Menu

Subscribe to our Newsletter

* indicates required
Gender
Please subscribe me to the monthly newsletter.
Please email updates about the following events:
Please email alerts on the following subjects:
« All Posts

Foundation Matters

295 Calhoun: Update

Posted: November 1, 2022

At the Board of Architectural Review Meeting on October 12, BOTH preservation groups, The Preservation Society of Charleston, and Historic Charleston Foundation stood together in opposition to the proposed development at 295 Calhoun Street.
The developers of 295 Calhoun Street came back before the Board of Architectural Review – Large (BAR-L) with not one, but two separate proposals for a large mixed-use building that is almost identical to the versions rejected by the Board last year.
For a third time, both preservation organizations were there to oppose these massive and out of character building proposals. In an unprecedented maneuver – that packs the agenda and monopolizes city resources – this development team is mounting a desperate attempt to bully its way to an approval. The developers know being denied by the BAR requires them to go back to the drawing board, but we hardly notice a difference between the proposals.

Google Maps view of 295 Calhoun

Residents, advocates, and the BAR have all clearly stated their positions that this design is wrong for Charleston and needs to be redone. This saga has dragged on for 18 months — the BAR needs to send another clear message that our city deserves better and won’t be taken advantage of by investors with no interest in building something meaningful for Charleston.

On October 12th the board was unable to reach a consensus over whether or not to defer or deny the application. The application was tabled until the November 9thBAR-L meeting where it will be presented again to the Board. We encourage all of our community partners and members of the public to stay engaged. Your comments matter!  

3 responses to “295 Calhoun: Update”

  1. Lynn Lapchak says:

    Two years ago, I moved to Bluffton. I was just downtown, last week, and was mortified to see all the building going on. Charleston will no longer have that historic charm. nor will any hotels have a water view, when apartment complexes are blocking their windows! So sad.

  2. Catherine Anthony says:

    Thank you for posting this.
    I am not a resident of the city of Charleston, so I can’t vote on any of these very important issues. But my husband and I do live nearby and are big fans of Charleston, Charleston history, Charleston art and architecture – basically all things Charleston.
    What can someone in my position do to add to the commentary? I’m sure there are plenty of us out there who, while not living downtown, consider Charleston “Our” city. We want to protect the city and have some say in how it evolves.
    What would you recommend?

    • Liza Holian says:

      Hi Catherine, thank you so much for your support and your staying connected with us and our historic city. The best way is to continue to be informed and connect with the Foundation and other preservation and advocacy organizations in the city. Just by sharing, adding comments during open comment periods, donating or tuning in for virtual events are ALL ways to support the foundation and all of our mission-driven work. Be sure to register for our email newsletter to stay up to date!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Event Categories

Archives