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$3 million investment will create more than 10 new jobs

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Maars North America (Maars), a global leader in architectural wall solutions, today announced it selects Charleston County to establish the company’s first U.S.-based production operation. The $3 million investment will create more than 10 new jobs.

Headquartered in the Netherlands, Maars offers premium, customizable modular wall systems for commercial interiors including offices, hospitals, airports and universities. The company is active in more than 50 countries and supplies to a worldwide network of dealers.

Maars’ new operation, located at 437 Interlock Alley in Mount Pleasant, will serve as a fabrication plant aimed at meeting increasing market demand and streamlining distribution across North America. In addition to the manufacturing operations, the site will feature a state-of-the-art showroom for the company’s architectural solutions.

Operations are expected to be online in the second quarter of 2026. Individuals interested in joining the Maars team should contact ricardo@maars.nl.

QUOTES

“This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to supporting high-growth market segments and delivering excellence on key projects. We are bringing the same standards of manufacturing excellence, process discipline and quality that have defined Maars for over 80 years.” -Maars North America Vice President Ricardo Costa

“We are always proud when a business decides to locate in South Carolina. Maars North America’s investment in the Lowcountry will contribute greatly to our state’s economy while bringing new opportunities for our people. We look forward to a strong and successful partnership with Maars in the years ahead.” -Gov. Henry McMaster

“Maars North America selecting South Carolina for its newest operation is another victory for our state’s business community. We are confident Charleston County will be an ideal location for Maars’ new fabrication plant and congratulate the company on this $3 million investment.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Maars North America’s presence here highlights Charleston County’s strategic position on the East Coast, which is ideal for port access and distribution. We are delighted to welcome the company and the quality jobs they are bringing to our community, reinforcing our commitment to building a diverse and dynamic local economy.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton

“Maars North America’s expansion into Charleston County speaks to the strength of our business climate and the talented people who call this region home. We’re thrilled to see a company with such a strong global reputation for design and innovation join our community and contribute to our growing advanced manufacturing ecosystem.” -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chair William Russell

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Maars North America (Maars) selects Charleston County to establish its first U.S.-based production operation.
• The company’s $3 million investment will create more than 10 new jobs.
• Maars is a global leader in architectural wall solutions.
• The company will be located at 437 Interlock Alley in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Maars team should contact ricardo@maars.nl.

Related: Tikvah Health and Wellness establishing operations in Charleston County

Related: Davis Defense Group, Inc. expands Charleston County operations

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CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 21, 2025 — SC Ports celebrates the successful completion of a full restoration and stabilization of the historic Bennett Rice Mill façade, marking the most thorough rehabilitation of the historical structure since SC Ports assumed ownership in 1958. The $1.6 million restoration took a year to complete.

The landmark stands at the center of Union Pier terminal in downtown Charleston and has undergone partial restoration efforts in the 1990s and 2010s to slow deterioration. SC Ports’ Board of Directors awarded a contract to Landmark Preservation in April 2024 to properly restore the façade and ensure structural integrity, following discussions with the local preservation community.

“We thank Historic Charleston Foundation, The Preservation Society of Charleston, and local leaders for engaging with SC Ports on this effort,” said SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace.

“The Rice Mill Façade is a significant piece of Charleston’s architectural history, and the full restoration ensures it will become a beacon for the future redevelopment of this incredible waterfront property. The Port aims to be a good steward of the communities we work in, and this project is an example of how working collaboratively with our local partners yields benefits for all to enjoy.”

The scope of work for the project included inventory of historic bricks on site, partial reconstruction and repair of missing or deteriorated masonry and timber elements, and enhancement of the existing steel shoring structure. The work was performed to structurally stabilize the façade, while restoring it to its historic appearance as closely as possible.

“This generous commitment to protecting the imposing mill façade by SC Ports represents an important first step in the revitalization of Union Pier,” said Winslow Hastie, President and CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation. “As a rare surviving remnant of this part of Charleston’s working waterfront, the Bennett Rice Mill provides an opportunity to tell an important, and often forgotten, story about the city as a global trading center.”

“We are proud partners with SC Ports in giving this remarkable piece of architecture a new lease on life and re-establishing its connection to our city,” said Brian Turner, President and CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston.

GEL Engineering performed a detailed hands-on assessment of the façade in 2023 to prepare drawings and technical specifications for the restoration efforts, and worked alongside Landmark to review and solve unforeseen items discovered during the construction process.

