Charleston's Citadel Mall: A Makeover on the Horizon

Charleston's Citadel Mall is set for a major transformation. The city's Design Review Board recently approved a 75-page document outlining design elements for the mall's future development. This isn't just a simple renovation; it's a complete overhaul that aims to blend indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a mixed-use environment. Kim Simmons, assistant manager at Edwin Watts, is thrilled about the potential changes. "The Citadel Mall really needs a facelift, " she says. "It would be great for the area and West Ashley to have more things to do. " The applicants presented their ideas to the board, focusing on incorporating Charleston's unique aesthetic while keeping the needs of West Ashley families in mind. Mick Levitz, a community member, envisions beautiful pastel colors, columns, and Spanish moss as part of the new design. The board member Ashley Jackrel emphasized the importance of outdoor spaces, landscaping, and greenery to enhance sustainability and attract more people.

"Right now, it's just a sea of asphalt, " Jackrel points out. "Nobody wants to hang out in the parking lot during summer. It needs a full overhaul to make it a healthy environment. " The board is excited about the future plans, but they know the challenge lies in creating guidelines that allow for creativity without being too restrictive. The next steps involve setting expectations for future designers and architects. While the applicants hope to start development in 2025, Jackrel cautions that the timeline might be longer due to the creative process. The existing site spans over 88 acres with more than 1. 1 million square feet of retail space. Notable tenants like Belk, Dillard's, Target, and the Medical University of South Carolina will remain.

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