CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders want to bring new life to a longtime mall in the West Ashley community. Plans are in the works to turn Citadel Mall into a mixed-use development called the “Citadel Mall Epic Center.” It was a popular mall for many years, but its charm has faded. Now, the […]
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston city leaders want to bring new life to a longtime mall in the West Ashley community. Plans are in the works to turn Citadel Mall into a mixed-use development called the “Citadel Mall Epic Center.”
It was a popular mall for many years, but its charm has faded. Now, the city is looking to create a new shopping experience for West Ashley residents.
“For the people who live in West Ashley, this is a huge step forward- this is the right direction we need to head to make those buildings come, make the redesign happen, and make this more bike and pedestrian-friendly,” said Ashley Jackrel, a Design Review Board Member.
The City of Charleston wants to rework the entire property into an outdoor shopping center with restaurants, entertainment, shops, and events. The project put an emphasis on providing shading, and outdoor space and making it pedestrian-friendly so residents can spend more time at the center.
“In terms of making it a healthy environment, it takes a complete overhaul to make this a community that is a destination that people want to go and enjoy their time and be outside,” said Jackrel.
During a Monday night meeting, the city’s design review board approved the final draft with an amendment to add more visuals to keep Charleston’s character in the design. They will also clarify sections referencing the city’s zoning ordinances.
“Oftentimes projects come to us with some sort of downtown influence of the peninsula or Charleston but that might not actually be a point of reference for the project location […] one of the things we often hear oftentimes in West Ashley is it’s not the peninsula, so maybe there can be a little more creativity in the project,” said Jackrel.
Belk, Dillard’s, Target, and the Medical University of South Carolina, which currently call the mall home, will be included in the redevelopment plan.
Plans for the project also include making it resistant to stormwater issues.
The project will now go back to the development team to make a plan to be submitted to the city.