The completion of the project comes ahead of SC Ports’ sale of Union Pier to Beemok Capital.

Notable quotes: 

“Historic Charleston Foundation has been invested in the future of the Bennett Rice Mill since the early 1950s. We have contributed funds and preservation expertise, including starting a building crafts training program in the 1990s to teach local youth preservation trades such as brick repair on this structure. This generous commitment to protecting the imposing mill façade by SC Ports represents an important first step in the revitalization of Union Pier. As a rare surviving remnant of this part of Charleston’s working waterfront, the Bennett Rice Mill provides an opportunity to tell an important, and often forgotten, story about the city as a global trading center.” — Winslow Hastie, President & CEO, Historic Charleston Foundation

“The Bennett Rice Mill is a tangible reminder of the legacy of rice cultivation in the Lowcountry. Debate about its future began as far back as the late 1930s after severe damage caused by a tornado. That its façade has survived is a testament to the craftsmanship and engineering skill of its builders. We are proud partners with the SC State Ports Authority in giving this remarkable piece of architecture a new lease on life and re-establishing its connection to our city.” — Brian Turner, President & CEO of the Preservation Society of Charleston

“This restoration couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment as we honor the past of this site and look toward the future of Union Pier. The Bennett Rice Mill façade stands as a powerful reminder that preserving our history and advancing our city must always go hand in hand.” — City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell

“The GEL Engineering Structural Group is proud to have partnered with the SC Ports Authority to provide preservation services for the historic Bennett Rice Mill façade. Collaborating with Landmark Preservation to solve the challenges of restoring this unique structure has been a true honor. We trust that this historically sensitive restoration shows the proper respect for the craftsmen that built the structure. We thank our teaming partners and stakeholders on this worthy endeavor, Landmark Preservation, SC Ports Authority, Historic Charleston Foundation, and The Preservation Society of Charleston.” — Jonathan Sigman, PE, Lead Project Engineer, GEL Engineering, LLC

“We are grateful to the Ports Authority for prioritizing the restoration of the historic Rice Mill façade and to Landmark Preservation for their meticulous work. We look forward to partnering with the community to determine the best ways to honor and showcase this important landmark within the Union Pier neighborhood.” — Miller Harper, Beemok Capital

Source: SC Ports

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By Mark A Leon

At the historic Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC, celebrity designer Christian Siriano brought his unique perspective as a judge to the Material Runway event sponsored by Grohe on October 23rd. The evening was a striking visual tableau – a sea of black-clad attendees providing a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant, color-saturated designs created by four competing design teams.

The audience, dressed in sophisticated black formal attire, created a monochromatic canvas that allowed the competition’s dresses to truly pop. Each team’s design told a unique story through color and texture, transforming the runway into a dynamic showcase of creativity and innovation. The stark contrast between the audience’s uniform black and the designers’ bold, expressive gowns created a powerful visual narrative.

Grohe, a global leader in sanitary fittings, has been revolutionizing interior spaces with its commitment to quality, design, and sustainability. The company, now part of the LIXIL Group, has been at the forefront of creating innovative bathroom and kitchen solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic excellence.

Christian Siriano opens up about fashion, design and beauty

Siriano emphasized the surprising similarities between fashion and interior design, noting that both fields involve intricate sketching, fluid design processes, and a commitment to creating products that people live with and love. “There’s still a lot of fluidity there,” he explained. “The process of sketching a handle or the curve of a faucet is very similar to designing a garment.”

When discussing advice for emerging designers, Siriano stressed the importance of focus and authenticity. “It’s very easy to get a customer once or twice, but to get them coming back season after season – that’s the real challenge,” he said. He cautioned against trying to do too much, advising designers to perfect a few key styles rather than spreading themselves too thin.

Reflecting on beauty and creativity, Siriano championed a more inclusive definition of aesthetic appeal. “Beauty is about being curious, unique, and different,” he shared, highlighting his belief in celebrating individual confidence and power.

Looking ahead, Siriano expressed excitement about exploring new creative territories, including potential ventures in beauty and interior product design. “I never get bored of a challenge,” he remarked, embodying the innovative spirit that has made him a standout figure in the fashion world.

