By the numbers

• $500 million. The amount that the project could cost, according to developer Mike Bennett. The projected range is $400-500 million.
• 15 years. The current projected timeline for the real estate development
• 5 years ago. When the concept was initially approved
• 31. The total acreage of the development’s property
• 3. The number of hotels featured in the plans
• 100, 150, and 250. The total rooms in each of the three hotels
• 2,800. The total spaces in three parking garages
• 130. The number of residential units
• 1. A convention center in the master plan
• 60,000. The square footage of a proposed amphitheater
• 405,000. The combined square footage of office space, set to include three buildings
• 65. The approximate number of units in two apartment buildings within the development

Project timeline

Local impact

• Name That Tune Trivia w/ Crystal Coast Seafood Truck | Mon., Oct. 24 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Snafu Brewing Company, 3280 Industry Dr., North Charleston | Free | Crystal Coast Seafood food truck will be on-site with local seafood baskets, sandwiches, apps + tacos to enjoy during trivia — dog and family-friendly.
• October American Red Cross Blood Drive | Mon., Oct. 24 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Firefly Distillery, 4201 Spruill Avenue, North Charleston | Free | Register to donate blood in the Firefly Room using the Sponsor Code: FIREFLY.

• Travel Candle Making Workshop with Local Artist Daisy McClellan | Tue., Oct. 25 | 5:30-7 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | $75.00 - $105.00 | Join local artist Daisy McClellan + learn how to make your very own soy candles from beginning to end — all materials included.
• SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar Whiskey Dinner | Tue., Oct. 25 | Times vary | SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar, 1324 Theater Drive, Mount Pleasant | $149.95 | Grab your ticket for this dinner featuring whiskeys from High West Distillery with a four-course pairing dinner and dessert.

• BIRD WALKS IN THE PARK | Wed., Oct. 26 | 9-10 a.m. | Higgins Pier, West Ashley Bikeway, Charleston | Free | Join bird enthusiast Layton Register to scout for birds + register findings with Cornell University’s Ebird Register for ecological studies.

• Hors d’oeuvres
• Wine, speciality cocktails + a special-edition beer
• Live music by The Midnight City Band*

• 76º | Sunny | 5% chance of rain

• Rise: 7:30 a.m.
• Set: 6:38 p.m.

• Low: 1:33 a.m. + 2:02 p.m.
• High: 7:46 a.m. + 7:57 p.m.

• Here’s an update on the Ashley River Crossing project: The City of Charleston has met all requirements to utilize the federal grant funding allocated to the project. The city is expected to continue to work with design + build teams in the coming months — a responsibility outlined in the final deadline to move forward to the next phase. 🚧
• Heads up, Holy City: Early voting begins today for South Carolina voters, available at county voting centers Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sat., Nov. 5. Be sure to have a valid photo ID handy when checking in to cast your ballot. Pssst: The general election is on November 8. 🗳️ (WCSC)

• Long-term expansion plans have been released for the Charleston International Airport over the next 20 years, set to add 11 gates to the airport. Phase one includes a 7,000-car parking garage + a new concourse with five additional gates, and phase two features an expansion of the food hall and another new concourse. An estimated cost has not been established. 🛫 (WCSC)

• Mark your calendars: YALLFest young adult book festival is headed to the Holy City on Fri., Nov. 11 + Sat., Nov. 12, featuring 77 young adult authors, book signings, and panel discussions. Check out the full schedule and individual event tickets, though most of the events are free and open to the public. 📚

• Speaking of books, the temporary Cooper River Memorial Library branch of the Charleston County Public Library is expected to close next month as part of the next phase of development for the Keith Summey North Charleston Library. The branch, currently located at 2036 Cherokee St., is set to close its doors on Sat., Nov. 19. (WCBD)

• On your mark, get set, go... The first ever Charleston’s Fastest Bartender Contest© is happening tonight at Ireland’s Own in West Ashley, featuring 12 finalists out of 36 bartenders from local bars + restaurants. Competition proceeds benefit local organizations including Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary. 🏆

• Here at CHStoday, we aim to bring the most relevant + engaging daily content about City right to your inbox. If you enjoy our newsletter and supporting all things local, consider joining our CHStoday Membership Program. Membership helps keep our newsletter free and has some cool perks. Learn more + sign up.

• Are you a management whiz? Palmetto Primary Care Physicians is hiring a Medical Office Team Lead to run the day-to-day operations of a busy office, including managing and scheduling staff, ordering supplies, and maintaining records. Learn more + apply.*

• The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is here, which means it’s time to ask yourself a big question: keep your coverage, or change it? Fidelity Medicare Services can help. Fidelity’s licensed Medicare advisors provide customized advice based on your situation — and if you choose a new plan, they’ll help you enroll.*

• Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from visiting the pumpkin patch or going to outdoor sporting events. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

• The event features 60,000 pounds of oysters, including raw oyster eating + shucking contests.
• Gates open at 10 a.m. + the event runs until 5 p.m.
• Wine, domestic, and imported beer are available for purchase to pair with your buckets of steamed oysters.
• General admission tickets are $23, though you’ll need to purchase food + beverage tickets separately. VIP tickets are also available for $179. Snag ‘em while you can.
• This year’s festival is cashless.