As a real estate agent living and working in North Charleston, I've witnessed firsthand the dynamic changes that shape our community. The latest buzz? The ambitious redevelopment plans for the Navy Yard Charleston and Battery Park. These projects are not just about building structures; they're about crafting a community, blending history with modernity, and significantly impacting our local real estate landscape.
Navy Yard Charleston: A Vision Reimagined
The Navy Yard Charleston redevelopment is a visionary project set to transform the northern tip of the former naval base into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Spanning approximately 85 acres, this ambitious plan includes around 3.5 million square feet of commercial and residential space, along with over 2,600 residential units. This extensive redevelopment effort is poised to breathe new life into the area, creating a bustling hub for living, working, and recreation​​.
Navy Yard Charleston owns several of the large storehouse buildings on the former base, the iconic Power House, a historic hospital they’ve dubbed “the infirmary” and nearby the former Charleston Naval Hospital at Rivers and McMillan avenues, the tallest building in North Charleston. What’s happening right now is construction on two large buildings on Noisette Boulevard known as Storehouse 8, built in 1906 to house Navy offices, and Storehouse 9, built in 1918 for Navy offices and storage.
The renovation work will salvage architectural details, from the slate roof to the original hallways, according to the developers. The buildings will become home to offices, live-work apartments, restaurants and a roof-top bar. “All of the 78 apartments are designed to be utilized by people in crafts or trades,” said Michael Phillips, president of Jamestown. “People who are doing things in the design and maker space.”
Eight more units will be on the ground floor of one building and will include retail space “geared to makers and artisans.” Graphic artists, architects, painters and jewelry designers are examples of people in the “creative class of Charleston” who might like to live and work in those spaces, Phillips said. The land between the two storehouse buildings will become a plaza with outdoor dining and event space. Once they are open, the developers believe the buildings and the plaza will help create a sense of place as the larger plan moves forward.
“Breathing life back into Storehouses 8 and 9 is a giant step forward in the community-first vision for redevelopment of the former Naval Base in North Charleston,” Mayor Keith Summey said in a statement.
Battery Park: The Heartbeat of North Charleston
Complementing the Navy Yard's expansive vision, Battery Park stands as a 50-acre riverfront project designed to be the central business district of North Charleston. With plans for over 1,400 residential units, significant commercial spaces, and around 23 acres dedicated to public parks and spaces, Battery Park is set to become the new heartbeat of our community​​.
A partnership consisting of Jamestown, Weaver Capital Partners, and WECCO Development will assist the city in transforming the former Charleston Naval Complex into a vibrant, mixed-use district and regional destination, according to a news release. They are known for historic redevelopment projects including the Cigar Factory in Charleston, Chelsea Market in Manhattan, Westside Provisions and Ponce City Market in Atlanta and Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco.
As part of the agreement, the development team will target 15 percent Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises contractor participation during the construction phase, establish a local apprenticeship program, and reserve 17 percent of the residential units as workforce housing for people earning less than 120% of the area’s median income.
“Our promise to the people of North Charleston is simple: Battery Park will embrace the rich culture and history of the city while creating a Central Business District that will be a focal point of new possibilities,” said Lucile Cogswell, president of WECCO Development, in the release. “Battery Park will be a defining destination offering experiences rooted in and inspired by the best that the Lowcountry has to offer.”
“Battery Park is an investment in — and commitment to — the future of North Charleston,” said Jay Weaver, founder and president of Weaver Capital Partners, in the release. “The project will be a catalyst for community, providing access to the waterfront and greenspaces while creating opportunities for area residents, businesses, artists, and restaurants. This is a vision many years in the making, and we are honored to partner with the city to bring it to life.”
Impact on North Charleston
These redevelopment projects represent more than just physical transformations; they signify a profound shift in how we envision urban living in North Charleston. By integrating affordable housing, green spaces, and amenities that promote walkability and community engagement, these projects are setting new standards for inclusive urban development.
As a real estate professional, I see immense potential in these developments. They promise to enhance the appeal of North Charleston, attracting new residents and businesses, and ultimately increasing property values. The focus on sustainability and community-oriented spaces aligns with the growing demand for more livable, environmentally conscious urban areas.
Preserving Our Heritage
What's particularly exciting about these projects is their commitment to preserving North Charleston's rich history. Efforts are already underway to restore several historic buildings at Olmsted Park, such as The Admiral’s House and the Eternal Father of the Sea Chapel, ensuring that our past is interwoven with our future​​.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to the groundbreaking changes these projects will bring, it's clear that North Charleston is on the cusp of a new era. For potential homebuyers and investors, this represents a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking community that values both heritage and progress.
For those of us who call North Charleston home, these developments are a promise of a brighter, more vibrant future. As your local real estate expert, I'm here to guide you through the exciting possibilities these projects offer. Whether you're considering investing in the area or simply curious about how these changes might affect your property's value, feel free to reach out. Let's explore the future of North Charleston together!
For a complete site plan and the most recent updates on the transformative project, visit Navy Yard Charleston.
By: Dustin Guthrie, Realtor
