As South Bay At Mount Pleasant celebrates its fifth year ranking in the Best of Mount Pleasant awards, the team at Mount Pleasant Magazine wanted to honor the moment in a way that felt true to what South Bay is at its core: warm, personal and community-driven. The result was a one-of-a-kind photoshoot that brought residents and their pets together inside the main lobby for a celebration that felt more like a family gathering than a formal recognition.
Getting one dog to sit still for a photo is an accomplishment in itself, but getting 17 to do it at the same time is something else entirely. With the help of our incredible photographer Mark Staff (and a few well-timed dog treats), we managed to capture a group photo that perfectly reflects the heart of South Bay. After the group shot, residents were invited to take part in individual photoshoots with their pets, resulting in a series of images that were equally as genuine as they were moving. There is something powerful about seeing the way an animal looks at their favorite person, and those moments were on full display throughout the day.
South Bay At Mount Pleasant has made a name for itself over the years as a place where people truly feel at home. According to Executive Director Sean Davis, who has been with South Bay for four-and-a-half years, that feeling starts with the people. “It’s really all about the residents and the staff,” Davis said. “We’re fortunate to have residents with incredibly unique life stories, and our staff genuinely love hearing them. They learn so much from the people who live here.”
That connection is strengthened by consistency. Several key staff members have been part of South Bay since day one, creating a sense of trust and familiarity that is hard to replicate. Residents are supported by a team that is deeply invested in their well-being, with family members and visitors often commenting about how welcomed they feel from the moment they walk through the doors.
The setting plays a role too. Despite its location in the bustling center of Mount Pleasant, South Bay sits on 23 acres of greenery. Walking paths wind through the property, where residents stroll with their pets, families push strollers and neighbors stop to chat. There is even a protected bald eagle’s nest on campus, along with otters, deer, waterfowl and other wildlife that have made the space their home as well. As Davis put it, “Even the animals know South Bay is a safe place to be.”
The community life at South Bay extends beyond the landscape. Residents have access to a wide range of activities that support physical, mental and spiritual well-being, with a full calendar of events designed to keep everyone engaged. Dining is another standout, led by award-winning Executive Chef Pam Ballard, who has been with South Bay for nearly four years. The culinary program delivers creative meals that rival some of the best restaurants in town and the dining team brings an energy that residents notice and appreciate every day.
Eight years into their legacy, South Bay’s continued recognition in the Best of Mount Pleasant awards is no coincidence. This is a community that values genuine connection woven into everything they do.
By Allyah Harrar