Charleston's East Side Renewal

This is an exciting time to live in Charleston! I love seeing parts of the city that have been neglected for decades rediscovered and re-established as bright, thriving neighborhoods again!

"Million dollar condos, urban lofts, a promenade for cyclists and pedestrians, shops, offices and a new school are not the things most people associate with downtown Charleston’s East Side.

But they are coming.

The city has been working with the community for several years to redevelop the neighborhood that for most of the 20th century was split in two by the old Cooper River bridges.

The East Side is bounded on the south by Mary Street, to the north by Stewart Street, to the west by Meeting Street, and by East Bay Street along the Cooper River. For most of the 20th century, the neighborhood’s edge along East Bay Street was dominated by industry, including a cigar factory and former cotton mill, the city incinerator, the port and a railroad yard.

Its rough-and-tumble character stems from its reputation for crime, although there are pockets of well-maintained residences throughout the neighborhood as well as a few city parks.

Maher said the city is trying to come up with the right mix of housing types and affordability so that redevelopment efforts reinforce the stability of the neighborhood rather than create gentrification.

While the city hopes to incorporate new, affordable housing into the neighborhood, developers for the first time are eyeing the area for high-end projects, including the renovation of The Cigar Factory at East Bay and Columbus streets. Plans include 77 condominium units, 37,000 square feet of retail space and about 30,000 square feet of office space, plus a swimming pool, wine cellar, fitness club and other amenities."

For the full Charleston Regional Business Journal article: http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/pub/13_14/news/9775-1.html