Around Charleston
1 - Blackbaud Recognized Internationally - The Daniel Island based company was just recognized by Newsweek as a “Greenest Company in the World”. READ MORE
2 - Historic Park Preserved Forever - Lowcountry Land Trust recently aided in placing the historic and culturally significant Red Top Park into permanent conservation. READ ANNOUNCEMENT
3 - Spoleto Kicks Off - The annual Spoleto Festival Started on Thursday and goes for 17 days until June 8th with 120+ performances around the city. SEE MORE
Historic Home of the Week
81 Rutledge Ave - The Sottile-Glover Mansion, which spans across three buildings on .4 acres in Harleston Village, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
11 Bed | 6 Full Baths 2 Half | 11,737 sqft | $6,200,000
Mayor Cogswell’s Plan to take “Full Control” of WestEdge
Charleston’s WestEdge project is back in the spotlight—and Mayor William Cogswell wants full control. Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
Background on WestEdge
WestEdge is a major redevelopment project on the Ashley River, designed to bring housing, retail, and public space to the peninsula.
The project was created through a partnership between the City of Charleston and the MUSC Foundation.
Phase I included offices, restaurants, over 250 apartments, and a Publix.
Why It Paused
Legal challenges over filling parts of Gadsden Creek halted further development.
Gadsden Creek, a historic tidal wetland, sits on part of the remaining 18 acres.
The creek has deep cultural and environmental significance to the Gadsden Green community.
What the Mayor Is Proposing
Mayor Cogswell wants the city to buy out MUSC’s 35% stake in the project.
The offer? $25 million—roughly $10 million under market value.
The goal: take full control of the project and restart development focused on housing.
What Kind of Housing?
No specific designs have been released.
Cogswell promises a “significant amount of housing” on the site.
It’s unclear if that means affordable, workforce, market-rate, or a mix.
What About Gadsden Creek?
About 2 of the 18 acres still contain parts of the original creek.
The SC Supreme Court upheld the city’s right to fill it.
But Cogswell says filling it is “to be determined,” hinting at alternatives.
Community & Environmental Response
Advocacy groups like Friends of Gadsden Creek have submitted alternative plans.
Their proposals aim to revitalize the creek, add flood protections, and include housing.
Residents of Gadsden Green helped shape these plans.
Where’s the Money Coming From?
The WestEdge Foundation has $10 million in cash ready to go.
The remaining $15 million could come from a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district.
That district’s assessed value jumped from $8M in 2008 to $43M in 2023.
What Happens Next?
The city’s offer must still be approved by both City Council and MUSC’s board.
No timeline for final decisions has been given.
If approved, this could reshape Charleston’s development approach—and the future of Gadsden Green.
Final Thoughts
WestEdge has long been a symbol of Charleston’s growth potential—and its tension between progress and preservation.
The coming months will show whether the city’s takeover leads to inclusive, community-minded development—or more of the same.
Stay tuned.
1566 Lindsey Creek Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
5 beds | 4.5 baths | 3931 sqft
$1,775,000
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity on a Private Cul-de-Sac Pond Lot with Brand New Saltwater Pool + Hot Tub! Welcome to one of the most exceptional homes in the highly sought-after Riverside section of Carolina Park. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac with a private backyard pond, this home features a brand new gunite saltwater pool and hot tub with fire bowls, offering the ultimate backyard retreat. Recent upgrades include two brand new HVAC systems, new carpet throughout the second floor, and a freshly pressure-washed exterior, making it completely move-in ready and better than new. Location is everything—and this home is just 1 mile from both Carolina Park Elementary and Wando High School, with grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational amenities all nearby.
Selling? Want your home featured in The ChuckTown Report and in front of thousands of readers?
Fill out the application below.
Click the graph for more details or to select another market.
If you enjoy The ChuckTown Report, Read On…
I can’t believe how this little weekly newsletter has grown. I wasn’t sure if anyone would even care, and here we are closing in on 3000 of you that read it every week! My mindset has shifted from “will anyone read this?” to “how many people can I get to read this”. So if you’re still reading this, I have a small favor to ask. Click HERE and leave us a quick testimonial about what you love (or hate) about The ChuckTown Report. Thank you!
-Bill Olson
If you're looking to buy or sell a home in Charleston, Bill Olson & Pirate Properties can help you. We’re fast, friendly, knowledgeable, and fun to work with. We’ve helped hundreds of clients in real estate. Click below and start viewing what's available in Charleston today, calculate your home’s value, or schedule a no-obligation, no-pressure discovery call.
We're excited to continue to grow our newsletter. Have suggestions? Let us know! Have a friend or family member who might benefit from being in the know? Be a hero and share!
If you’re a real estate agent and want to learn about Real Broker, let’s chat. Schedule a confidential call HERE
