Interim Improvements- Let's Get Started
Small Changes create Big Results
The Friends of the Lowcountry Lowline and the City of Charleston have agreed to deliver interim improvements in the project area. A simple multi-use pathway and some fully-completed portions of the Lowline already exist and can be expanded. This phase proposes two types of interim improvements: 1) infrastructure like simple paths and sports courts, and 2) programming that gets people out using the space immediately. Programming may include clean-ups, site tours, art installations, painting, fitness classes, outdoor markets, etc. Some of these events are already happening and provide great benefit. But we need your help. Donate today.
Phase 1 - Lowline Park & Trail
This is the perfect spot to get started. This phase involves a large central park, parking areas below I-26 and various related public street and stormwater improvements. It also includes the City’s affordable housing site and connection the East Side via the Cooper River Bridge Redevelopment Area (CRBRA). We will be able to provide a usable pathway, add fun and inclusive programming, and set the stage for what this park can be when fully completed. This touches on mobility, stormwater, programming and horticulture: it is a great starting point.
Estimated Construction Cost: $9,030,625.00
Progress: Pre-Design
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2022
Phase 1B -Urban Core Area
This phase involves Lowline improvements on City owned properties, several blocks of dense urban mixed-use development, The City will work with private developers to
identify incentives, such as using parts of the Lowline for stormwater management, in exchange for them to pay for and construct parts of the Lowline. The area will include
three mid-block crossings, one of which is an SCDOT street.
Estimated Construction Cost: $3,512,500.00
Progress: Pre-Design
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2023
Phase 2- New Market Park Area
This phase will leverage the funded improvements at King Street and Huger Street to develop a large water management open space system. This idea was recommended by the Dutch Dialogues Charleston report as a way to manage flooding on the peninsula. Improvements here will also include multi-purpose courts, the DIY skate park known as the "Bridge Spot", a mid-block crossing at Huger Street, and fully improved pathway conditions for the Lowline up to Grove Street. The mid-block crossing at Huger Street must be coordinated with other improvements on that corridor.
Estimated Construction Cost: $7,884,375.00
Progress: Pre-Design
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2023
Phase 3 -The Pinch
This area of the Lowline is privately-owned. Delivery of the Lowline will be through negotiations with individual properties for access easements, maintenance agreements and other legally-binding arrangements to ensure a high quality of design and public access to extend the Lowline through the middle of the block in these areas. Relevant review bodies and City staff will use the Lowline Design Guidelines to direct the design of physical improvements in this area. Any properties that are fenced off or otherwise privatized will be opened up, and, if deemed necessary by City staff, improved to be suitable for public access and use. City staff will develop a strategy to require or otherwise ensure the construction of essential mid-block pedestrian crossings in this location.
Estimated Construction Cost: $2,353,125.00
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2024
*Rendering Courtesy of City of Charleston Design Division, 2020
Phase 4- The Columns
Improvements from Grove Street to San Souci Street. This phase will involve the following: 1) complete the multi-use path to its fullest in this area, 2) installing as many stormwater storage areas and multipurpose courts beneath I-26 as possible, 3) extend the Service Street north of Brigade Street, 4) create neighborhood pocket parks at the end of each intersecting street, 4) install mid-block crossings, and 5) upgrade the outdoor market and surroundings to a long-term condition.
Estimated Construction Cost: $8,923,437.00
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2024
Phase 6- Bus Mall & Camden Depot
Using another public-private partnership (PPP), retrofit the existing bus mall to be part of the Lowline by getting the private sector involved. Incentivize the private sector to construct and lease ground level commercial space in the existing parking garage at this location, perhaps in exchange for making physical improvements (converting the bus mall to the Lowline and constructing its relevant mid-block crossings).
Estimated Construction Cost: $1,409,375.00
Estimated Start Time for Construction: 2025
