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Legal Challenges Arise for Charleston Hotel Proposal

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Architectural design of a proposed hotel in Charleston

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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Legal Challenges Arise for Charleston Hotel Proposal

STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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.

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