CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A major affordable housing development on Huger Street got its final approval this week after years of revisions and controversy.
“This is a significant milestone for Charleston and for the many residents who deserve safe, affordable homes within our city limits,” Peter Sherman, director of development for the Charleston Housing Authority, said.
“While the process of getting approval for construction can be lengthy and complex, we appreciate the Board of Architectural Review for their thoughtful consideration and collaboration throughout this process,” Sherman said. “This project demonstrates how thoughtful design and affordability can coexist to strengthen our neighborhoods.”
See a photo of the approved rendering below:
The plan is to replace 12 existing apartments at 275 Huger Street with 77 new affordable units if the city’s Board of Architectural Review signs off on the design.
The project is priced at more than $31 million. The City of Charleston is contributing $5 million and Charleston County is adding $1.75 million in American Rescue Plan funding. The remainder will be covered largely through bonds.
The Charleston Housing Authority first proposed the project in 2020, saying the two-acre property could better serve residents if it were redeveloped.
Mayor William Cogswell said earlier this year that affordable housing remains one of Charleston’s most critical needs. He said the Huger Street location is ideal because of its access to public transportation and job centers, making it easier for residents to commute and access daily resources.
Construction was initially expected to begin in early 2025, but the timeline shifted after a setback in May when Cogswell said the developer submitted a “totally different plan” than the one originally approved for funding.
At that time, Cogswell said he made it clear to developers that the agreement was to fund the previous plan. He said he wanted to make sure that whatever is built there is ultimately something everyone can be proud of.
The board denied that version. Updated designs were presented Wednesday for review.
Matthew Davis, president of Davis Architecture, said he’s worked closely with city officials to ensure that all parties’ needs are met.
“The housing authority for the city of Charleston, they have been great to work with,” Davis said. “We started working with them to make sure that we’re satisfying the needs of the families who would be living in the space. But we also needed to meet their administrative requirements because they’re going to have some management offices, leasing offices and a pretty nice resident community space that I think the residents will enjoy using.”
He said the collaboration over the last several years has helped refine the design into one that better serves both city requirements and future residents.
“It’s a lot of steps. Each step informs the next one. The building we presented at our first conceptual review compared to what we have now has not only responded to the board’s feedback, but also enabled us to improve the spaces, the layouts and the flow of the building to make it something that’ll be a great place for residents to call home.”
The Huger Street Project is part of Charleston’s broader goal to build 3,500 affordable housing units by 2030 to keep pace with growth and mounting housing costs.
Following the approval, developers said they plan on beginning construction in early 2026, should permits be approved.
“This project reflects our mission to create housing opportunities that are both beautiful and accessible,” Art Milligan Jr., CEO of the housing authority, said. “It’s a win for the city, for our residents and for the future of Charleston.”
Units are expected to be available as early as 2027.
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