The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Tuesday announced the controversial proposed Union Pier development justifies Charleston being placed on its new list of America’s 11 most Endangered Places.
The list has been released annually since 1988. It focuses on urgent threats where community leaders have identified solutions that can result in better outcomes.
In naming Charleston’s historic neighborhoods endangered, the Trust said, “The proposed densities and building heights outlined in the plan could adversely affect critical elements of the historic city’s fine-grained urban character and block views between the nationally significant historic district and the Cooper River waterfront. In addition, the proposed development is planned to be constructed on a 16-foot-high elevated platform, which could negatively impact climate resilience for adjacent neighborhoods and the city.”
It also patted local advocates for working to slow down the process to create a better outcome for the community.
“As Charleston faces increasing pressures from development and climate change, advocates believe that a more robust, inclusive community visioning process is critical to help create a plan for Union Pier that respects Charleston’s significant history, diverse population and architectural character, while improving the city’s climate resilience.”
The S.C. Coastal Conservation League backed the Trust’s designation in a statement:
“The current developer-led plan proposes building sizes and density that are not remotely compatible with Charleston’s historic built environment. The plan also lacks adequate open space and resilience measures which should be the core focus of any large-scale master plan on the water’s edge.”
Further, it said core elements of the plan such as more affordable housing and a proposed public financing structure are still unclear.
The league, which is collaborating with the Preservation Society of Charleston and the Historic Charleston Foundation to protect the historic district, is hosting three events beginning this week to call for a better process and plan for Charleston’s historic waterfront in response to the ongoing Union Pier development.
Community Workshop on a Better Way Forward for Union Pier
5:30-7:30 p.m. May 11. Hosted by the Preservation Society of Charleston at the St. Julian Devine Community Center. 1 Cooper St. Downtown. RSVP online.
Environmental Impacts of Union Pier Redevelopment: What We Need to Know
6 p.m. May 16. Zoom meeting hosted by Coastal Conservation League. Attend virtually by registering online.
Union Pier Advocacy Forum6 p.m. May 18. Hoisted by the Historic Charleston Foundation at the Charleston Museum auditorium. 360 Meeting St. Downtown. Register online.
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