Coming Street Commons
Welcome to the Coming Street Commons project website. This website outlines our plans for exciting new student residence facilities at the College of Charleston.
Coming Street Commons residence project is designed to enhance the campus experience and provide affordable on-campus housing for students while honoring the rich community heritage of the site.
As a public university whose mission is education, the College of Charleston will be the best steward of this land, sold by the YWCA to a private developer in 2014, approved by the City of Charleston in 2023 for use as high-density student housing, and acquired by the university in early 2025. The College of Charleston is committed to a respectful, transparent process. This project will proceed in a way that honors the importance of the site and respects those who were buried on or around it.
Final design remains contingent on archaeological findings, public input and compliance with all state preservation requirements. The College of Charleston pledges to document, preserve and commemorate the historical significance of the site, ensuring that its historical significance is remembered and appreciated for generations to come.
Community and Campus Benefits
Coming Street Commons will provide modern, comfortable living spaces for students, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere. Focused on freshman living, community gathering spaces, and operational facilities, the residence hall will ensure a balanced and welcoming environment for our campus community. The project also includes retail food grab-and-go options and green spaces to create a convenient living experience for all residents.
Creating more student housing on campus provided benefits to the College and the community. Research consistently demonstrates that university students who reside on campus tend to achieve higher academic performance and exhibit greater retention rates compared to their off-campus peers. Additionally, providing more on-campus housing eases pressures on surrounding neighborhoods.
Cultural Preservation
A key aspect of the Coming Street Commons project is the careful documentation and preservation of significant cultural resources. The site includes the former YWCA Greater Charleston building, a mid-century office building that played an important role in the Civil Rights Movement. The project will involve thorough documentation, historical research, and community engagement to honor the legacy of the YWCA and the remarkable women associated with it.
Additionally, the site encompasses a former municipal cemetery, known as a Potter’s Field, which dates back to the late 18th century. A comprehensive geophysical and archaeological assessment will be conducted to document the burials and any other historical resources on the site. This meticulous approach ensures that the history and stories tied to the land are preserved and commemorated for future generations.
Professionalism and Partnership
The project is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the project partners. Working in consultation with the City of Charleston and the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the project team is committed to designing and building a residence hall that complements its surroundings and serves as a lasting and valuable addition to the College of Charleston campus and the city.
Project Sequence
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Project Team
