Project 3500 Affordable Housing Charrette Work-In-Progress Presentation

The City of Charleston, SC held a work-in-progress presentation on March 25, 2026, focused on Project 3500, an ambitious affordable housing initiative aiming to develop approximately 5,000 new housing units, with half permanently affordable. The meeting highlighted the challenges of current affordable housing development, including high costs, bureaucratic delays, and risk factors for developers. City officials emphasized principles such as no displacement of existing residents, demanding high-quality design, and leveraging economies of scale to reduce costs. The presentation included detailed architectural and site studies for infill development on underutilized parcels in the Charleston Peninsula, with a focus on integrating new housing into existing neighborhoods while preserving community character. Discussions also covered the importance of public-private partnerships, capital market considerations, and next steps involving scheduling, legal work, and financial structuring to advance the project. The city seeks to engage local contractors and businesses in the development process to ensure community benefits and project success.