Charleston City Council finalizes plans for Sumar Street development

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – It was the site of a former grocery store that has sat empty in West Ashley for years. But the City of Charleston has finally finalized its plan for Sumar Street.

The $300 million investment will go towards a green community hub in West Ashley.

“Public space, towards green space, towards resiliency efforts, stormwater, sidewalks, bike/ped pathways- it is really exciting what this will be able to provide for our community,” said Mayor William Cogswell.

The city chose the company Eden’s to develop the project. They’re known for developing Fresh Fields on Kiawah Island.

“It all starts with a wonderful 2-acre park that is a community asset that will be the core of this re-development of the entire shopping center site. That really has the opportunity to be a very exciting, dynamic hub for West Ashley and the community,” said Ross Appel, who represents District 11.

The $300 million project will be the biggest private investment into West Ashley. City leaders aim for the project to revitalize the city.

“Going back to the very beginning of the West Ashley plan it was clear what the public wanted to see. We tried to take the best of everything and put it together and make the money work. It wasn’t easy to be honest, but I think we’re at the place where we’re able to provide something incredibly impactful,” said Mayor Cogswell.

If approved Tuesday, the project is likely to start early in the new year and take about two years to complete.

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