Union Pier

The Union Pier project represents the largest redeveloped opportunity property on Charleston's peninsula in decades. Currently owned by the SC Ports Authority, Union Pier is poised to trade hands with billionaire Ben Navarro and become his most consequential investment in Charleston.

What’s new?

The TIF: In the fall of 2024, Charleston City Council, Charleston County and the Charleston County School District approved the Union Pier Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, with the support of Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) and coalition partners.

TIF districts are a common revitalization tool that allow the city to issue bonds against the projected tax revenue created by the redevelopment to help pay for public improvements such as parks, resiliency features, affordable housing, and other infrastructure. Due to the scale and complexity of this site, HCF strongly believes that a true public-private partnership is required to make Union Pier the world-class development that the community deserves.

Being owned by the SC Ports Authority, Union Pier is currently exempt from paying property taxes. By forming a TIF district lasting 30 years, the city anticipates more than $626 million in future tax revenue over that period. As Mayor Cogswell told Council, “We are essentially setting up a bank account for the project.”

Urban Waterfront District Approval: At the February 19^th City of Charleston Planning Commission meeting, Urban Waterfront Future Land Use District language was approved unanimously. We believe this comprehensive plan language reflects our priorities, and we will continue to advocate for development on Union Pier that reflects historic Charleston’s development patterns, centered around an accessible and vibrant public realm. For more information on what this action means for the future of the site, read our blog post.