The Town of Hilton Head

A Redevelopment Plan for the Mid-Island Area

On April 6, 2023, Missy Luick, Assistant Community Development Director, Town of Hilton Head Island, presented an update on the Mid-Island Initiative Area Project at the General Membership Meeting of the GIC.

In 2022, the Town Council adopted the Mid-Island Initiative authorizing the Town’s staff to create a plan for the Mid-Island District which includes commercial and residential properties, the airport, cultural sites, and Town-owned property. There are 3 key focus areas:

  • Mid-Island Tract 
  • District Center
  • Historic Neighborhoods Plan 

Missy explained that the foundation for planning begins with Our Plan, the 2020 Town of Hilton Head Comprehensive Plan.  Other foundational documents include the Gullah-Geechee Land & Cultural Preservation Report, which lays out a strategy to preserve the Gullah Geechee cultural elements on the Island and land use of Native Islander property as well as the Mid-Island Tract Master Plan, a concept plan for the 103-acre park.  

The Town’s survey of residents received over 1,000 responses with many recommendations.  These included a passive, environmental conservation park and a district to accommodate workforce housing with walkable streets.  Town Council members also took a bus tour of the existing area to look at the parks, shopping centers, and recommendations for the historic neighborhoods.  They were shown examples of what density levels can look like when done well.  

Key strategies for this district include protecting greenspace, connecting neighborhoods, mixed-use centers, evolution of land uses, and a framework for successful implementation.  Simplifying and consolidating zoning uses to allow mixed-use and protect open space are next steps.  

This district offers opportunities for meeting growth needs by allowing for 3-story maximum buildings with 12 -18 units of density with shared structured parking and surface lots behind the buildings.  

Follow-on activities include a similar planning process for the seven other defined districts on the Island, beginning with the Janesville/Spanish Wells area.  These growth framework maps will lead to an Island Master plan and implementation plans.  

To download the Mid-Island Initiative Presentation, click here.

Missy Lurik Bio

Missy Luick joined the Town of Hilton Head Island in 2019 after relocating from Northern Michigan with over 17 years of local government and non-profit experience.  In her current position, she provides leadership and direction on community planning and development services.  She oversees planning and development initiatives including comprehensive planning, workforce housing, development and building plan review program, ordinance amendments, and historic and cultural preservation.  She holds a Master of Public Administration from Central Michigan U. and a Bachelor of Science in Resource Development from Michigan State U.