Civil Information Modeling: Unlocking Smarter Solutions at Atlantic Nowell Creek Apartments

Nestled along the tidal creeks and marshes of Charleston’s Daniel Island, the Atlantic Nowell Creek Apartments offer luxury living in a serene Lowcountry setting. With 320 pet-friendly homes ranging from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, residents enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool, dog park and pet spa, coworking space, yoga studio, and waterfront dock access.

The community’s design features eight apartment buildings—two three-story and six four-story structures—plus single-story facilities for the leasing center and fitness club. Additional amenities include a maintenance building, garages, and trash enclosure. While the vision was clear, the path to completion presented unique challenges that required innovation and foresight.

The Challenge: Out-of-Sequence Development

When Middle Street Partners acquired the nine-acre site from Holder Properties, the development sequence shifted. Infrastructure that was originally slated for installation before an office renovation was left incomplete. W. M. Jordan Company faced a critical hurdle: existing utilities needed to remain active to support the occupied office building, yet they directly conflicted with the proposed apartment construction.

Delaying the project by a year was not an option. Instead, the team turned to Civil Information Modeling (CIM)—a specialized form of Building Information Modeling (BIM) focused on underground infrastructure.

The Solution: Visualizing Conflicts with CIM

By creating a Civil Information Model, W. M. Jordan was able to visualize utility conflicts and provide the owner with actionable insights. This proactive approach kept construction moving forward while ensuring informed decision-making.

Key benefits of CIM on the project included:

• Utility Mapping: All existing utilities over 1” in diameter were modeled to identify conflicts with new installations.
• Landscape Integration: Plant species and root balls were mapped to ensure seamless landscaping. A laser scan revealed a garage conflicted with a grand live oak; the garage was relocated, preserving the tree and avoiding costly delays.
• Adaptive Sequencing: With utilities slated for demolition still in use, CIM guided re-sequencing of construction activities. Work began at the rear of the site while critical water line issues were resolved.

 

A Case Study in Smart Decision-Making

One of the most complex challenges involved a water main owned by Charleston Water System. Running through a utility easement, the line blocked foundation work and directly conflicted with an elevator pit. CIM allowed the team to demonstrate the risks of building over the existing line.

Armed with this insight, Middle Street Partners chose to privatize the water main. The design team reworked plans, encasing the existing line within the foundations of four buildings. Once the new main was operational, the old line was abandoned—an elegant solution only possible through the clarity provided by CIM.

The Bigger Picture

Civil Information Modeling transformed potential delays into opportunities for smarter construction. By visualizing underground conflicts, preserving natural assets, and enabling adaptive sequencing, W. M. Jordan Company kept the Atlantic Nowell Creek Apartments project on track.

For residents, the result is a vibrant community that blends modern living with the natural beauty of Charleston’s Lowcountry. For the industry, it’s a powerful example of how CIM can add value, reduce risk, and ensure success in complex developments.

To learn more about our Virtual Design and Construction Team, visit: https://wmjordan.com/expertise/virtual-design-and-construction/