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College of Charleston Approves Demolition of YWCA Building

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Artist's rendering of the new student housing complex at College of Charleston

News Summary

The College of Charleston has received approval to demolish the former YWCA building to make way for Coming Street Commons, a new student housing project. This initiative aims to provide 1,000 beds for first-year students to address a housing shortage fueled by rising enrollment. While the YWCA building holds historical significance, including connections to Civil Rights activists and its role as a potter’s field, the university promises to honor its legacy in the new development.

Charleston, SC – The College of Charleston has received approval to demolish the former YWCA building located at 106 Coming Street. This demolition is part of a significant new student housing project known as Coming Street Commons, which will aim to address the pressing housing shortage at the university.

The proposed new dormitory is set to provide 1,000 beds specifically for first-year students. The expansion comes in response to a notable increase in freshman enrollment over the past two years, which has intensified the housing demand in the area. By constructing this new facility, the university hopes to alleviate some of the housing pressures experienced by students as well as nearby residential neighborhoods.

The YWCA building, which was constructed in 1964, has historical significance as a notable site for Civil Rights activists including Septima Clark and Christine Jackson. The College of Charleston purchased the property in January 2025 for approximately $28 million, but it has remained vacant since the YWCA sold its downtown headquarters a decade ago.

Before granting approval for the demolition, the city’s Board of Architectural Review convened to review the application, ultimately rendering a unanimous decision in favor of the project. However, the site also holds a dark history, noted as a former potter’s field where an estimated 4,600 bodies lie buried, with many believed to be enslaved individuals. To address these concerns, the College has commissioned Terracon, a cultural resource management company, to conduct an investigation of the burial sites prior to the demolition.

Community members have voiced concerns regarding the lack of meaningful engagement in discussions about how to commemorate the YWCA’s historical legacy before the building’s demolition takes place. A community meeting held on June 3 was criticized for its low attendance, further highlighting the desire for increased public involvement. Various groups, including the Preservation Society of Charleston and Charleston Black Lives Matter, are advocating for more opportunities for community input on commemorative measures regarding the YWCA’s legacy.

The College of Charleston has stated its commitment to honoring the history associated with both the YWCA building and the potter’s field. Plans for the new housing facility include preserving certain historical elements from the existing building, such as a mural and iron bars from its windows, ensuring that the significance of the site is not completely forgotten.

The city recognizes that the construction of the new dormitory aligns with broader housing goals, which could potentially free up additional housing options for downtown residents. The new student housing project is expected to take place in phases, with the goal of initial occupancy set for Fall 2028. The College of Charleston’s leadership underlines its commitment to maintaining the historical integrity of the site while addressing the need for increased residential facilities for its growing student population.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

HERE Charleston
Author: HERE Charleston

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