West Ashley to Get First City Office
Charleston is developing its first municipal office space in West Ashley, repurposing vacant buildings. The city is seeking resident input before construction to tailor the project to community needs.
West Ashley, where the office will be located, holds historical significance as the site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina in 1670. This initial settlement was called Albemarle Point, now preserved as Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. The buildings being repurposed, located at 1660 and 1662 Ingram Road, have their own history. The building at 1662 Ingram Road was formerly the Charleston Home for Children, opening in 1966. The adjacent building at 1660 Ingram Road was constructed around the same time as the Carter-May Home convent. West Ashley is a large district of Charleston, accounting for almost half of the city's residents. Its initial neighborhoods were developed in the 1950s, with significant growth in the 70s and 80s following highway development. The area is known for its scenic waterfront vistas, marshes, and moss-draped oak trees. The city is actively working on several initiatives in West Ashley, including the Sam Rittenberg Boulevard Redesign and Plan West Ashley. Annexation is also common, allowing eligible properties to receive city services, tax credits, and rate reductions.
