Construction begins on first phase of long-awaited Charleston waterfront community

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Construction has begun after leaders broke ground last week on a new Charleston waterfront community set to be the city’s largest mixed-use development project.

Magnolia Landing has been in the making for 20 years and will cover 192 acres or 1.5 miles along the Ashley River that previously sat unclaimed.

Forty-three acres of the Magnolia redevelopment site, located in the upper neck of the Charleston peninsula, was once home to a phosphate fertilizer facility that caused lead and arsenic contamination in the surrounding groundwater, surface water, sediment, and soil.

Other facilities, such as the former Ashepoo Phosphate Works and Koppers Co., Inc., contributed to the site’s land contamination.

After the discovery, the Columbia Nitrogen Corporation demolished all its structures on the site, and a cleanup of the environment began in 2023, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

In 2022, the EPA approved the land for the redevelopment project.

Leaders, including Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and David Ginn from the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, gathered on Feb. 28 at 2198 Milford Street to break ground on the development. According to developer Highland Resources, Inc., the development will offer parks, a marina, residential spaces, hospitality zones, office space, retail shops, restaurants, waterfront docks, and a variety of entertainment options.

“Magnolia Landing is a key step in building a vibrant, sustainable Charleston,” said Mayor Cogswell. “With its focus on workforce housing, public amenities, and green spaces, this development by Highland Resources will enhance our waterfront and create lasting benefits for our residents and community.”

As far as residential options, the first phase will see a high-rise waterfront community and mid-rise community developed by Charleston-based Woodfield Development pop up along the riverfront site. The high-rise and mid-rise will contribute 600 rental residences to the land.

In addition, 158 luxury townhomes completed by a national developer are in the plans for phase one.

Phase one will see to the construction of a waterfront office building that will bring 100,000 square feet of Class-A office space, street-level retail, gourmet restaurants, and other commercial space.

A 125-key boutique hotel will be constructed as a hospitality option.

Twenty-four acres will be dedicated to public parks and green spaces, while 49 will be preserved as marshland to protect the area’s natural habitat and scenery.

The multi-phase Magnolia project is expected to be completed by 2040. However, officials say Magnolia Landing expects its first residents by 2027.