McKay Partners with Sustainable Architecture Firm, The Middleton Group

McKay Freelance is pleased to announce our newest client, local sustainable architecture firm, The Middleton Group. Founded in 2007, The Middleton Group consists of husband & wife team Blake & Laura Middleton. Both LEED-certified, The Middleton Group's projects have included Midtown Bar & Grill, as well as a number of residences downtown, Mt. Pleasant and on Isle of Palms. They provide clients with sustainable and environmentally-conscious designs, seeking to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and land development. The Middleton Group is also a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and a Partner of the Energy Star Program.

For more information, visit www.themiddletongroup.net or follow them on facebook & twitter. See examples of their work below and stay tuned for more to come!

Midtown Bar & Grill is housed in an 18th century building, which is the oldest on King St. North of Calhoun. Located at 559 King, Midtown Bar & Grill did a complete renovation of the space, with design and construction documents for the building provided by The Middleton Group.

Midtown Bar & Grill

Bar & Outside Patio

McKay To Do List: April 26 - May 2, 2010

Happy Monday! See what the Lowcountry has to offer this week....


Wednesday 4.28
What: My Morning Jacket w/ Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Where: Family Circle Cup
When:  Gates Open 6:00p.m.
How:  My Morning Jacket kicks-off the concert season for the Family Circle Cup. Tickets available on Ticketmaster 


Thursday 4.29
What: Center for Women - Purse Auction
Where: City Gallery at Waterfront Park
              34 Prioleau Street
When:  6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How: Support the Center for Women at the 9th annual Purse Auction. Silent and live auction of 80 unique purses designed by local designers and celebrities. Designer purses includes designer purses from Tory Burch, Burberry, Prada and many, many more!


Save money and purchase your ticket in advance here. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.


Friday 4.30
What: Gourmet and Grapes
Where: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
              1 Sanctuary Beach Drive
               Kiawah Island, SC
When: Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2, 2010
How: The second annual Gourmet and Grapes event will not disappoint. The weekend includes a black-tie dinner, interactive wine symposium, cooking demonstration luncheon, and grand wine odyssey. All proceeds benefit the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC. Visit the website for more details. 


Saturday 5.1
What: Charleston Dog Show
Where: Marion Square
When: 8:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.
How: Bring your families and your pooch to Marion Square and watch other Lowcountry Dogs strut their stuff. There will also be a dog vendor village for you and your pup to explore.


Sunday 5.2
What: Lowcountry Local First 3rd Annual Chef's Potluck
Where: The Pavilion at Middleton Place
              4300 Ashley River Road
When: 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
How: Enjoy delicious dishes prepared with local ingredients by local chefs. Tickets are $45 LLF Members, $50 Non-members. Purchase your tickets here.

Mckay To Do List: April 19 - 25, 2010

Spring in Charleston means there is a lot going on...Check it out!

Monday 4.19

What: National Park Week

Where: 392 National Parks Across the country. Check out our local National Park, Fort Sumter National Monument

When: All week long until Sunday, April 25

How: Celebrate nature and our national parks. Enjoy any national park for free this week!

Wednesday 4.21

What: Spotleo SCENE Kick-off party

Where: Dock Street Theater

              135 Church Street

When: 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.

How: Come on out to the Scene kick-off party to find out what is in store for Spoleto Festival 2010. Enjoy snacks, drinks, bluegrass and good people!

Thursday 4.22

What: i5K Walk, Run, Shuffle

Where: Charleston Maritime Center on the Harbor

              10 Wharfside Street

When: 6:30p.m.

How: Registration $30

Friday 4.23

What: The Oxygen Ball "Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars"

Where: Charleston Marriott

              170 Lockwood Blvd.

When: 7:00p.m. - 11:30p.m.

How: Local celebrities will pair with dance pros from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios to compete for the title of "Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars Champion." Tickets: $150. All proceeds benefit American Lung Association.

Saturday 4.24

What: A Charleston Affair

Where: Cistern Yard

When: 7:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.

How: Calling all CofC alum (and wannabes), come out to the Cistern Yard to mix and mingle while listening to music from the Plainfield Project and enjoying food from Jim n' Nicks BBQ, yum! And our favorite's ICEBOX Bar will be serving beer, wine and sangria! Visit the website for ticket prices.

To Do List April 11 - April 18 2010

Tuesday 4.13
What: Wine on the Water
Where: South Carolina Aquarium
              100 Aquarium Wharf
When:  7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.
How:  Enjoy an evening of sustainable seafood prepared by Charleston's best chef's, wine and entertainment, all while overlooking the beautiful Charleston harbor. Tickets $25 members, $30 non-members. Reservations must be made in advance.


Wednesday 4.14
What: Movies on the 103 Green
Where: Eye Level Art
              103 Spring Street
When:  7:30p.m.
How: $5 at the door; Bring your own beer/wine for a $5 corkage fee. Feature presentation: Chocolat


Thursday 4.15
What: Upper King Street Design Walk
Where: Shops and showrooms on Upper King Street (between Calhoun and Line Street)
When: 5:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
How: Upper King Street establishments will be open for people to mix, mingle and shop! Refreshments will be provided at no cost.


Saturday 4.17
What: Family Circle Cup Game, Set, Rock! Tennis Amplified
Where: Family Circle Cup Tennis Center
When: 8:00p.m.
How: Watch John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Anna Kournikova play while listening to local favorite, The Blue Dogs. Buy tickets online.