Charleston Harbor’s Union Pier – A Pivotal Point in Time — Charleston Real Estate

A few characteristics you’ll consistently hear about Charlestonians is that we are welcoming, polite and proud of our history! There are centuries of evidence that prove we know how to resolve hometown challenges with a careful, inclusive, and historically-based plan. My intention with this week’s blog is to both spark an awareness and encourage positive and meaningful discussion about a very special time of development in Charleston.

If you have you ever been in downtown Charleston and thought, “I really wish we could have dinner out on the water someplace,” you are not alone. With the exception of Fleet Landing, Marina Variety Store, and the like, the option to dine near our waterfront is very limited. Up to this point in time, the historic features of White Point Garden have protected that beautiful breezy point, thank goodness; but our generation is witnessing a monumental transition with plans to develop the area at the Union Pier drawing closer to reality. How exciting to watch a pivotal point in the future of Charleston’s Downtown Waterfront! Depending on whom you ask, however, there is a strong differing of opinions on the “best way” to develop this area. Before racing ahead with development, Lowe Development (who has been tasked with this project) should be sure that plans are rich with meaningful, long-term benefits to the people of Charleston and with respect to its history and beautiful landscape, both cultural and physical.

While there are certainly cities in our country that welcome a modern, edgy architecture and even rejoice over having a dense population of people that encourages a faster pace; that is not Charleston! In fact, I’d argue, what makes our city one of the most special places to live and to visit, is that we’ve been able to hold on to the special qualities that weave our unique history with our way of life of today. Keeping the waterfront visible and accessible is key to maintaining the appreciation for Charleston’s waterfront location. Not only a variety of mixed-use, live, work and leisure, but a balance of those is paramount. How about more spaces to just be you, Charleston? More greenspace, more historical preservation and cultural inclusion would blend this new development seamlessly into what is already marveled.

The three stakeholders involved in the Union Pier development include: The Ports Authority, Lowe Development and The City of Charleston. It seems that the plans might be missing a fourth contributor—The Historic Charleston Foundation. Shouldn’t an undertaking so monumental include HCF’s input? What The Historic Charleston Foundation brings to the table is invaluable and will indirectly contribute financially in the long-term investment of our city. Where is their input? While the Historic Charleston Foundation has been included in planning meetings, it seems that several of their recommendations have been overlooked. It would be wonderful if everyone had the opportunity to walk and enjoy the waterfront, but it seems suggestions about building heights and massing, which promote airflow and pleasant views of the waterfront, have been dismissed. Instead, the plans include heavy, large-scaled structures that will surely optimize the initial dollar signs, but neglect the importance of a less dense approach to devoloping this special piece of land.

My question has become, if Charleston is what it is today because we’ve always protected, celebrated and developed from our history, what will happen if a large portion of the city is not developed under the same initiatives?

Lowe Development’s mission statement is lovely and tells me that they know deep down how to make this a holistic development with respect to what Charleston has deeply treasured for many generations. Let’s get back to that place! Making adjustments to the plans that are considerate to Charleston and by asking those who know Charleston best will allow Lowe to deliver their mission statement …

“…creating innovative, lasting environments and meaningful experiences that connect people and place.”

Since this project is not a private real estate development, the inclusion of city-wide input matters. Imagine the splendor that can emerge by blending two great missions, Lowe’s stated above, and the Historic Charleston Foundation’s:

“to champion the historic authenticity, cultural character and livability of the Charleston region through advocacy, stewardship and community engagement.”

The combination of these two entities would be a powerful and dynamic partnership.

Bottom line, the development of Union Pier could be wonderful for Charleston. The wide-range of people who call the peninsula home choose to live there because of their appreciation for its unique features that are deeply rooted in our history. Let’s not forget about all of the people who come far and wide to visit because they also care about how special our city, steeped in history, is compared to other cities. If Charleston suddenly decides to drop a large brick of modern high-rises and condominiums, it might just become more commonplace and less like its own little slice of southern history and great hospitality for which it is adored and admired. Lowe Developers, we welcome your talented development team and ask you to please listen to those who know Charleston best to collect the finer details and preserve the essence of our hometown. The sophisticated plans and the beautiful renderings make it clear that integrity is at the forefront of your business and if done with careful consideration, the Union Pier project could possibly be one of your most meaningful projects yet!