The City of Charleston’s Design Review Board gave conceptual approval to plans that will build a new Publix grocery store + redevelop a West Ashley shopping center (located between Old Towne Road and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard).
The board approved the partial demolition of Ashley Landing including the Big Lots and Dollar Tree, along with some vacant spaces like where Red Orchids operated. They also approved the redesign of the shopping center. The new Publix and retail spots are set to replace the demolished section and will be located near Old Towne Road and Charlestowne Drive.
- Step one: conceptual review — completed in the city’s first December DRB meeting.
- Step two: preliminary review — this is a deep dive into the specifics of the project.
- Step three: final review — takes place when most of the testing and design work is complete.
The current Publix (near Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Sumar Street) will stay open until the new one is complete, and plans have yet to be approved for what will happen to the space once vacant.
Faison, the developer, will set the project timeline. Faison has two years to make changes recommended by the board and move to the preliminary review phase.
The Design Review Board meetings are held on the first + third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. The next meeting is on Monday, Dec. 18.