underscores the enduring strength and desirability of prime commercial spaces in historic districts. Investors continue to eye landmark properties that promise long-term stability and growth.

     
    Here is the source article for this story: Owner of Bluewater gas stations buys downtown Charleston property for $6.2M

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