Last night, June 30, the Morris Square and I’On Group community got together to celebrate the completion – and dedication to the City of Charleston – of the piazza and Morris Square’s park, Simonton Park. It was a beautiful evening, with excellent food from Bohicket Barbecue, incredible musical entertainment from Leah Suarez, and gorgeous paintings (even some live painting!) from Nathan Durfee. About 60 people attended to enjoy the piazza for the first time, and to hear Vince Graham and Mayor Joe Riley speak about the importance of the public realm. Both Graham and Riley discussed the challenges of creating a project like Morris Square, a public-private partnership from the beginning, and the importance of these projects in enhancing a city’s vitality. Charleston especially, with its vibrant cultural life, will benefit greatly from the addition of beautiful outdoor spaces dedicated to its citizens. We at the I’On Group are looking forward to seeing how Morris Square evolves, once the commercial space is finished and the piazza takes on its life as a public gathering place for friends and neighbors.

A few scenes from last night:

Filed under: Events, I'On Group, Morris Square on July 1st, 2008