I'On welcomes first Mixson pioneers in N. Charleston

Andy Gilbert wanted to drastically reduce his living space.

The Mount Pleasant resident found the right place at The I'On Group's new Mixson mixed-use housing development where blighted World War II-era housing once stood in North Charleston.

The management technology consultant will be the first new resident when he leaves his rented 2,800-square-foot house in Rivertowne and moves into the new 44-acre project after he closes on a 950-square-foot unit on Aug. 22.

"It's really a lot more than I need," Gilbert said of his current residence. "I was looking to downsize, be a little closer to work and shorten my commute, and this was all before fuel prices did what they did."

The I'On Group acquired the former military housing site for $3.8 million and in 2005 bulldozed the 352 blighted John C. Calhoun homes that were built to help house the influx of people for the war industry nearly 70 years ago.

The Mount Pleasant-based developer hopes eventually to build 950 homes with shops and civic buildings at Durant and Mixson avenues, not far from Park Circle and the bustling new business district in Olde North Charleston on East Montague Avenue.

"We are excited to welcome our Mixson pioneers," said Alys Campaigne with I'On.

Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.