The roughly 74-acre Union Pier site extending from Laurens Street to Waterfront Park lies at a critical juncture between the Cooper River and downtown. As one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in Charleston’s history, this project, if approached with vision and care, can bring enormous value to our historic city. As one of the most highly anticipated land use plans of our generation, it is critical to get right.
The Union Pier redevelopment is a virtual blank slate for the City to partner with the State Ports Authority on innovative methods that not only minimize flood risk but dramatically improve overall resilience of the peninsula. Over the course of 2022 and 2023, the State Ports Authority has engaged California-based hotel developer Lowe to manage the rezoning and entitlement of the property for redevelopment. A successful project will utilize techniques like water storage, wetlands restoration, state-of-the-art stormwater management techniques, and use natural components and permeable surfaces to create a functional, sustainable development. The end goal should be for Charleston to set a new international standard for climate resilience and urban waterfront design.
Resources
Last night, Charleston City Council took an important first step for the redevelopment of Union Pier, by passing first reading of a public financing proposal that sets the stage for important opportunities for further public engagement. The Preservation Society is supporting the tax increment financing (TIF) plan for Union Pier for one reason, above all: […]
On March 5, for the first time in a generation, the S.C. Ports Authority will open Union Pier to the public to facilitate informed public comment on planning for the site. This is an extraordinary opportunity. While further details on the substance of the visit are pending, we encourage you to mark your calendars: […]
On Wednesday, the Stakeholder Advisory Committee serving to guide the new redevelopment effort, recommended a collaborative team of urban designers to take the project into its most important phase yet. The committee of 14 resident, nonprofit and business community representatives unanimously voted to recommend Boston-based Sasaki as lead planning firm. PSC is excited about the […]
Planning Commission meets June 7 to hold a public hearing on the Union Pier redevelopment. Credit: Mike Habat On Wednesday, June 7, Charleston’s Planning Commission will hold an official public hearing about the redevelopment of Union Pier. The public is invited to attend and speak. This is the most significant meeting thus far about Union Pier. […]
A new GIS rendering developed by the PSC shows the stark contrast in massing and height between the proposed Union Pier development and the historic Ansonborough neighborhood. Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced that the threat posed by incompatible development at Union Pier justifies placing Charleston in the national spotlight on its 2023 […]
Detail of an 1872 aerial map of Charleston showing the historic Union Pier site. Source: Library of Congress On Thursday, May 11, you’re invited to a community gathering to learn more and share your ideas for Union Pier. Community Workshop on a Better Way Forward for Union Pier We’ll briefly discuss the Union Pier project’s […]