News Summary
The College of Charleston plans to demolish the historic YWCA building on Coming Street to create a new dormitory named Coming Street Commons. This decision has sparked community concerns due to the building’s historical significance and its connections to Civil Rights figures. The college aims to address housing shortages while preserving elements of the YWCA’s legacy and ensuring respectful treatment of a nearby burial ground. Community engagement remains crucial as the project moves forward with construction slated for completion in 2028.
Charleston Plans to Demolish Historic YWCA Building for New Dormitory
The College of Charleston (CofC) intends to demolish the historic YWCA building located on Coming Street to develop a new dormitory named Coming Street Commons. This decision has been met with significant community concern due to the building’s historical importance and its connection to notable Civil Rights figures.
The YWCA structure was established in 1964 and has remained unused since the YWCA organization sold it in 2014. CofC acquired the property in January 2025 for nearly $28 million, with plans to create a larger residential complex consisting of 1,200 beds on the block bordered by Vanderhorst, St. Philip, Calhoun, and Coming streets. The demolition of the YWCA building received unanimous approval from the city’s Board of Architectural Review on June 11, 2025.
Concerns Over Historical Significance and Burial Ground
The YWCA building stands out not only for its architecture but also for its cultural significance. It is associated with prominent Civil Rights activists, including Septima Clark and Christine Jackson, who fought for equality in Charleston. Additionally, the site overlaps with a historic burial ground, or potter’s field, which contains the remains of an estimated 4,600 individuals, primarily of African descent, who were buried between 1790 and 1807. Community members along with preservationists have voiced their worries regarding both the demolition of the building and the respectful treatment of the burial ground during construction.
School Addresses Housing Demands
CofC officials stress that student housing is urgently needed, highlighting that only one-third of the undergraduate population currently lives on campus. The planned Coming Street Commons aims to alleviate off-campus housing pressures and foster greater student engagement within the campus community. To honor the YWCA’s legacy, college officials plan to incorporate elements of the building’s history into the new dormitory, such as salvaging murals and plaques from the existing structure.
Community Engagement and Timeline
Despite the college’s stated plans, concerns surrounding the timeline of the project persist. Many community members have argued that the demolition timeline appears rushed and that increased local involvement is essential. Future community meetings are anticipated to facilitate discussions about the project and ensure the inclusion of local voices in the planning process.
To ensure a respectful approach during the construction process, the college has enlisted the assistance of Terracon, a cultural resource management firm, to investigate the site for hidden graves and to maintain respect toward the burial ground throughout the project. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2026, with an expected completion date in August 2028.
Addressing Concerns of Loss
Community members have expressed that the YWCA building encapsulates a vital aspect of Charleston’s cultural heritage and history, which they believe should not be forfeited. College officials acknowledge the necessity for further dialogue with the community to simultaneously honor the significance of the site while addressing the ongoing housing crisis for students.
As the project moves forward, the College of Charleston aims to navigate the delicate balance between development and preservation, working in conjunction with the community to ensure that both housing needs and historical legacies are respectfully managed.
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Charleston Approves Demolition of Historic YWCA for New Dormitory
College of Charleston Approves Demolition of YWCA Building
College of Charleston Moves to Demolish Historic YWCA Building
College of Charleston Plans Demolition of Historic YWCA Building
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston Plans to Demolish YWCA
- Wikipedia: College of Charleston
- ABC News 4: Demolition Request for Former YWCA Building
- Google Search: YWCA Charleston
- Live 5 News: Concerns Over Housing Plan
- Google Scholar: Charleston YWCA
- Spectrum News: Charleston Student Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston Dormitory and Cemetery
- Google News: Charleston YWCA Building
