07-05-2025
Local leaders and community partners celebrate Ashley Landing project
WEST ASHLEY, S.C. (WCBD) – Local leaders and community partners kicked off the Ashley Landing project with a celebration.
The vacant shopping mall is expected to become a 32-acre mixed-use development. It will be home to retail and dining, multi-family units, townhomes, and a greenspace. Charleston Stage members performed to kick the event off, as they and Lowcountry Land Trust will eventually move into the new space. Officials said there is excitement for the revitalization of West Ashley.
'I think that this is going to be a transformational project for a long, neglected part of our city. It's exciting to see it actually kick off here, it's been like I say 20 years in the making. Couldn't be more excited about the team and the community input. So, we're really excited about the future of this site,' William Cogswell, mayor of the City of Charleston, said.
The planned community hub was designed by EDENS alongside the city and community. The developer added that it was a priority for this project to be what residents wanted. City leaders said this is the largest investment in West Ashley ever.
'We are really proud to be leading an investment of about $340 million dollars into this community, but more importantly it's an investment of emotional connection,' Jodie McLean, CEO of EDENS, said. 'It's an investment of creating a sense of place where people come together routinely to not only connect with existing neighbors, but to create new friendships and new meaning in their life.'
Also, EDENS revealed the future street names – paying tribute to Lowcountry people and places. These include Sumar Street, Amberly Road, Stage Way, Hannah Jane Lane, Conservation Place, Family Lunch Lane, and Kit Kat Lane. The mayor said this project represents a step towards bettering communities beyond the peninsula, especially with this new community partner.
'When you're investing public money, you want to make sure it's done in a responsible way. So, you want to look at folks that are looking it for the long term – looking at it for the long haul,' Cogswell said. 'Not somebody that's just going to come in, take advance of our macroeconomy, and then pull out. EDENS has an incredible track record for place making, and staying invested in a community. That's really important for the quality when it's all said and done.'
Officials expect the first phase of the project to open in late 2026, with full completion in 2027.
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