News Summary
The College of Charleston has been granted approval to demolish the former YWCA building to construct a new student dormitory aimed at addressing the housing shortage. While the new housing complex, Coming Street Commons, will accommodate up to 1,200 students, concerns have been raised about the historical significance of the site, which is linked to civil rights history and an adjacent burial site. The college is taking steps to engage the community and honor the site’s legacy while moving forward with its housing project.
Charleston, SC – The College of Charleston has received approval to demolish the former YWCA building on Coming Street to make way for a new student dormitory. This decision aims to alleviate the housing shortage affecting the university, which currently houses only about one-third of its undergraduate student population on campus.
The YWCA building, which is approximately 60 years old, played a significant role during the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a gathering place for notable civil rights activists like Septima Clark and Christine Jackson. However, the building has remained vacant since the YWCA sold its downtown headquarters about ten years ago.
The College of Charleston purchased the property in January 2025 for nearly $28 million, planning to transform it into a housing complex named Coming Street Commons. The new development will aim to provide accommodations for up to 1,200 students. Construction is scheduled for completion by Fall 2028, with the potential for multiple phases to create up to 1,000 new student beds.
Despite the college’s plans, members of the local community have raised concerns regarding the historical significance of the YWCA building and its surroundings. The property is notably connected to a burial site recognized as a “potter’s field,” containing approximately 4,600 remains. Community members fear that demolishing the building could erase a vital part of local history.
In response to these concerns, the College of Charleston has committed to performing archaeological investigations before demolition begins to ensure that any existing remains are respected and preserved. The college is also planning to engage with the public and YWCA leadership in discussions on how best to honor the site’s history, particularly as many local advocates have called for greater involvement in commemorating the YWCA’s legacy.
At a recent community meeting, residents expressed their worries not only about potential burial remains but also about increased traffic in the area and the preservation of historical elements. Project leaders indicated intentions to salvage significant components from the former YWCA, such as a wall mural, a plaque, and the building’s iron bars, before demolition takes place.
The city’s Planning and Preservation Department has expressed support for the demolition, emphasizing that it aligns with city housing goals aimed at improving community livability. However, stakeholders, including representatives from the Preservation Society of Charleston and Charleston Black Lives Matter, stress the importance of acknowledging and honoring the historical legacy linked to the YWCA.
As the College of Charleston moves forward with its new housing project, it faces the challenge of balancing the need for student accommodations with the community’s desire to preserve and honor its historical landmarks. The discussions surrounding the YWCA building’s demolition highlight the ongoing need for collaboration between educational institutions and community members to ensure respectful decision-making.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston YMCA Demolish Graves Dorm
- Count On 2: City Approves College of Charleston Request
- ABC News 4: Demolish Request Approved for Former YWCA Building
- Live 5 News: College of Charleston Housing Plan Concerns
- Post and Courier: College of Charleston Dormitory Cemetery
- Wikipedia: College of Charleston
- Google Search: Charleston YWCA History
- Google Scholar: Demolition Impact on Historical Buildings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Movement
- Google News: College of Charleston Housing
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