The Material Runway event at the Gaillard Center showcased Siriano’s ability to bridge multiple creative disciplines, while Grohe and other participating interior designers demonstrated how design can transform everyday spaces into extraordinary experiences.

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By Mark A Leon

The much-anticipated opening of The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston showcased a landmark exhibition: Rembrandt: Masterpieces in Black & White – Prints from the Rembrandt House Museum, an impressive presentation of works by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) and his printmaking legacy. The exhibition runs from October 24 2025 through January 11 2026, in Galleries 8 & 9 of the Gibbes. 

Visitors will encounter 58 works in total — 44 by Rembrandt himself and an additional 14 by nineteenth- and twentieth-century artists influenced by his mastery of etching and drypoint.  All the pieces are on loan from the Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam — the very house, studio and shop where Rembrandt lived and worked — and the exhibition is organized in collaboration with the American Federation of Arts. 

In staging this major show, the Gibbes Museum places Charleston on the map as the first U.S. venue for this international tour. The prints trace Rembrandt’s innovation in design, light-and-shadow effects (“chiaroscuro”), and storytelling through the print medium — a side of the artist less familiar to many. 

The Charleston setting is particularly fitting: Museum leadership notes the “maritime trade city” parallels between Amsterdam and Charleston, drawing a cultural resonance for the exhibit’s debut here. 

For museum-goers, the small-scale prints invite what curators call “slow looking” — a careful, meditative engagement with each etched line and tone. The catalogue of works includes not only rare prints by Rembrandt but also original copper plates he used, alongside prints by later artists who drew inspiration from him. 

A special opening-day tour, led by the exhibition curator Epco Runia (Head of Collections at the Rembrandt House Museum), is scheduled for October 24 2025. 

Overall, this exhibition is a major cultural event for Charleston — offering both art lovers and the general public a chance to explore a deeper dimension of one of Western art’s most admired figures, in a city steeped in its own rich artistic heritage.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston’s coastal charm, mild winters and growing healthcare infrastructure have turned the region into a magnet for retirees — and with that shift comes an important, often overlooked consequence: more older drivers on local roads. As Charleston and the larger Lowcountry continue to attract retirees, the rising number of drivers aged 65 and older is reshaping traffic patterns, public safety priorities and community planning across the area.

Nationwide data show older adults are an expanding share of the driving population. In 2023, older drivers made up about 22% of all licensed drivers — a share that has grown steadily over the past decade. Locally, South Carolina is among the states seeing strong retiree in-migration and attention as an appealing retirement destination, which increases the likelihood Charleston’s driver demographics will continue shifting toward older age groups. 

The safety trade-offs are complex. Aging can bring changes in vision, reaction time, hearing and mobility that affect driving performance; nationally, crash and fatality rates per population often rise for the oldest drivers. South Carolina in particular has been flagged in recent reporting and state traffic analyses for elevated rates of older-driver-involved crashes and fatalities, prompting concern among public health and transportation officials. For Charleston, a city with narrow historic streets, tourist traffic and seasonal surges, these risks are magnified when coupled with an aging driver base. 

The impacts are already showing up in several practical ways. Emergency medical services and hospital systems must prepare for a potential rise in crash-related injuries among older adults, who often have greater frailty and medical complexity. Local planners and transit agencies face pressure to expand safe alternatives to driving — more senior-friendly bus routes, on-demand shuttle services, and pedestrian improvements that help people age in place without relying exclusively on cars. Parking design, curb cuts, crosswalk timing and intersection visibility all become public-safety priorities when older residents are a larger share of street users.

Policy responses are emerging but need scaling. Driver re-testing rules, vision screenings, and targeted safety education for older drivers can reduce risk, and community programs that pair driving assessments with mobility counseling help match individuals to safe transportation alternatives. Charleston-area nonprofit and health organizations can also play a role by offering mobility clinics, fall-prevention programs and workshops on vehicle adaptations — from larger mirrors to advanced driver-assistance features that compensate for slower reaction times. 

There’s no single “right” solution: preserving independence is central for many retirees, yet public safety demands adaptation. For Charleston, the most effective approach will be layered — better data and targeted enforcement, investments in transit and walkability, community-based alternatives to solo driving, and technology that supports safer driving for older adults. As the Holy City continues to welcome retirees, planning that recognizes the realities of aging behind the wheel will be essential to keeping streets safe, neighborhoods connected, and older residents mobile and engaged.  

