College of Charleston to Expand Student Housing Options

The College of Charleston is expanding its student housing with the addition of the Coming Street Commons, a planned 1,200-bed student-residence complex just north of Calhoun Street. This new development will enhance the student experience with more housing choices and provide a welcoming environment for first-year students. 

The residence hall’s central location on the block bordered by Vanderhorst, St. Philip, Calhoun and Coming streets grants easy access to essential campus services, including academic support, wellness resources and other key campus amenities.

“This is a much-needed addition to our campus,” says President Andrew T. Hsu. “The development will go a long way in helping relieve pressure being placed on nearby neighborhoods to house students – something College administrators, neighborhood leaders and city staff are committed to addressing. Today’s students demand and, frankly, deserve an investment in our housing options.”

In order to keep the campus and community informed and engaged concerning this project, the College of Charleston will hold a community information meeting on Tuesday, June 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in room 101 of the Rita Liddy Hollings Science Center (58 Coming Street).

According to a three-year study conducted by the National Survey of Student Engagement, on-campus housing improves a student’s overall campus engagement and persistence. These findings reinforce historical trends at the College of Charleston, with students who live on campus their first year retaining at 10 percentage points greater than those who live off campus. The College is committed to supporting student success and well-being while also easing housing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods.

Coming Street Commons will include approximately 1,000 new beds (in addition to the current 200 beds located at the 99 St. Philip residence facility), primarily double occupancy with limited single occupancy. The design features multiple common areas to foster student success, community engagement and a vibrant living-learning environment. The new development will include grab-and-go food options and green spaces, creating a dynamic residential experience for both the students who live there and the surrounding community.

Cultural Preservation Efforts Will Honor Site’s Legacy

The site of the new residence hall includes, in part, the location of the former YWCA of Greater Charleston at 106 Coming Street. The College of Charleston recognizes and appreciates the significant role the YWCA and that site played in the history of the Charleston community, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. The College of Charleston is working with the South Carolina State Historic Preservation office, the current YWCA leadership and other community leaders to incorporate into the design of the new complex appropriate commemoration.

“The purchase of this site and the resulting student housing will become an important part of our campus,” says President Hsu. “The College and the future residents of the Coming Street Commons project will forever honor the legacy, history, culture and people of the YWCA.”

Coming Street Commons will stand as a testament to the College’s mission to support student success and serve as a steward of Charleston’s rich history.

Visit the Coming Street Commons website to learn more about the project and join the mailing list to receive the latest updates.