Union Pier Update: TIF Approved

Recently, Charleston City Council took a major step toward the transformative redevelopment of Union Pier, with final approval to establish a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. This is the final step following the approvals from both Charleston County and Charleston County School District. This collaborative achievement will create critical funding for integrating Union Pier to the historic district, marking a milestone in our vision for an accessible and resilient waterfront destination.

The Foundation has been steadfast in its commitment to the best possible future for the Union Pier site, and we are looking forward to working with Beemok and the City on the next steps for this major endeavor. The City of Charleston’s official announcement highlighted that the TIF district will provide funding for several key components in the Union Pier project: a “world-class” park, enhanced public waterfront access, attainable housing options, and critical resilience measures to address environmental challenges.

Charleston Mayor Cogswell emphasized the importance of this moment for the city’s future. “By coming together as a community, we can achieve remarkable outcomes,” the Mayor stated. “I am grateful to our partners in this effort and look forward to the positive changes that this project will bring to our beloved city. This is not the finish line, but the starting gun for a community-driven process that will lead to a Union Pier centered around the needs of residents of our great city.” The Union Pier redevelopment is poised to be a once-in-a-lifetime project for Charleston, with the potential to create a vibrant waterfront neighborhood where residents can gather, work, live, and enjoy the natural beauty of the harbor. Public amenities at Union Pier would make it an invaluable community asset with human-scaled urban design and environmental sustainability at its heart.

Stay connected with HCF and our coalition partners as we eagerly segue into the planning phase of Union Pier, making sure that the project prioritizes the needs of Charleston’s residents and reflects the city’s unique character. The work ahead may be challenging, but with the support of our community, this vision for Union Pier is finally within reach.