The SC Ports Authority released plans to redevelop a significant portion of the Charleston peninsula. The project, Union Pier, would reimagine an approximately 70-acre site to include mixed development use for residential, commercial and recreation purposes. For context, this area is located between Market and Laurens Street where the current cruise ship terminal operates. SC Ports announced in May 2022 that this cruise ship terminal will cease homeport cruising operations in 2024.

The SC Ports Authority recently gave a presentation of the project to both the Regional Policy Committee and Business Advocacy Committee. During this presentation, members were given an overview of the public input process, site architectural plans and general concepts for site use.

Here are a few key takeaways: 

• A designated 40 acres of mixed-use development will include 300,000 sq. ft. of office space, 300,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 1,600 dwelling units 
• A planned unit development (PUD) application for the project was submitted to the City of Charleston in January 2023 
• Building plans will address storm water management and flood mitigation  
• Port-of-call cruise ship operations will continue in the same location 
• A transfer fee of 1% of the sales price for every transaction in Union Pier, including the initial sale and not to exceed $1 million per transfer, will go to the City of Charleston’s Department of Housing & Community Development for affordable housing assistance  

Public input is encouraged throughout this process. Stakeholder groups can schedule meetings with the planning team and leave comments on the project website. The Chamber will continue to work with SC Ports to track the progression of this project and if you have any questions, please email me at dcurry@charlestonchamber.org.