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By Mark A Leon

There’s something deeply comforting about a no-frills diner — the kind with an endless menu, the rich aroma of coffee filling the air, and a warm smile from the staff that feels like home. It’s the perfect place for unfiltered conversation or to recover from a long night. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots that capture that classic diner magic.

Here are 5 excellent dining spots in Charleston with the look and feel of a traditional American Diner with a few recommended dishes.

⸻

1. Bear -E- Patch  Cafe

Address: 1980-A Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407  

Recommended dishes:

• Chicken & Belgian waffles (served with powdered sugar) or Breakfast Quesadilla 

• French toast (especially the raisin bread version)  

• Seafood omelet (shrimp/crab/scallops)  

Note:  They are closed on Sundays

https://bearepatchcafe.com

⸻

2. Early  Bird  Diner

Address: 1644 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407  

Recommended dishes:

• Chicken & waffles: a local standout for sweet + savory brunch.  

• Fried pork chop with pepper-jelly kick (mentioned in coverage)  

• Shrimp & grits or the “Mess” scrambled-egg curry dish (per guest review)  

Open 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily

https://www.earlybirddiner.com

⸻

3. Millers  All  Day

Address: 120 King St, Charleston, SC 29401  

Recommended dishes:

• The “Miller Plate”: eggs your way + grits or home fries + biscuit + sausage.  

• Biscuit with fried chicken or ham & fig — a highlight item.  

• Shrimp & grits with roasted tomato, bacon, benne seeds on cheddar grits.  

Two locations:  James Island and downtown Charleston

https://millersallday.com

⸻

4. Sweetwater  Cafe

Address: 137 Market St, Charleston, SC 29401  

Recommended dishes:

• 2-Egg Breakfast with meat (bacon/ham/sausage)  

• Omelets: e.g., Garden Patch (mushrooms/onions/peppers/tomato & cheese) or Spinach/Feta/Tomato.  

• French toast & crispy bacon – mentioned as a guest favorite.  

https://www.instagram.com/sweetwatercafesc

⸻

5. Handy  &  Hot by Vivian Howard

Address: 68 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401  

Recommended dishes:

• Bacon + Egg + Cheese biscuit sandwich — popular.  

• Veggies & Goat Cheese biscuit (savory vegetarian option)  

• Hand pies (sweet & savory) and pimento-cheese grit bowls.  

https://www.handyandhot.com

Giving and volunteering remain steady despite ongoing economic pressures

CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Blackbaud Giving Fund®, a donor-advised fund that brings supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving, is proud to announce the disbursement of more than $558.7 million in charitable giving from generous donors across the world in 2024, bringing its lifetime disbursements to $2.75 billion.

Through workplace giving programs and peer-to-peer fundraising, The Blackbaud Giving Fund securely disbursed funds from individuals and corporations to more than 123,000 nonprofits worldwide in 2024. Corporate donation matches accounted for just over half of all donations disbursed through The Fund, which doubled the impact of individual gifts and maximized nonprofit support for critical causes around the globe.

“Despite the economic pressures of the past year, donors continued to give with remarkable intentionality and generosity,” said Matt Nash, executive director of The Blackbaud Giving Fund. “Their steady commitment shows that philanthropy is driven not just by financial capacity, but by values, compassion, and a shared belief in making a lasting difference.”

Backed by industry-leading security, The Blackbaud Giving Fund facilitates efficient transfers from donors to nonprofits. The Fund offers valuable resources to nonprofits, including ACH payments, receipting, and reporting through the free Blackbaud Verified Network platform, which helps nonprofits increase awareness and build relationships with the more than 8 million potential donors who use the platform.

The Blackbaud Giving Fund remains committed to supporting donors and nonprofits by simplifying the charitable giving experience through corporate giving models and peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. The Fund will continue to support important causes through efficient and secure donation delivery so nonprofits can continue working toward their mission.

For nonprofit resources and tips, visit The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s blog.

For more information about The Blackbaud Giving Fund, visit blackbaudgivingfund.org or follow the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, news, and more.

About The Blackbaud Giving Fund 
Facilitating $2.75 billion in charitable contributions to more than 286,000 nonprofits worldwide since 2020, The Blackbaud Giving Fund brings supporters and nonprofits together to advance the state of giving. The fund simplifies the giving experience by offering companies and individuals a secure and efficient way to give to vetted nonprofits and delivers contributions directly to them. Beyond disbursing all funds quickly to nonprofits, the fund offers resources to organizations, including receipting, a donor communication platform, statistics, reports, ACH payments, and more.

