January 15, 2026

Transformation of Historic Facility into Trade Park

Charleston, SC, January 15, 2026

The former DiMare tomato packaging facility on Johns Island will be revitalized into Vine Works Trade Park, creating commercial and light industrial spaces. This redevelopment aims to enhance economic growth and job opportunities for the Charleston County economy, fostering local businesses without new construction. Obelisk Real Estate Partners is investing over $20 million to complete this substantial project by late 2025, focusing on adaptive reuse while addressing community needs with infrastructure improvements.

Charleston, SC

Johns Island’s DiMare Facility Reborn: A Hub for Local Enterprise

After decades of vacancy, a private investment is transforming a historic packaging plant into Vine Works Trade Park, a dynamic development that was anticipated to ignite economic growth and job opportunities for the Charleston County economy beginning in late 2025.

The revitalization of the former DiMare tomato packaging facility off Main Road on Johns Island stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurial vision and private investment in fostering local economic growth. For over 15 years, the sprawling property sat dormant, a silent reminder of its past as a commercial kitchen, storage, and packaging hub. Now, through a significant capital infusion and a commitment to adaptive reuse, this once-vacant site is being reimagined as a modern business park, poised to contribute to the thriving Lowcountry economic growth.

This initiative highlights how private sector innovation can breathe new life into underutilized assets, creating valuable commercial space and employment opportunities without the need for entirely new construction. The project’s progress demonstrates a proactive approach to development that aligns with the growing needs of the Johns Island community and the broader Charleston SC business landscape.

The Vision for Renewal: Vine Works Trade Park

The property, now known as Vine Works Trade Park, is undergoing a substantial redevelopment led by Obelisk Real Estate Partners. This firm acquired the site in June 2025 and has committed an investment exceeding $20 million to transform the old packaging facility into a contemporary commercial and light industrial complex.

The redevelopment plan meticulously preserves the site’s historic character while integrating modern building systems and exterior upgrades. The project is set to deliver approximately 190,000 square feet of premium flex, industrial, and commercial space across two main buildings. These spaces feature high interior clear heights ranging from 22 to 25 feet, secured yard storage, and a substantial 450 parking spaces, designed to meet the diverse needs of prospective business tenants. Move-in ready suites were expected to be available beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Fostering Johns Island’s Economic Vitality

The transformation of the DiMare facility into Vine Works Trade Park is more than just a real estate venture; it’s a strategic move to bolster the Charleston County economy by attracting new businesses and creating local jobs. The facility is zoned for commercial and light industrial use, which allows for a variety of enterprises, from landscaping and building services to other commercial interests that can serve Johns Islanders.

A primary goal of this revitalization is to provide employment opportunities for Johns Island residents, potentially reducing the need for them to commute off-island for work. This local focus on job creation contributes directly to community well-being and strengthens the island’s economic independence. Furthermore, the project aligns with broader regional trends, as Johns Island experiences rapid population and economic growth, with significant job expansion in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing throughout the Charleston market.

Adaptive Reuse: A Model for Sustainable Development

The Vine Works Trade Park project exemplifies the growing trend of adaptive reuse, a development strategy that transforms existing structures for new purposes rather than demolishing and rebuilding. This approach is not only economically prudent but also environmentally conscious.

By salvaging the foundation and superstructure of the three existing buildings and repurposing usable paved areas, the developers are minimizing waste and preserving the embodied energy within the original construction. Adaptive reuse projects often boast lower development and infrastructure costs, along with faster project delivery, compared to new construction. They also contribute to increased property values and can make properties eligible for various tax incentives and redevelopment grants. This sustainable development model allows for the preservation of local character and architectural heritage while revitalizing underutilized neighborhoods.

Community Integration and Infrastructure Improvements

While the prospect of new commercial activity is largely welcomed, community concerns regarding increased traffic on Main Road have been acknowledged. In a proactive measure, the Charleston County Council has already secured a $250,000 grant to install a turn lane for the complex, a critical step to mitigate potential congestion.

