More Than Square Footage
Some projects carry more weight than blueprints and square footage. Renovating East Cooper Community Outreach’s (ECCO) campus on Six Mile Road was one of them.
For more than two decades, ECCO has been a lifeline in Mount Pleasant, providing food, medical and dental care, financial assistance, and hope to thousands of neighbors every year. When the time came to renovate their 23-year-old facility, Harbor Contracting was honored to be part of the team that brought this vision to life.
Collaboration at Its Core
This project was a true team effort. From the earliest conversations, ECCO staff and volunteers shared not only what they needed in a building, but how they wanted neighbors to feel when they walked through the doors.
Rush Dixon Architects translated those ideas into thoughtful design solutions. One of the most impactful changes was replacing multiple entrances with a single main entrance and concierge-style welcome desk.
That design decision, born directly from ECCO’s staff, now ensures that every neighbor who steps inside is welcomed, guided, and embraced with dignity.
Building While Serving
Renovations took place over 13 months, yet ECCO never closed its doors. Staff and volunteers kept serving thousands of families throughout the process, and Harbor’s team worked carefully to move construction forward without disrupting critical services.
Special recognition goes to Harbor Vice President Alex McKellar, whose leadership and oversight helped guide the project smoothly from start to finish. His commitment to client relationships and project excellence played a key role in ensuring this renovation met both ECCO’s vision and Harbor’s high standards.
This balance of progress and compassion reflects Harbor’s commitment to delivering projects with precision while honoring the people inside the space.
A Shared Mission
Executive Director Stephanie Kelley says it best:
We talk a lot about ECCO not giving any handouts. We give a hand up. To me, the single door is the most significant change. If you have been brave enough to think, I am going to walk in here and figure out how to access services, you feel embraced and welcomed.
That spirit of opening doors and offering a hand up is what makes ECCO such a cornerstone in our community. Harbor is thankful to have played a part in creating a space that will support their mission for years to come.
Thank You to the Team
A project like this only comes together with strong partnerships. We are grateful to the ECCO leadership and staff, architect Judy Dixon, and our Harbor team members who brought skill, care, and dedication to every detail.
For Harbor, this project was not just about building walls. It was about building trust, relationships, and spaces where community can thrive.
Ready to Build With Care?
At Harbor Contracting, every project, whether it is for a nonprofit, a church, or a business, is more than a structure. It is about the people inside.
Interested in learning how Harbor can bring the same precision and partnership to your project?