Charleston, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The College of Charleston is advancing plans to construct a new student housing complex on a site with historical significance. The project aims to provide affordable housing for 1,000 students and address community concerns regarding the site’s past as a burial ground. Mayor William Cogswell and President Andrew Hsu highlight efforts for transparency and community engagement, promising archaeological investigations before construction. The anticipated completion date for the project is 2028, with commitments to honor the legacy of the YWCA and the site’s historical importance.
Charleston
The College of Charleston is moving forward with plans to construct a new on-campus student housing complex on a site previously owned by the YWCA. The property, sold to a private developer in 2014, was acquired by the university in early 2025. The proposed housing aims to provide affordable accommodations for up to 1,000 first-year and returning students, thereby reducing pressure on local neighborhoods.
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a respectful and transparent process as they address community concerns surrounding this development. Among these concerns is the site’s historical significance, as it was once a potter’s field used for burials prior to 1807. The existing structure, a former YWCA building, was demolished in the 1960s and has since remained vacant.
No construction will begin until thorough archaeological investigations are conducted to avoid disturbing any potential human remains. A third-party cultural resource management team will utilize ground-penetrating radar and conduct archaeological studies at the proposed site before any invasive work starts. Should any remains be found, the College of Charleston will adhere to state and federal laws governing their respectful removal and reinterment, even though identifying specific individuals may not be feasible.
In transparency efforts, summaries of the archaeological findings will be publicly shared. The college plans to commemorate the site’s historical importance by collaborating with community leaders, preservation partners, and representatives of the descendants of those buried there to develop an on-site memorial and interpretation plan.
To enhance community engagement, the College of Charleston is forming a community engagement council designed to facilitate public discussions and gather input on the project. Future meetings will allow for discussions surrounding construction impacts, historical preservation efforts, and neighborhood traffic. The anticipated completion date for the on-campus housing project is 2028.
This proposed housing facility is significant because the College of Charleston has not constructed a new residence hall since 2007. The goal is to improve the living conditions for students, thereby enhancing their academic performance through expanded on-campus housing options.
Concerns have already been raised during the initial community meeting regarding the importance of preserving the site’s history, especially its role in the Civil Rights Movement. Many community members have expressed their desire to see the new development honor the legacy of the YWCA while preserving its historical significance.
Key Features of the Proposed Student Housing Project
- Location: North of Calhoun Street
- Capacity: 1,000 beds for first-year and returning students
- Completion Date: Expected in 2028
- Historical Investigation: Ground-penetrating radar and archaeological studies will occur prior to construction
- Community Engagement: A council will be formed to facilitate discussions and feedback
- Honor Historical Significance: Plans for a memorial and interpretation plan in collaboration with community partners
Community Concerns
- Historical significance of previous burials at the site
- Desire to honor the YWCA’s legacy and role in the Civil Rights Movement
- Impact of construction on local neighborhood traffic
Future Community Engagement
Planned future meetings will address all related concerns and provide an avenue for residents to voice their opinions throughout the construction process.
Summary
The College of Charleston’s proposed student housing project, set against a backdrop of historical significance and community concern, aims to provide modern living accommodations for students while also respecting and commemorating the site’s past. The commitment to transparency and community involvement is a focal point as planning progresses towards the expected completion in 2028.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College of Charleston planning to build?
The College of Charleston is planning to build an on-campus student housing complex to accommodate up to 1,000 students.
When is the construction expected to be completed?
The expected completion date for the housing project is 2028.
What measures will be taken to respect the historical significance of the site?
The College will conduct archaeological investigations and collaborate with community leaders to create a memorial honoring the site’s history.
How does the College plan to engage with the community?
The College is forming a community engagement council to facilitate discussions and gather community feedback throughout the project.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Burial Ground at Charleston College Dorm
- Count On 2: College of Charleston Plans to Add Student Housing
- Live 5 News: College of Charleston Expands Student Housing
- Count On 2: College of Charleston to Host Community Meeting
- Wikipedia: College of Charleston
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