Over the years, these buildings served multiple roles in the community—as a Catholic home for dependent children, a convent, a women’s shelter, and a base for various charitable initiatives—particularly during the early development of West Ashley. These missions provided essential services to the community for decades before eventually relocating, leading to the sale of the property to the City of Charleston.
Historic Preservation
The design team is committed to preserving original interior wood elements from the chapel for potential future use. In addition, any crosses or religious artifacts of significance to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston will be carefully salvaged and offered for donation.
Project Purpose
West Ashley, the City of Charleston’s largest and most populous residential area, is poised to become the new home of a major municipal facility.
Recognizing the importance of making government more accessible and responsive, the City is proposing the relocation of key administrative offices to this vibrant and growing part of Charleston. This move is intended not only to bring essential services closer to the residents who rely on them but also to reduce cross-town commutes for many city employees who live throughout the city.
The relocation aligns with the City’s broader goals of efficiency, sustainability, and neighborhood-centered development.
This new facility will be a state-of-the-art, long-term investment in the West Ashley community. It will consolidate several key city departments under one roof, creating a centralized, modern space for government operations and public service. The design will reflect both the functional needs of the City and the character of the surrounding community, with a strong focus on accessibility, energy efficiency, and community engagement.
Located within the West Ashley Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, the site will undergo staff-level design review to ensure it supports the area’s redevelopment goals and meets established design standards.
Community input will be vital in shaping a facility that meets the needs and aspirations of West Ashley residents. To ensure public voices are heard throughout the development process, the City is launching pre-construction outreach efforts with a series of public meetings.
Project Timeline
The design and permitting phase is scheduled to take place from August 2025 through early 2026. Upon completion, construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and will take approximately two years to complete.