The Blackbaud Giving Fund is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity and donor-advised fund sponsor that was organized and operates exclusively for charitable purposes. It is not controlled by and is not a program or activity of Blackbaud, Inc. The Blackbaud Giving Fund’s mission is to unleash generosity by connecting people to causes they care about around the world.

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Local Real Estate Entrepreneur Brings Fast-Growing Cheeseburger Concept to the Lowcountry

WHAT: North Charleston is about to be painted Smorange™ as Smalls Sliders sets a date for its celebratory Can Drop.

This is the first Smalls Sliders Can to drop in the area, and this event marks another milestone for the rapidly growing cheeseburger slider brand as it expands its footprint across South Carolina with its second restaurant in development.

The North Charleston community will soon experience the taste of Smalls Sliders. The fast-growing, industry-disrupting QSR brand serves cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and milkshakes. The North Charleston Can will feature the brand’s Smorange™-colored shipping container hoisted above its innovative building, along with a relaxing turfed patio.

This location will be owned and operated by Elliott Strott through Sandlot Ventures LLC, a North Charleston-based franchise group. A longtime real estate professional, Strott discovered Smalls Sliders while in New Orleans and was instantly intrigued by its stand-alone, modular design and streamlined operations model.

Strott is eager to connect with the community, and Communities in School has been selected as North Charleston’s Small Town Hero. The statewide nonprofit surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and succeed in life. Through school-based coordinators and community partnerships, the organization helps address both academic and non-academic barriers to student success. Representatives from Communities in Schools will attend the grand opening celebration later this year, where they’ll be recognized for their ongoing impact in local schools.

This will be the first Can the group opens, and plans are already underway for a second location in North Charleston.

WHERE: 2280 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406

About Smalls Sliders

Smalls Sliders is one of the fastest-growing brands in the restaurant industry, specializing exclusively in fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders that are small in size but big in taste.  Smalls Sliders is the brainchild of restaurateur visionary Brandon Landry, led by CEO Charles Watson, and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, as investors. For more information on how Smalls Sliders is the biggest thing to happen to burgers since buns, visit www.smallssliders.com.

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By Mark A Leon

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a powerful documentary has emerged to shed light on the struggles of residents in Gadsden Green, an 82-year-old affordable housing community that has long been overlooked and underserved. Filmmaker Travis Pearson‘s “Back Da Green” , released in 2024, is more than just a documentary – it’s a raw, unflinching examination of systemic challenges facing low-income communities.

Pearson was initially drawn to the project after being approached by State Representative Wendell Gilliard to document a community meeting. What he discovered was a shocking reality that demanded broader attention. “Every day, residents were dealing with 24 to 25 rats,” Pearson recalls. “I was like, ‘There’s no way people are living like this.'”

The documentary meticulously unpacks the multifaceted challenges facing Gadsden Green residents. Flooding is a persistent nightmare, with water regularly infiltrating homes and creating uninhabitable conditions. Rat infestations have become so severe that residents report seeing multiple rodents daily, posing significant health risks. Bed bugs compound the misery, turning what should be a safe living space into a constant battle for basic human dignity.

Affordability issues sit at the core of the documentary’s narrative. Residents not only endure substandard living conditions but are often required to pay out of pocket for repairs in properties they can barely afford to live in. This creates a cycle of economic oppression that traps families in seemingly insurmountable circumstances.

“My only aim was to try to get people to care,” Pearson explains. “Not just to care, but to actually want to do something about it – at least have a conversation about what’s happening.”

The documentary goes beyond simply highlighting problems. It delves into the rich historical context of the community, exploring the demographic shifts and systemic challenges that have shaped Gadsden Green over decades. Pearson meticulously researched the area’s history, uncovering how African American communities have been systematically marginalized in housing development.

The redevelopment project currently underway presents both hope and uncertainty. The Integral Group from Atlanta plans a phased approach, building a high-rise and potentially offering residents the option to return to renovated units. However, Pearson remains cautiously optimistic, understanding the complex dynamics of urban renewal.

