News Summary
On March 3, the Charleston Design Review Board will convene to discuss significant construction plans impacting West Ashley and James Island. Key agenda items include a proposed market conversion on James Island and two new retail projects in West Ashley. The meeting will also cover the much-anticipated Citadel Mall redevelopment, aimed at creating a mixed-use environment with ample greenspace. Public attendance is encouraged, either in-person or via live stream. This meeting represents a chance for community involvement in shaping the future of Charleston’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Charleston Set for Exciting Design Review Board Meeting on Major Projects
Hey there, Charleston! Are you ready for some fantastic news about what’s happening in our beautiful city? Mark your calendars for Monday, March 3, at 4:30 p.m., because Charleston’s Design Review Board is all set to meet at the Gaillard Center Public Meeting Room. This is your chance to catch up on some exciting developments and maybe even have your say.
What’s on the Agenda?
The key agenda for the evening features a mix of construction plans that will have a significant impact on both West Ashley and James Island. That’s right! This meeting isn’t just a boring sit-down; it’s all about shaping the future of our neighborhoods.
For those on James Island, there are proposed plans to convert an existing office building into a vibrant market. How cool is that? Imagine a bustling spot filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and everything in between! Meanwhile, over in West Ashley, there are plans for two brand new retail buildings around the West Ashley Circle. This part of town is about to get a fresh makeover, folks.
Get Involved!
And here’s the best part – the public is highly encouraged to attend this meeting in person and share any comments or thoughts. If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can catch the meeting live streamed and recorded on the City of Charleston Public Meetings YouTube Channel. So, grab your phones and get ready to tune in!
The Big Focus on Citadel Mall Redevelopment
During the meeting, presenters will dive into their backgrounds and inspirations for the project. Isn’t it intriguing to see the thought processes behind such a massive redevelopment? This project aims to encompass approximately 1.1 million square feet of retail space, ensuring that major anchor tenants like Belk, Dillard’s, Target, and the Medical University of South Carolina will still be around. And yes, they plan to enhance overall accessibility with improved street designs.
What’s Next for the Epic Center?
There’s plenty of anticipation regarding the first phase of this development, which is still under wraps. The Design Review Board had previously approved guidelines for the Citadel Mall redevelopment, paving the way for more mixed-use properties. These guidelines include design elements like street design, parking standards, and landscaping focused on native plants. And there’s an interesting discussion on whether the architecture of the Epic Center should showcase Charleston’s historic styles or embrace a modern look.
Other Exciting Developments in West Ashley
The excitement doesn’t stop there! West Ashley has its own bustling plans. A $345 million project for the former Piggly Wiggly site has received initial approval. With Charleston city officials actively seeking state funds for flood relief projects in West Ashley, it’s clear that they’re not just thinking about expansion but also about how to keep our city thriving and safe.
As a cherry on top, Charleston County deputies are lending their support to North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene. It shows how, even in challenges, our community rallies together.
Wrap-Up!
So there you have it, Charleston! An exciting meeting and a slew of developments on the horizon. Whether you live in West Ashley or James Island or frequently enjoy the vibrance of the Citadel Mall area, your input matters. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this thriving community by attending the Design Review Board meeting! Let’s create a beautiful future together.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Charleston Design Review Board
- Count on 2 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Charleston City Paper
- Google Scholar: Charleston urban development
- CHS Today
- Google News: Charleston retail development

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.