The New Charleston Design District: Where Heritage Meets Home

By Mark A Leon

Along the scenic Cooper River in North Charleston, a bold transformation is unfolding. This fall, the long-dormant Charleston Naval Base—once a hub of shipbuilding—will reemerge as a thriving creative epicenter known as the Charleston Design District. Born from a visionary collaboration between national property developer Jamestown and local partners Weaver Capital Partners and WECCO Development, this mixed-use redevelopment is fast becoming the Lowcountry’s newest cultural and design destination.

A Design Mecca in Storehouse Row

At the heart of the district lies Storehouse Row, a cluster of beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The redevelopment has already brought these historic structures back to life—housing creative office space, ground-floor retail and eateries, and 86 luxury apartments—all anchored in architectural preservation that earned Carolopolis Awards.

This fall, 150,000 square feet of showroom and maker space will open to the public and the design trade. Major industry names like Kravet, Schumacher, and Textures have signed leases, joining local mainstays such as The Urban Electric Co., Fritz Porter, Smithey Ironware Company, and Patterson Flynn.

• Kravet will feature a 2,240-sq-ft showroom in Storehouse Eight.
• Schumacher, known for fabrics, wallpaper, and trim, will occupy 3,760 sq ft in the same building—alongside Patterson Flynn.
• Textures, esteemed for luxury wood flooring, will unveil a 1,620-sq-ft space in Storehouse Nine.  

A Hub for Designers and Homeowners Alike

While the showrooms primarily cater to design professionals, the district is designed with accessibility in mind. Programming and pop-up events—like previews hosted by Kravet and curated marketplaces—invite homeowners to engage directly with the creative process.

Dave Dawson, founder of The Urban Electric Co., celebrated the opportunity:

“It took 20 years, but our dream of a walkable creative community is finally becoming reality.”

Dining with a View

Adding to The Design District’s allure, acclaimed restaurateur Steve Palmer of Indigo Road Hospitality Group will open an 8,200-sq-ft rooftop restaurant atop Storehouse Nine. Patrons will enjoy indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping views of the Cooper River and historic shipyard.

A Regional Design Destination

Jamestown envisions the Charleston Design District as more than just a local offering—it’s a regional magnet serving clients from the Outer Banks to Savannah. With its blend of national and homegrown brands, walkable layout, curated programming, and historic site charm, the district is poised to become a premier destination in the South.

Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown, expressed the vision succinctly:

“The history and architecture of the area offer a strong anchor… We want to foster and grow that community to create the most extensive and innovative selection of interior furnishings in the coastal Carolinas.”  

What’s Next

Fall 2025 marks the official launch—showrooms open, rooftops host diners, and the district hums with creative energy. On the horizon are additional phases that will expand office and residential spaces, green neighborhoods, and improved transit connectivity. As Navy Yard Charleston continues to grow, the Design District remains its vibrant soul—a place where architectural legacy and modern creativity meet.

Bright, bold, and full of promise, the Charleston Design District is rewriting North Charleston’s story—not as an industrial relic, but as a reimagined, design-driven urban heart of innovation.

Photo Credit: Charleston Design District

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