Charleston Dorm Plans Met With Community Opposition

The College of Charleston faces pushback over a planned dormitory on a property where thousands may be buried.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in College Life

Charleston Dorm Plans Met With Community Opposition

Live Poll

Should developers be allowed to build housing on sites believed to contain historical burial grounds?

The College of Charleston faces controversy over a planned dormitory at 106 Coming St. after researchers identified the property as a potential burial site holding thousands of remains. Local opponents have organized public forums to address concerns regarding the site's management and protection.

Why it matters

The project has stalled as the potential presence of human remains on the land complicates development plans. City requirements now mandate additional archaeological work before any construction can proceed.

The city Board of Architectural Review granted conceptual approval for the building in August 2026. The property at 106 Coming St. is the primary site under investigation for potential human remains.

The players

College of Charleston

This public university located in Charleston is the project developer seeking to build the new dorm.

Protect and Respect the Bodies Coalition

This community group advocates for the preservation of the burial site and hosts forums to share concerns.

Avery Research Center

This institution, located on Bull Street, serves as the venue for public discourse regarding the project.

The details

The College of Charleston is engaging with a council to discuss the management of the property, while the Protect and Respect the Bodies Coalition is holding forums for local residents. The city has paused development to ensure necessary archaeological assessments are completed.

August 2026: The city Board of Architectural Review approved the project's conceptual plans.
October 1, 2026, 5:30 p.m.: Opponents hold a public forum at the Avery Research Center.
October 1, 2026, 6:00 p.m.: The College of Charleston holds a community engagement meeting.

Culture Shift

This dispute mirrors a growing societal movement that prioritizes historical accountability and the preservation of burial grounds over new urban development. The site, regulated by the 106 Coming St. archaeological preservation mandate, highlights the friction between modern campus expansion and local history.

Residents in the immediate area may experience changes to local traffic or transit patterns during the scheduled community forums. Those living near the property should expect ongoing archaeological activity, which will dictate the project's long-term timeline.

The takeaway

The ongoing discussions underscore the importance of conducting thorough site assessments before beginning new construction projects in historical districts. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through upcoming public forums to voice their concerns.