June 25, 2025

College of Charleston Plans New Student Residence Complex

News Summary

The College of Charleston is moving ahead with the development of a new 1,200-bed student residence complex, Coming Street Commons, built on a historically significant YWCA site. This project aims to address housing shortages for undergraduate students while honoring the site’s historical ties to the Civil Rights Movement. Community concerns include potential burials, traffic increases, and preservation of the YWCA’s legacy. The College has committed to retaining elements of the old building and collaborating with historical preservation efforts.

Charleston – The College of Charleston is moving forward with plans to construct a new 1,200-bed student residence complex, named Coming Street Commons, on the site of a historically significant former Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) building. This development will add approximately 1,000 new beds to the existing 200 beds at the 99 St. Philip location.

The proposed site for the Coming Street Commons has raised several concerns among community members due to the historical ties associated with the YWCA. The former building is linked to significant figures in the Civil Rights Movement, including Septima Clark and Christine Jackson, leading to local advocacy for the preservation of its historical and cultural identity.

During a recent community meeting, several issues were raised regarding the project. Residents expressed worries about the potential discovery of burial remains, increased traffic in the neighborhood, the construction process’s impact, and how the historical significance of the building would be preserved. The College of Charleston has acknowledged these concerns and plans to employ archaeological experts to survey the site for any potential burials, as there are indications that the existing structure may be situated over a historical burial ground.

Brad Weiland, the Vice President of Facilities at the College of Charleston, highlighted that the new facility is designed to deliver more affordable housing options for first-year students, which could help ease the demand on nearby neighborhoods. Furthermore, living on campus is believed to enhance academic engagement among freshman students.

Community member Pleshett Grant voiced opposition to the demolition of the YWCA building, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its history, particularly for the Black community in Charleston. In response, the College of Charleston has pledged to retain some aspects of the former YWCA, including a mural, a commemorative plaque, and iron window bars.

The College is actively recognizing the historical significance of the YWCA site by collaborating with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation office and current YWCA leaders to create a commemorative design. The target date for the completion of the Coming Street Commons facility is 2028.

In support of this initiative, the city has approved the demolition request as it aligns with the city’s housing objectives and aims to enhance community livability. The existing College of Charleston campus can only accommodate about one-third of its undergraduate students within the available 3,700 beds, reinforcing the necessity for expansion.

The development plans include provisions for green spaces and communal areas, which aim to foster community engagement and facilitate student success throughout their college experience. To foster public involvement and ensure community input, the College of Charleston plans to host future meetings, with information made accessible through a designated project email and website.

As the community grapples with the implications of the Coming Street Commons project, there is a clear call for increased involvement and dialogue to address the complexities surrounding the historical significance of the YWCA site before any demolition occurs.

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Charleston Approves Demolition of Historic YWCA for New Dormitory
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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