News Summary
Charleston residents are thrilled about the upcoming café proposed for 115½ Wentworth St., operated by Babas. This charming location will serve coffee, pastries, and more, enhancing the local community with its cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating. Recently approved by city officials and supported by the Harleston Village Association, this renovation of the historic 1910 building promises to revitalize the area.
Exciting News for Charleston: A New Café on the Horizon!
Charleston residents are buzzing with excitement over the proposed opening of a brand-new café at the charming and unoccupied building located at 115½ Wentworth St.. This location, which lies snugly between Coming and Pitt streets, has been a blank canvas for some time, and it looks like it’s about to come alive with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the delightful scent of pastries.
A New Venture by Babas
The enthusiastic operator behind this potential café is none other than Babas, a beloved name in downtown Charleston where they currently run two popular European-style cafés: Babas on Cannon and Babas on Meeting. These existing cafés have won over locals and visitors alike with their mouth-watering offerings, including everything from coffee and espresso to house-made pastries for breakfast. For lunch, they provide a tempting selection of sandwiches, salads, and even some delightful wine choices.
Community Approval and Support
The proposal has already garnered enthusiasm from the community. The Harleston Village Association has given its blessing, citing that the café will be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Even better, city officials recently reviewed the project’s requirements and unanimously approved a reduction in the number of parking spaces needed for the café. Instead of the standard nine spaces, the cafe will only need five, thanks to the city’s recognition of the café’s potential to enhance the area.
Plans and Renovation Details
On March 4, the Charleston Board of Zoning Appeals was presented with exciting renderings that depict a thorough renovation plan for the circa-1910 brick building. The plans include transforming the entire building into a cozy retreat for coffee lovers, utilizing both floors to create a welcoming space that spans a total of 605 square feet for patrons. They also plan to include a delightful 242-square-foot patio that will face Coming Street, providing plenty of outdoor seating for those sunny Charleston days.
Building History and Future Prospects
With a rich history, this historic building was previously used as church offices by the Grace Church Cathedral, which is located just a stone’s throw away at 98 Wentworth. Currently, the property is unoccupied, with those once-bustling offices now eerily quiet. The windows of the building show signs of age, covered with horizontal wooden bars and mishaps of graffiti—a sight that will soon change when Babas breathes new life into the structure.
Positive Outlook for the Neighborhood
Given that the property is already zoned for limited business, it can seamlessly transition into a café format that is compatible with the residential area surrounding it. The nearby College of Charleston dormitory adds to the potential foot traffic, making it a prime spot for students and locals alike. The Harleston Village Association believes that the combination of the excellent location and the appeal of revitalizing a vacant building greatly outweighs any concerns about parking.
What’s Next?
As of now, details are still emerging, and Babas has not yet commented on this exciting development. However, with the community’s support and the city’s approval, the future of this little corner of Charleston is certainly looking brighter. Residents and coffee aficionados alike will be keeping a keen eye on how this all unfolds. One thing is for sure: Charleston is about to get a whole lot cozier with the arrival of this new café!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: New Café in Charleston
- Charleston City Paper: Local Venues and Romance
- What Now: New Starbucks on Ladys Island
- Count on 2: Restaurant Owners Jailed
- ABC News 4: Modernized Publix Announcement
- Wikipedia: Coffee
- Google Search: Café
- Google Scholar: Café
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Café
- Google News: Café
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
