Demolition of the long-abandoned Ryan’s Steakhouse on St. Andrews Boulevard in West Ashley started Monday through a public-private partnership involving the city of Charleston and Gramling Brothers, a Charleston-based developer.
“This is just the beginning, and we are excited for what comes next,” said Charleston City Councilman William Tinkler, whose district includes the area in which the eatery once stood.
City leaders called the demolition a reaffirmation of its commitment to revitalize West Ashley, saying it marked a key step in the city’s broader strategy to rejuvenate the area and build safer, more vibrant communities.
In 2020, developers proposed a plan to build more than 200 apartments and retail stores in the area. Two years later, Gramling Brothers sought approval to demolish the site for the development, but there was no specific mention of those plans in the Feb. 24 release.
But the release said the demolition would pave the way for new amenities in the area, comparing it to the revitalization efforts along Sumar Street on the Sam Rittenburg Boulevard corridor.
The press release also said the restaurant, vacant since 2016, was an eyesore and a hub for criminal activity, including trespassing, drug use and assault.
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