Ronald McDonald House looking to expand Downtown Charleston footprint

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Leaders with Ronald McDonald Charities of Charleston are moving forward with plans to build a new five-story building next to their current facility in downtown Charleston.

The request went in front of the city of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review (BAR) on Wednesday for the second time. Board members gave preliminary approval to the project, allowing their plans for a new 41,500-square-foot building to move ahead.

The new housing facility would be connected to the current Ronald McDonald House on Gadsden Street in Downtown Charleston. Leaders with the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston said the expansion is crucial as they are currently turning away more than 500 families every year.

The Ronald McDonald House provides services, resources, and support for families of children receiving medical care in Charleston. The new building will help them meet the growing demand of families in need by adding 46 new bedrooms and doubling their current capacity. The facility will also have two elevators that can fit a medical stretcher, a large kitchen and dining area, play areas and classrooms for children of all ages, and laundry rooms on all floors.

During Wednesday’s BAR meeting, board members did make a few tweaks to the plans. They are also asking for a final review of the project by city staff.

Leaders with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston said they still need to raise $4 million for the project, which has a total price tag of $25 million. However, officials said they have completed phase one of their fundraising efforts and at this time they are on track for a March groundbreaking.