Major growth planned for Exit 8 in Hardeeville
Hardeeville is preparing for a transformation at Exit 8 along Interstate 95, where two major developments are planned; a sprawling residential community named Southpoint and Hardee Station, a commercial hub that includes the highly anticipated Buc-ee’s Travel Center. These are set to bring thousands of new residents, travelers and jobs to the rapidly growing Lowcountry community.
The scale of the projects is substantial: Southpoint will span more than 360 acres across two phases, bringing more than 14,000 new homes, over 50 businesses, 10 restaurants, multiple hotels and a major grocery store to the region by the early 2030s. Across the interchange, Buc-ee’s will establish one of its signature large-format convenience stores and gas stations on a 46-acre site approved in late 2024.
City officials say these investments mark a significant milestone for Hardeeville, which has experienced exponential growth in recent years.
A growing city looks to expand infrastructure
Located a short drive from Savannah, Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head Island, Hardeeville was recently named the fastest-growing municipality in South Carolina, with an 85% growth rate between 2020 and 2024. Its population jumped from around 7,000 residents to over 13,000 during this period according to the US Census.
Local officials believe the Exit 8 corridor offers the perfect setting to accommodate continued growth while also helping the city become a self-sustaining destination.
“Our goal is for residents to find their shopping, dining, groceries and retail here, rather than having to drive out of town,” said City Manager Josh Gruber, in an interview with WJCL “This development will help meet those needs.”
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is supporting the plan with a major infrastructure upgrade. A $800 million project is underway to widen I-95 through Jasper County and reconfigure both Exit 5 and Exit 8, easing access to the area and improving traffic flow to match expected population and tourism surges.
“They’re doing that specifically with the knowledge that Buc-ee’s is going to be coming into that area,” Gruber told WJCL. “And that Buc-ee’s does produce a high volume of traffic.”
Southpoint: a multi-phase community hub
The Southpoint development, located at the southeast quadrant of the Exit 8 interchange, is being constructed in two primary phases.
Phase one, projected for completion by 2030, will introduce more than 1,400 homes, over 50 commercial spaces, 10 restaurants, three hotels and a major grocery store. The development is designed to serve both residents and travelers, with a blend of walkable retail corridors, residential neighborhoods, green spaces and hospitality offerings.
Phase two, scheduled through 2032, will add more homes and businesses as demand grows. Once fully built out, Southpoint is expected to feature more than 14,000 residential units and become one of the largest master-planned communities in the region.
The developers aim to create a “town center” environment, with shopping and dining options accessible on foot or by short drive. Officials hope it will serve as both a gateway to Hardeeville and a model for sustainable suburban growth.
Buc-ee’s and Hardee Station
Across from Southpoint, Texas-based Buc-ee’s has secured a 46-acre site for its second South Carolina location. The chain is known for its sprawling gas stations, extensive food offerings and famously clean restrooms. Each store typically includes dozens of fuel pumps, car wash stations and a massive convenience store.
The Hardeeville Buc-ee’s will be part of a new mixed-use development called Hardee Station. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with an opening date projected for 2028. Local officials anticipate the brand will attract travelers from I-95, helping to boost local commerce and visibility. The company’s presence is expected to significantly increase traffic at Exit 8, reinforcing the need for coordinated infrastructure improvements.
A regional destination
Gruber told the news station the City of Hardeeville’s long-term planning is focused on managing growth in a way that enhances quality of life and fosters a sense of place.
“These developments are about more than just economic growth,” he said. “They’re about building a community where people want to live, work and spend time.”
The vision aligns with broader trends across the Lowcountry, where suburban cities like Hardeeville are playing an increasing role in absorbing the population spillover from Savannah, Bluffton and Hilton Head. Affordable housing, access to transportation corridors and the appeal of a new, walkable community are drawing families and businesses alike.
In Southpoint and Hardee Station, city leaders see a unique opportunity to set a new standard for development along I-95. Both projects include environmental considerations, road improvements, and design elements meant to encourage local spending and reduce outward commuting.
What’s next
Preliminary site work for Southpoint is underway, with vertical construction on homes and commercial buildings anticipated to begin in late 2025. The Buc-ee’s development is currently in the planning and permitting stage.
Meanwhile, SCDOT continues its design and environmental review process for the I-95 widening and interchange redesign. Officials have said the upgrades to Exits 5 and 8 are scheduled to be completed before Buc-ee’s opens.
Once complete, the developments could collectively reshape how travelers and residents experience Hardeeville — turning Exit 8 from a pass-through stop into a bustling hub for living, shopping and leisure.
“We’ve worked for years to create the conditions for this kind of growth,” Gruber told WJCL. “Now, it’s here — and we’re ready.”
