News Summary
A proposed five- to six-story hotel on King Street in Charleston faces legal challenges after the city’s Board of Architectural Review approved its plans. Despite receiving approval, the project contravenes existing height restrictions, raising concerns from the Historic Charleston Foundation. As the appeal is pending, discussions continue to balance urban development with preservation efforts in the historic area.
Charleston – A proposed hotel at 657 King Street is facing legal challenges following an approval from the city’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR). This approval, granted on May 14, 2025, allows for the construction of a five- to six-story hotel with 27 rooms. However, this decision has stirred controversy, as the current zoning ordinance limits building heights to a maximum of four stories along King Street.
The Historic Charleston Foundation has raised concerns and appealed the BAR’s decision, claiming that the approval misinterprets the existing zoning regulations. The foundation’s leadership has expressed that the situation could create a precedent for future developments in the city’s historic areas, impacting Charleston’s unique architectural landscape.
The hotel project is set to include several amenities, such as a restaurant, café, and a rooftop pool, along with a penthouse on the sixth floor. The property, recently acquired for $4.75 million by CKC Properties in November 2024, aims to enhance the area’s appeal to tourists and visitors, but not without raising questions about adherence to existing height laws.
Key to the hotel’s approval is a planned arrangement for off-site parking under Interstate 26, which developers argue will support compliance with the city’s height regulations. The city’s zoning ordinance does permit split-zoning, allowing different height restrictions on different sections of the same property, which is at the crux of the current debate.
In a narrow decision, the BAR approved the hotel plans with a vote of 4-to-1, despite vocal opposition from local preservation groups that argue against any development that may alter the historic character of the area. As tensions rise between the desire for new urban development and the need to preserve Charleston’s historic fabric, city officials are tasked with balancing these competing interests.
Recent history indicates a struggle with potential hotel developments at this site. A previous proposal was abandoned when issues related to parking regulations pushed the height of the building beyond city limits. This past experience adds to the scrutiny surrounding the current hotel proposal.
The Historic Charleston Foundation’s appeal is now pending in the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas. In the meantime, there are ongoing discussions among stakeholders aimed at resolving the issue without proceeding to court, reflecting the community’s desire for a solution that respects both development and preservation. Upcoming reviews of the hotel plans by the BAR and the city council are set to further examine the compliance with zoning laws and community values.
This situation underscores the ongoing tensions in Charleston regarding preservation versus development, particularly in neighborhoods known for their significant historical importance. The outcome of this case could set significant precedents for how similar developments are handled in the future, impacting not only King Street but the broader city landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Hotel King’s Street Historic Charleston Foundation
- Post and Courier: Charleston Height Ordinance Bar King
- Island Packet: Charleston Preservation vs. Development
- Live 5 News: City Leaders Considering Downtown Charleston Hotel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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