This piece originally appeared as a Commentary in The Post and Courier on April 13.
As many of you know, we recently concluded the Credit One Charleston Open on Daniel Island, with many remarking that it was our best version yet of this annual rite of spring. Almost 100,000 people attended: families, friends, neighbors and colleagues. There were activities for young and old, great food, fun music and of course world-class women’s tennis.
In a world that can feel pretty divided sometimes, there was a sense that we all actually like each other a lot more than most people think. Isn’t that exactly what a public gathering place is supposed to do for us? I think so.
What’s my dream for Union Pier? To create a place that has this quality and so much more — a great neighborhood where all kinds of people are doing all kinds of different things. I imagine that Union Pier will bring together our finest educational institutions, an exciting collection of restaurants and shops, quality housing for all kinds of people, public access to the water and beautiful green spaces. It will also attract world-class companies seeking premium workspace and a quality of life that’s unique to Charleston. In short, Union Pier will honor not only our city’s past and present, but its future as well.
So what have we been doing to pursue these goals? In the past year, we have:
• Reached an agreement to end all cruise ship operations in the summer of 2026.
• Hired an experienced team of both internal and external people who understand and have lots of experience working in Charleston.
Studied and analyzed the property in-depth to better understand the opportunities and challenges it presents.
• Held more than 50 meetings with a wide range of stakeholders to hear their hopes and concerns.
• Engaged with the Riley Center to ensure that we benefit from its extensive community outreach.
• Worked closely with the city of Charleston alongside stakeholders to update its comprehensive plan, providing a vision statement that we are committed to for the future of Union Pier. It’s worth reading.
Let me be clear. I am the steward of this project, but this is our neighborhood. We know that Charlestonians have put tremendous thought and consideration into this property over the years. Building consensus with all stakeholders isn’t always easy or achievable, but we are committed to being good listeners. As we move forward, we’ll work closely with the community to create a framework that will transform what’s behind those ugly barbed-wire fences into an exciting, dynamic and vibrant new part of Charleston.