Charleston, July 23, 2025
News Summary
The College of Charleston is expanding student housing with the Coming Street Commons project, adding 1,200 beds to improve residential options for students. The complex will feature multiple common areas, grab-and-go food services, and green spaces, all while addressing historical site considerations from the previous YWCA location. Community meetings are scheduled to ensure local input on the development, focusing on preserving the area’s historical significance. Construction is anticipated to conclude by 2028, alleviating housing pressures in the region.
Charleston – The College of Charleston is set to expand student housing with an ambitious new project called the Coming Street Commons. This new student residence complex will provide a total of 1,200 beds, adding approximately 1,000 new beds to the existing 200 beds available at the current residence hall located at 99 St. Philip St.
The site for the new residence hall is strategically located just north of Calhoun Street. The Coming Street Commons is designed to have multiple common areas aimed at fostering student success and community engagement, as well as offering grab-and-go food options and green spaces to enhance the residential experience.
The College aims to create a welcoming environment for first-year students, making it easier to access essential campus services. College President Andrew Hsu emphasized that the development is critical in easing housing pressure in neighboring areas. Local community members have raised several concerns, particularly regarding the historical significance of the site, its impact on local traffic, and how construction may affect surrounding neighborhoods.
The land previously housed the YWCA of Greater Charleston, an organization with deep historical roots tied to the Civil Rights Movement, featuring prominent figures such as Septima Clark and Christine Jackson. The College recognizes the YWCA’s immense contribution to the Charleston community and is collaborating with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office to ensure appropriate commemorations are integrated into the project’s design, including honors like a mural, plaque, and iron bars from the YWCA’s windows.
The area also includes a former municipal cemetery, known as a Potter’s Field, which dates back to the late 18th century. This element of the site necessitates careful archaeological assessments to document and safeguard its history before construction begins.
To maintain transparency and gather community input, the College of Charleston is conducting a series of informational meetings. The next meetings are scheduled for August 4 and September 22 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Michael Auerbach Auditorium (202 Calhoun St.). Feedback from community members is actively encouraged, particularly related to preserving the area’s historical significance, especially pertaining to the Black community.
The project is slated to proceed to the City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review as the next milestone. With construction anticipated to be completed by 2028, ongoing communication with the community will be vital in shaping the development. For inquiries regarding the project, an email can be sent to [email protected], and more detailed information is available on the project website.
Key Features of the Coming Street Commons Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Beds | 1,200 |
| New Beds Added | 1,000 |
| Common Areas | Multiple areas for student interaction and engagement |
| Food Options | Grab-and-go options available |
| Green Spaces | Designated areas for outdoor activities and relaxation |
| Historical Preservation | Commemorations of YWCA and archaeological considerations |
| Community Meetings | Next meetings on August 4 and September 22 |
| Construction Completion | Anticipated by 2028 |
FAQ
The Coming Street Commons project is a new student housing complex planned by the College of Charleston, set to add approximately 1,000 new beds to their existing housing options.
When will the project be completed?
Construction of the Coming Street Commons is expected to be completed by 2028.
Where is the Coming Street Commons located?
The new residence hall will be located just north of Calhoun Street in Charleston, on the site of the former YWCA.
What historical features will be preserved?
The project will incorporate memorials to the YWCA’s historical significance, including a mural and a plaque, and address the presence of a former cemetery on site.
How can community members get involved?
The College is holding community information meetings to gather feedback and address concerns. The next meetings are scheduled for August 4 and September 22.
Who can I contact for more information about the project?
For any questions regarding the Coming Street Commons project, you can email [email protected].
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: CofC Hosts Student Housing Meetings
- Live 5 News: College of Charleston Plans Construction of Expanded Student Housing
- Multi Housing News: Blue Vista, Clarion Acquire 2,787-Bed Student Portfolio
- ABC News 4: Demolish Request Approved for Former YWCA Building
- Wikipedia: College of Charleston
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