Charleston SC, September 1, 2025
News Summary
The College of Charleston is set to develop Coming Street Commons, a new student housing complex aimed at providing 1,000 beds to alleviate housing pressure. The site, historically significant for its community graveyard, raises concerns about the disturbance of remains. The college plans archaeological investigations and community engagement to address these issues. A community meeting is scheduled for residents to discuss project implications, while construction is expected to begin in 2026, targeting occupancy by 2028.
Charleston, SC – The College of Charleston has announced plans for a new student housing complex named Coming Street Commons, which aims to provide approximately 1,000 new beds to the existing 200 beds at the St. Philip facility. This development is intended to improve affordability for students while also alleviating housing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods. The project site is located at the former location of the YWCA of Greater Charleston, an institution noted for its significance during the Civil Rights Movement.
As construction preparations begin, there are rising concerns among community members regarding the site’s historical relevance, which includes a potter’s field or community graveyard established before 1807. This area is known to have buried enslaved individuals and the economically disadvantaged. In response to these concerns, the College has acknowledged the potential disturbance to human remains and has committed to undertaking archaeological investigations before any construction commences.
City officials, including Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and College of Charleston President Andrew Hsu, have expressed their dedication to handling the project with care and transparency. An assortment of archaeological techniques, including ground-penetrating radar and supervised excavation, will be employed to ascertain the presence of remains on the property. Until these findings are completed, the college plans to keep the subsurface soils undisturbed while the current one-story YWCA structure and its parking lots are demolished.
To address community concerns, the college intends to prioritize engagement by forming a community council that will encompass descendant voices and stakeholders invested in preservation efforts. Additionally, a monument and commemoration plan will be integrated into the design of the housing project to honor the recognized historical significance of the burial site.
Despite the College’s assurances, there has been substantial pushback from the community fearing the potential disturbance of the burial ground. Critics have emphasized their desire to preserve the site as a memorial for those interred there, raising vital questions about ethical considerations surrounding the construction.
A community meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2025, where residents will have an opportunity to discuss the implications of the project further. Foundation work for the Coming Street Commons is expected to commence in September 2026, with vertical construction slated to follow in February 2027. The first phase of occupancy is anticipated for August 2028, while a second phase is scheduled for August 2029.
As development plans unfold, it is clear that balancing the need for modern student housing with the norms of historical preservation will remain a focal point of community dialogue and engagement.
FAQ
What is the Coming Street Commons project?
The Coming Street Commons is a planned student housing complex by the College of Charleston that will provide approximately 1,000 new beds to alleviate housing shortages and improve affordability for students.
What historical significance does the site hold?
The site was previously home to the YWCA of Greater Charleston and contains a potter’s field, or community graveyard, that dates back before 1807, which is the burial site for enslaved individuals and others from that era.
How will the College address concerns about potential remains on the site?
The College plans to conduct thorough archaeological investigations, including ground-penetrating radar, prior to construction. They will ensure to not disturb the subsurface soil until findings are assessed.
What community engagement plans are in place for this project?
The College aims to form a community council that includes descendants and preservation stakeholders to discuss the project and develop a monument to honor the historical significance of the burial site.
When is the expected timeline for the project?
Foundation work is projected to begin in September 2026, with vertical construction starting in February 2027, aiming for the first phase of occupancy by August 2028 and a second phase by August 2029.
Key Features of Coming Street Commons
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Beds | Approximately 1,000 |
| Existing Beds | 200 at St. Philip facility |
| Historical Significance | Potter’s field burial site |
| Engagement Plans | Community council formation |
| Timeline for Foundation Work | September 2026 |
| First Phase of Occupancy | August 2028 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
College of Charleston Plans New Student Residence Complex
Charleston Set to Demolish Historic YWCA for New Dormitory
Charleston Approves Demolition of Historic YWCA for New Dormitory
College of Charleston Approves Demolition of YWCA Building
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Live 5 News
- Count On 2 News
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights Movement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Movement
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