Charleston, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The College of Charleston hosted a community meeting to discuss the Coming Street Commons project, which aims to build student dormitories on a historic burial ground. The site, formerly a potter’s field where thousands of enslaved individuals are believed buried, has raised significant concerns from local residents and students. Community members suggested alternative proposals to honor the site’s historical significance, while the college promises to improve stakeholder engagement and ensure careful planning in future developments.
Charleston
The College of Charleston hosted its third community meeting on Monday regarding the ‘Coming Street Commons’ project, which proposes to build student dormitories on the historic burial ground of a former potter’s field where an estimated 4,600 to 12,000 enslaved individuals may be buried. The site, which was once home to the YWCA, has sparked controversy and demands for accountability from the college administration.
At the meeting, College President Andrew Hsu addressed prior missteps in engaging community stakeholders and acknowledged the site’s significance as ‘hallowed ground.’ Hsu promised improved communications in future developments. The meeting’s format, which placed attendees into smaller discussion groups, faced criticism from participants who believed it diluted community voices. One attendee expressed frustration over the division, perceiving it as an effort to separate local community input from that of students.
Some community members suggested that instead of constructing dormitories, the site should be transformed into a memorialized green space, in honor of those buried there. Despite these sentiments, reports indicate that nearby residents largely support the college’s current development plans. Additionally, the college is accepting applications for a Community Engagement Council to foster greater involvement in decision-making on the project.
Students have joined a coalition known as ‘Protect and Respect the Bodies,’ advocating for cautious handling of the site while emphasizing the need for more student housing. However, some students question the acknowledgment of a housing crisis at the college, citing personal circumstances that do not align with claims of overcrowding.
The project faces a lengthy approval process. A public hearing by the Department of Environmental Services is necessary before the commencement of demolition or construction. The timeline for the ‘Coming Street Commons’ project remains flexible, as the college has committed to delaying construction until the site is fully evaluated and deemed appropriate.
The College of Charleston bought the YWCA property for around $28.7 million, intending to construct a multi-level residence hall accommodating several hundred students. Previous ownership had also intended similar developments, but the current plans have met substantial criticism from those advocating for thorough examinations of the site or proposals to build elsewhere.
Activists have called for the project’s framework to align closely with community desires, especially regarding historical preservation. Various approvals will be necessary, including archaeological investigations and consultations with preservation offices. Earlier ground-penetrating radar scans were inconclusive due to interference from existing asphalt, but the college plans to conduct further tests once the current YWCA building is dismantled.
Ultimately, during the community meeting, organizers sought to involve participants and gather ideas regarding the future of the site. Some preservationists worry that the planned timeline is too rushed, given the historical significance of the burial ground. Future development plans will incorporate design elements intended to honor the history of the area while pursuing progress in providing adequate housing for students.
FAQ
What is the ‘Coming Street Commons’ project?
The ‘Coming Street Commons’ project seeks to build student dorms on the former YWCA site, which is also the site of a potter’s field with thousands of enslaved bodies believed to be buried there.
How many individuals are estimated to be buried at the site?
Historians estimate between 4,600 and 12,000 individuals may be buried on the site.
What are the main concerns raised by community members?
Some comments from attendees suggested transforming the lot into memorialized green space instead of building dormitories, and there are calls for further studies or alternative building locations due to the site’s historical significance.
Key Project Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Former YWCA site, historic burial ground |
| Estimated Burials | 4,600 to 12,000 individuals |
| President’s Statement | Site is ‘hallowed ground’; committed to improving communication |
| Community Engagement | Applications open for Community Engagement Council |
| Public Hearing Requirement | Department of Environmental Services must approve before work begins |
| Property Purchase Cost | $28.7 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Community Opposes Demolition of Historic Building
Charleston Launches Initiative for Affordable Housing
College of Charleston Plans New Student Housing Complex
College of Charleston Announces Coming Street Commons Housing
Community Opposes College of Charleston’s Dormitory Plans
North Charleston Couple Appeals Mural Decision
Charleston Community Opposes College of Charleston Dormitory Plans
Ravenel to Acquire 35 Acres for Affordable Housing and Park
Charleston Expands Housing with New Coming Street Commons Project
College of Charleston Announces New Student Housing Project
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Charleston City Paper
- WCBD News 2
- Live 5 News
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Cemetery
- Google Search: College of Charleston Coming Street Commons
- Google Scholar: College of Charleston student housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery
- Google News: College of Charleston housing project
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