West Ashley is about to get a skyline

The City of Charleston Planning Commission approved an application to increase zoning density from General Business to Planned Unit Development Wednesday. The first phase of the development would add five buildings, 1.4 million square feet of office space, 600,000 square feet of retail space, 275,000 square feet of medical facilities, a regional and national sports competition facility, 500 hotel rooms, and more than 1000 condominium and apartment units. The buildings would range from nine to 25 stories.

In 2017, Trademark Properties became the first local real estate firm to own Citadel Mall in its nearly 40-year history. Principal owner Richard Davis said that his plans are focused on providing more jobs and economic opportunity in West Ashley. The plans call for more than 4000 parking spaces in parking decks connected to the new buildings, in addition to the retention of 2500 existing surface parking spaces. The 53-acre property would add landscaping to the Orleans Road frontage and interior spaces.

The zoning change received first reading approval by Charleston City Council Tuesday night. There will be a public presentation of the Citadel Mall plans Wednesday, September 11 at 5:30 pm at Citadel Mall. The second reading at Charleston City Council will be held Tuesday, September 24.