Story by Chris Beaudin / January 26, 2026
JOHNS ISLAND, SC – BEHKO Construction is proud to announce its role as general contractor and strategic partner for Vine Works Trade Park, a comprehensive adaptive reuse project transforming a vacant industrial landmark into Charleston’s premier trade center at the gateway to Kiawah Island. In partnership with Obelisk Real Estate Partners, BEHKO is leading the complete revitalization of the former DiMare tomato packaging facility, creating 190,000 square feet of modern commercial and light industrial space strategically positioned to serve the growing Johns Island community.
The historic facility, which once served as a vital hub for one of the nation’s largest tomato-producing regions, sat vacant for more than a decade following the decline of the area’s agricultural operations. Through strategic investment exceeding $20 million by Obelisk Real Estate Partners, this landmark property is being transformed into a dynamic trade center that will provide essential services, create local jobs, and reduce off-island traffic congestion.
“BEHKO’s design-build approach has been instrumental in transforming this vacant facility into a dynamic trade center that will serve Johns Island for generations,” says Dustin Potter, Managing Principal at Obelisk Real Estate Partners. “Their ability to reimagine existing infrastructure while honoring the site’s agricultural heritage demonstrates exactly the kind of thoughtful development the community can benefit from.”
As general contractor and strategic partner, BEHKO is managing the full construction scope for this transformative project. The work encompasses revitalization of two buildings totaling 190,000 square feet—one building offering 108,848 square feet and a second providing 81,350 square feet of flexible commercial and light industrial space. The development includes construction of 450 parking spaces and creation of move-in ready tenant suites designed to accommodate diverse business operations ranging from contractor services and building supplies to landscaping operations and other commercial enterprises.
BEHKO’s integrated design-build methodology enables seamless coordination between architectural vision and construction execution—essential for adaptive reuse projects where existing conditions, historic preservation considerations, and modern functionality must harmonize effectively. The firm’s experience in transforming underutilized industrial properties into productive commercial assets positions the project for successful delivery and long-term operational success.
Vine Works Trade Park addresses a strategic community need by bringing essential commercial services directly to Johns Island. As the island continues to experience residential growth, the availability of on-island contractor services, building supplies, landscaping operations, and similar businesses becomes increasingly important for both quality of life and traffic management throughout the region.
Charleston County Councilman Joe Boykin explained the project’s community benefit: “This won’t bring more houses or more people, per se, but it will provide jobs for people who already live here, and may help limit or reduce the number of on and off island trips for people working here, whether it be landscaping or building services or any of the other commercial interests they may put back here that provide the citizens of Johns Island more retail opportunities.”
By enabling residents to access essential services locally rather than traveling off-island, Vine Works Trade Park contributes to regional traffic reduction while creating employment opportunities for island residents. Charleston City Councilman John McBride noted that strategic developments allowing Johns Island residents to access needed services locally help reduce traffic congestion throughout Charleston “little by little.”
Charleston County has recognized Vine Works Trade Park’s economic development potential through strategic support for the substantial private investment. The county offered business incentives acknowledging the multi-million dollar investment in revitalizing underutilized property, and secured a $250,000 economic development grant to construct a turn lane providing safe access to the complex.
These public investments reflect confidence in the project’s potential to generate employment, expand the tax base, and enhance commercial infrastructure serving the Johns Island community. The collaboration between private development and public support exemplifies how strategic partnerships can catalyze meaningful economic development in growing communities.
Rather than demolition and new construction, Vine Works Trade Park exemplifies sustainable development principles by repurposing existing structures. By preserving and revitalizing a historic facility, the project reduces environmental impact while honoring Johns Island’s agricultural legacy and maintaining a tangible connection to the community’s heritage.
The DiMare facility represents an important chapter in Johns Island’s history—a time when the island and its neighboring sea islands ranked among the nation’s largest tomato producers, with rail spurs serving multiple packing facilities throughout the area. The adaptive reuse approach recognizes that historic properties can serve new purposes while maintaining cultural significance, creating a bridge between the island’s agricultural past and its commercial future.
BEHKO’s construction work includes comprehensive infrastructure upgrades designed to support the diverse operational needs of modern commercial and light industrial tenants. The facility’s flexible design allows for customization to meet specific tenant requirements while maintaining the efficiency and functionality essential for trade and service-based operations.
The move-in ready suites being created through BEHKO’s construction management provide tenants with turnkey spaces that can quickly accommodate business operations, reducing time-to-occupancy and enabling businesses to begin serving the Johns Island community without extended build-out delays.
With tenant occupancy anticipated in 2026, Vine Works Trade Park will soon welcome the businesses that will define its role in serving Johns Island residents and the broader Charleston region. The facility’s strategic location at the gateway to Kiawah Island, combined with its flexible infrastructure and supportive zoning, positions it to attract diverse commercial operations that will contribute to the economic vitality of the Johns Island community.
The successful transformation of this landmark property demonstrates BEHKO’s expertise in complex adaptive reuse projects where design-build capabilities, construction knowledge, and community-focused development converge to create lasting value. As Johns Island continues to grow and evolve, Vine Works Trade Park will serve as essential commercial infrastructure supporting both residents and businesses throughout the region for generations to come.
For more information about BEHKO Construction and our design-build and construction management capabilities, visit behko.com.
About BEHKO Construction
BEHKO Construction is a Charleston-based design-build general contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and hospitality projects throughout South Carolina. With a comprehensive approach that integrates architectural design, engineering, and construction services, BEHKO delivers seamless project execution and quality craftsmanship across diverse market sectors.
About Obelisk Real Estate Partners
Obelisk Real Estate Partners delivers superior risk-adjusted returns for investors by identifying and capitalizing on long-term real estate themes through a data-driven and geographically diverse investing approach focused on thematic real estate investing.
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