“Back Da Green” is particularly powerful in its humanistic approach. Rather than presenting residents as victims, Pearson portrays them as resilient individuals fighting against systemic challenges. The documentary gives voice to those who have been historically silenced, bringing their experiences to the forefront of public consciousness.

The film’s impact extends beyond mere documentation. It serves as a call to action, challenging viewers to recognize the human cost of neglected affordable housing. By highlighting the daily struggles of Gadsden Green residents, Pearson forces Charleston – and by extension, broader society – to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality and urban development.

Challenges in Production

Technical challenges in producing the documentary were significant. Pearson faced resistance from potential subjects who feared potential repercussions, including possible eviction. Many residents were hesitant to appear on camera, reflecting the vulnerability of their position.

“Social media does not make people social anymore,” Pearson observes. “It makes people introverts, and it’s hard to get people’s attention and make them care anymore.”

A future of uncertainty and hope

The documentary represents more than just a film – it’s a critical piece of social documentation. It captures a moment in Charleston’s ongoing transformation, serving as both a historical record and a contemporary critique of housing inequity.

As Charleston continues to evolve, “Back Da Green” stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of communities often overlooked. Travis Pearson has created more than a documentary; he’s crafted a mirror reflecting the city’s most pressing social challenges.

The film challenges viewers to look beyond surface-level narratives and recognize the complex human stories underlying urban development. It’s a call for empathy, understanding, and meaningful action.

A special thank you goes to Darryl Ray Griffin and Neal Brothers, whose generous funding significantly contributed to this documentary becoming a reality.

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Photo credit: Travis Pearson and Charleston Daily

Funding Supports the Construction of New Homes for Purchase by Qualified Buyers Earning Less than the Area Median Income 

Charleston, SC – Community First Land Trust (CFLT) has received $300,000 from JPMorganChase to support the creation of affordable homes in North Charleston. The funds will help CFLT build and sell affordable homes to qualified buyers in North Charleston, supporting economic mobility and wealth-building opportunities for local residents. This grant represents JPMorganChase’s first significant philanthropic investment in the Charleston area. 

The Charleston area is facing a critical shortage of affordable housing, with rising property values making homeownership unattainable for many families. With the support of JPMorganChase, CFLT aims to help bridge the homeownership gap for families earning between 60% and 80% of the area median income by constructing and rehabilitating homes and offering them at accessible prices to buyers in these income groups. This effort will help more families achieve first-time homeownership and maintain the community’s historic character. 

“With JPMorganChase’s support, we are addressing a pressing need for affordable housing in our community,” said Henrietta Woodward, Executive Director of Community First Land Trust. “By facilitating homeownership, we are not only preserving the character of our North Charleston neighborhoods, but also laying the groundwork for future generations to thrive financially.”  

In the near term, this funding has enabled CFLT to begin construction on nine homes to be built by the end of 2026 in several communities in North Charleston, with two buyers already in process. As these homes are sold at affordable prices, the proceeds will replenish the fund, allowing CFLT to continuously develop more properties. This revolving fund supports CFLT’s core mission of creating permanent affordable housing. Additionally, the grant will help CFLT grow by hiring a Homeownership Coordinator to grow community programs and assist more potential homeowners. 

“Addressing the need for affordable housing in the greater Charleston area is essential for creating pathways to economic opportunity,” said Suganthi Simon, head of Global Philanthropy for the Mid-South Region at JPMorganChase. “This investment reflects not only our commitment to growing in and serving South Carolina’s Lowcountry, but also our broader commitment to expanding opportunities for wealth building through homeownership throughout the South.” 

JPMorganChase is actively expanding its footprint in South Carolina. Since 2020, it has opened nine branches in the Charleston area, with more planned for the future. The firm employs more than 350 people throughout the state.  

About JPMorganChase 

JPMorganChase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.6 trillion in assets and $357 billion in stockholders’ equity as of June 30, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com. 

About Community First Land Trust 

Community First Land Trust (CFLT) is dedicated to developing and preserving affordable housing in seven environmental justice communities in North Charleston. Founded in 2017 as a key initiative of the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities, CFLT addresses the disproportionate environmental burdens these neighborhoods face. Our mission is to prevent gentrification and ensure sustainable revitalization without displacement. Through land acquisition, neighborhood improvements, financial literacy education, and economic opportunities, CFLT strives to create lasting positive change. Learn more at cflandtrust.org.  

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