Latest on the Naval Base Redevelopment Project (Future Waterfront Village) – North Charleston, South Carolina

Big things are happening at the old Naval Base in North Charleston. Here is the latest from the City of North Charleston.

North Charleston City Council approved contract agreements for the 50-acre riverfront development known as Battery Park. A partnership consisting of Jamestown, Weaver Capital Partners, and WECCO Development will assist the City in transforming the former Charleston Naval Complex into a vibrant, mixed-use district and regional destination that celebrates and amplifies the unique aspects of North Charleston.

The development, which is aligned to the City’s “Battery Park Master Plan,” will include over 1,400 residential units and a mix of commercial uses that support local and regional economic growth. It is designed to improve quality of life of area residents, foster more equitable and sustainable economic development, advance community health and wellness, encourage social cohesion, and build community.

As part of the agreement, the development team will target 15 percent Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) contractor participation during the construction phase, establish a local apprenticeship program, and reserve 17 percent of the residential units as workforce housing for people earning less than 120 percent of the area’s median income.

The development plans for Battery Park will establish a series of residential, retail, office, entertainment spaces, and parks along the waterfront and include the construction of a new pavilion with a market hall, event space, and an active green fronting the water. Within the 50-acre site, approximately 23 acres will become public spaces, parks, and streets.

“In forging this partnership, we’ve strategically paved the way for the evolution of North Charleston’s former Navy Base, displaying the City’s commitment to community-centric progress,” said Mayor Keith Summey, North Charleston. “We envision a mixed-use development that encompasses workforce housing, minority participation, and enhanced public spaces, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment. This venture not only breathes new life into the area but will also contribute significantly to our tax base. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are creating a legacy that prioritizes both economic growth and community well-being.”

“Battery Park will offer a new perspective on North Charleston, melding its naval heritage with its innovative future: a distinctly local neighborhood with a global mindset,” said Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “The development will feature thoughtful programming, fully amenitized greenspaces, and a dynamic ground plane- intentionally designed and curated to encourage a sense of discovery.”

“Battery Park is an investment in – and commitment to – the future of North Charleston,” said Jay Weaver, Founder and President of Weaver Capital Partners. “The project will be a catalyst for community, providing access to the waterfront and greenspaces while creating opportunities for area residents, businesses, artists, and restaurants. This is a vision many years in the making, and we are honored to partner with the city to bring it to life.”

“Our promise to the people of North Charleston is simple: Battery Park will embrace the rich culture and history of the city while creating a Central Business District that will be a focal point of new possibilities,” said Lucile Cogswell, President of WECCO Development. “Battery Park will be a defining destination offering experiences rooted in and inspired by the best that the Lowcountry has to offer.”

The vision was outlined in the City of North Charleston’s “Battery Park Master Plan,” a culmination of decades of planning and community engagement. The City issued a Request for Qualifications for a master developer for the site in January 2023. In total, seven development teams responded to the request and the City selected the partnership of Jamestown, Weaver Capital Partners, and WECCO Development in May as the most qualified, experienced, and capable to fulfill the City’s vision. The development agreement was finalized by way of the City Council vote on December 14, 2023.

The development team selected for Battery Park is also developing a nearby site known as Navy Yard Charleston, which is projected to encompass approximately 3.5 million square feet of commercial and residential space and over 2,600 residential units across 85 acres, also part of the former naval base. The project includes the adaptive reuse of the historic brick “storehouse row” buildings, the base’s former power plant, and the Naval Hospital.

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