Citadel Mall SOLD to MUSC for $83M!

1️⃣ Charleston County · Resilience & Sustainability Advisory Committee
Resilience Collaborative Launch Set for February
The committee announced February 12 as the launch date for the new Resilience Collaborative, designed to connect local government practitioners and foster shared solutions for resilience challenges. The collaborative will organize over 300 identified programs and initiatives, aiming to break down silos and expand county-wide impact. Plans include sharing data from the recent symposium to guide workshop planning, and discussions are underway to include groups beyond Charleston County and align with broader state efforts. The group will focus on making complex resilience information accessible to the public and prioritizing countywide strategies.
Why it matters: The collaborative will streamline resilience efforts, encourage innovation, and ensure that local governments and partners work together for greater impact and public benefit across the county.

2️⃣ City of Charleston · Board of Architectural Review (BAR-L)
BAR Policies and Guidelines Revised for Clarity and Modernization
The board reviewed and approved revisions to several policy statements, aiming to clarify standard reviews and best practices for applicants. Updates included broadening the alternative energy policy to cover EV chargers, separating fencing and hardscaping policies, clarifying signage requirements, and expanding window guidelines. The changes do not introduce new requirements but make existing practices more accessible and up to date. The motion for approval passed with board discussion.
Why it matters: Clear, modernized guidelines help applicants navigate the review process, encourage best practices, and ensure consistent treatment of projects across Charleston’s historic districts.

3️⃣ City of Charleston · History Commission
Moonshine Marker Approved for Hampton Park
The commission approved a commemorative plaque for Moonshine, a mounted patrol horse, to be placed in Hampton Park near Mary Murray Drive. Discussions focused on sponsor identification, with the Lens Foundation considered as a sponsor, and on ensuring the inscription clearly references both Moonshine and the Mounted Horse Patrol Unit. The motion to adopt the proposed text with amendments was approved. Next steps include finalizing sponsor details, construction, and placement logistics.
Why it matters: The marker honors the legacy of the Mounted Horse Patrol and strengthens community ties to local history through public memorials.

4️⃣ City of Charleston · History Commission
Resolution Adopted for 106 Coming Street Burial Ground Stewardship
The commission adopted a resolution urging the city to act as a respectful steward and active participant in the development of the 106 Coming Street burial ground. The resolution emphasizes adherence to ethical guidelines for the recovery of human remains, consultation with descendant communities, and modeling best practices for other cities. Public comments highlighted the scale of anticipated burials, the city’s historic responsibilities, and the need for careful, ethical action. The resolution will be forwarded to City Council for further action.
Why it matters: This resolution sets a precedent for how Charleston handles historic burial sites, prioritizing ethical stewardship, community consultation, and respect for cultural heritage.

5️⃣ Town of Mount Pleasant · Flood Resilience Committee
Wetlands Ordinance Update Responds to Sackett Decision
The Flood Resilience Committee advanced a local wetlands ordinance update to protect non-jurisdictional (isolated) wetlands in response to recent federal court rulings. The proposal draws on models from Bluffton and Georgetown, aiming to align with state law while maintaining a five-acre green space threshold and requiring wetlands professionals for plat inventories. The committee discussed exemptions for home improvements and public projects, the use of NWI maps, and the need for public outreach before final adoption. Public input meetings are scheduled, and a planning commission hearing is tentatively set for December 10.
Why it matters: Strengthening local wetlands protections will help preserve critical green space, address community concerns about flooding and development, and ensure compliance with evolving state and federal regulations.

6️⃣ Charleston County · Planning Commission
Missing Middle Housing Subcommittee Formed
The Planning Commission established a subcommittee dedicated to exploring "missing middle" housing options, appointing Luke Morris as chair along with Gary Lasain, Logan Davis, and Susan Cox. The subcommittee was approved unanimously, reflecting the commission’s interest in addressing housing diversity and affordability.
Why it matters: The creation of this subcommittee signals a proactive approach to tackling housing gaps, which could lead to new policies or recommendations for more diverse and attainable housing types in Charleston County.

MUSC Health has experienced significant growth in clinical services in West Ashley, particularly at its existing Citadel Mall location. As demand increased, leadership explored multiple options to expand services in the area.

After extensive negotiations and due diligence, MUSC determined that purchasing the mall was the best long-term option for both the institution and the surrounding community.

The Board of Trustees voted and approved the Medical University Hospital Authority (MUHA) to purchase Citadel Mall from Singerman Real Estate

Breakdown of Square Footage

The transaction does not include:

Each of these retailers owns its own building and parking, and they are not part of the MUHA acquisition.

While MUSC has not yet released specific redevelopment plans, the scale of the acquisition and existing clinical growth point to several potential impacts for West Ashley:

More clarity on these impacts is expected once MUSC releases additional details on timelines, uses, and redevelopment plans.

61 ½ Tradd Street - Once most likely part of the kitchen house for the Jacob-Motte house, one of Chalreston’s oldest surviving structures, this home has been transformed and updated yet still has that historic charm.

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 2016 sqft | $2,250,000

SEE ALL PHOTOS AND DETAILS

Fully renovated West Ashley home on a large lot

- 5 beds and 3 full baths across 2050 sq ft
- Chef’s kitchen with quartz counters
- Attached garage AND detached garage/workshop
- Central West Ashley location
-$625,000

Check out all the photos and details here

Charleston is positioned as one of the nation's top housing hot spots for 2026, driven by strong demographic trends, robust job growth (3.2% year-over-year), and steady income expansion (6% annual growth). The market is transitioning toward more balanced conditions with improving affordability, as mortgage rates ease and inventory continues to grow. With an estimated 20,000+ additional Charleston households gaining the ability to afford median-priced homes at projected 6% rates, both buyers and sellers will find more negotiating power and opportunities in the year ahead.

Key indicators:

Planning a move in 2026? Tap below for a customized game plan.

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