News Summary
The College of Charleston has announced plans to demolish the former YWCA building at 106 Coming Street to construct Coming Street Commons, a new dormitory for students. The decision has sparked community concerns regarding the historical significance of the site, especially since it holds a potter’s field for marginalized individuals. Despite the college’s efforts to engage the community, many residents remain apprehensive about the project and its implications for honoring the site’s history. The new dormitory aims to address the housing shortage faced by students as CofC’s enrollment continues to grow.
Charleston – The College of Charleston (CofC) has announced plans to demolish the former YWCA building located at 106 Coming Street and construct a new dormitory named Coming Street Commons. This initiative comes amid significant community concern regarding the site’s historical implications and the involvement of local residents in the planning process.
The YWCA building, constructed in 1964, has been a notable community center, especially during the Civil Rights Movement, where influential figures such as Septima Clark and Christine Jackson used the space as a hub for activism and community events. Since being sold by the YWCA in 2014, the building has remained vacant. The College of Charleston purchased the property for nearly $28 million in January 2025.
On June 11, 2025, the Charleston Board of Architectural Review unanimously approved the demolition request for the YWCA building. With the approval in hand, CofC plans to replace the structure with a new dormitory complex that will house 1,200 students. This development responds to the growing student population at CofC, which has outstripped current housing capacities, leaving many students to find accommodations in surrounding downtown areas.
While the construction of the new dormitory is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, concerns have emerged regarding the historical significance of the location. Underneath the former YWCA, there is a potter’s field, a burial site that holds an estimated 4,600 bodies of marginalized individuals dating back to the 18th century. This raises profound questions about the socio-historical context and preservation needs associated with the site.
Community groups, including Charleston Black Lives Matter and the Preservation Society of Charleston, have voiced their apprehensions about the demolition and the lack of community engagement. Although the college has conducted a few community meetings to discuss the project, participation has been low, leading to doubts about the effectiveness of these efforts. Many community members are urging the college to seek broader opinions on how best to address the history of the location and honor those buried there.
A cultural resource management firm, Terracon, has been hired by the college to conduct archaeological studies on the site to identify any remains that may be present. College officials have acknowledged the weight of the YWCA’s history and have committed to preserving this legacy within the new development, although plans for specific commemorative elements are still under consideration. Some historic preservationists emphasize the necessity of comprehensive community input in establishing how to respect and memorialize the historical context tied to the potter’s field.
The projected cost for the new Coming Street Commons dormitory is estimated between $100 million to $160 million. College officials assert that the new residence hall will alleviate livability issues in adjacent neighborhoods by enabling students to reside more centrally on campus, enhancing their academic and social experience at CofC.
As the timeline for this project continues to unfold, there are growing concerns regarding the balance between developing much-needed student housing and addressing the sensitive nature of the burial grounds involved. The College of Charleston intends to honor the site’s history by incorporating artifacts from the YWCA building into the new construction, ensuring that the legacy of the past is not forgotten as the campus expands.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston YMCA Demolition
- WCIV: Floodwaters Expose Caskets in Lowcountry Cemeteries
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston Dormitory Cemetery
- Google Search: College of Charleston History
- Count on 2: Volunteers Unite to Clean Monrovia Cemetery
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