Beyond traffic management, the redevelopment includes significant improvements to the surrounding public infrastructure. Plans are in place to demolish existing pavement 75 feet off Main Road and 50 feet off Belvedere Road to create green spaces, allowing for the planting of a 75-foot landscape buffer along Main Road and a 50-foot buffer along Belvedere Road. Additionally, a new 10-foot multi-use pathway will be constructed along Main Road, complemented by a 5-foot sidewalk along Belvedere Road, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist access and connectivity for the community.

Charleston’s Entrepreneurial Landscape

The revitalization of the DiMare facility contributes to a dynamic and growing entrepreneurial landscape on Johns Island and within the broader Charleston area. This project joins other significant developments like Maybank Landing, a mixed-use retail and flex development, and South Island Market, a new mixed-use development, further diversifying local business opportunities. The presence of vibrant communities such as Hayes Park, featuring diverse marketplaces and local businesses, underscores the island’s potential as a hub for South Carolina entrepreneurs and Charleston small business.

The Charleston County Economic Development Office actively supports such endeavors, focusing on recruiting new businesses, fostering existing industry growth, and improving the overall business climate. Their assistance with site selection, financial incentives, and workforce development is crucial in nurturing a supportive environment where private enterprise can thrive.

Conclusion

The transformation of the former DiMare tomato packaging facility into Vine Works Trade Park represents a significant milestone for Johns Island’s economic future. This private investment, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, is set to deliver much-needed commercial and industrial space, create jobs, and enhance local infrastructure. By embracing adaptive reuse and proactively addressing community needs, this project serves as a model for sustainable and impactful development. We encourage all residents to support these new local businesses and remain engaged in shaping Charleston’s vibrant economic future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the former Johns Island packaging facility being redeveloped into?
The former DiMare tomato packaging facility off Main Road on Johns Island is being redeveloped into Vine Works Trade Park, a commercial and light industrial complex.

Who is the owner and developer of Vine Works Trade Park?
Obelisk Real Estate Partners acquired the property in June 2025 and is leading the revitalization of Vine Works Trade Park.

What is the anticipated timeframe for welcoming new tenants?
The owner anticipated welcoming business tenants as early as October 2025, with move-in ready suites expected to be available beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025.

What types of businesses will the facility accommodate?
The facility is zoned for commercial and light industrial use, designed to accommodate a variety of businesses, potentially including landscaping, building services, and other commercial interests.

What is the economic impact of this redevelopment for Johns Island?
The redevelopment is expected to provide jobs for Johns Islanders, reduce the need for off-island commutes, and contribute to the overall Lowcountry economic growth.

What infrastructure improvements are part of the project?
Charleston County Council secured a $250,000 grant for a new turn lane for the complex. The project also includes demolishing existing pavement to create landscape buffers along Main Road and Belvedere Road, and constructing a new 10-foot multi-use pathway along Main Road and a 5-foot sidewalk along Belvedere Road.

What is adaptive reuse and why is it significant for this project?
Adaptive reuse is the process of repurposing an existing building for a new use while retaining its historic character. It is significant for this project as it minimizes waste, preserves existing structures, and offers economic advantages such as lower development costs and faster project delivery.

Key Features of Vine Works Trade Park Redevelopment

Feature	Description
Previous Use	DiMare tomato packaging facility
Location	860 Main Road, Johns Island, SC
New Name	Vine Works Trade Park
Owner/Developer	Obelisk Real Estate Partners
Investment	Over $20 million (approximately $21 million)
Total Space	Approximately 190,000 sq. ft. of flex, industrial, and commercial space
Anticipated Tenant Occupancy	As early as October 2025 (move-in ready suites expected Q4 2025)
Zoning	Commercial and Light Industrial use
Parking Spaces	450
Economic Impact	Job creation for Johns Islanders, reduction of off-island commutes, contribution to Lowcountry economic growth
Infrastructure Improvements	$250,000 grant for a turn lane, new landscape buffers, 10-foot multi-use pathway along Main Road, 5-foot sidewalk along Belvedere Road
Development Approach	Adaptive Reuse (preserving historic character, modern upgrades)