Historic Charleston Elementary School to Open as Affordable Senior Housing

Historic Charleston Elementary School to Open as Affordable Senior Housing

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The former Henry P. Archer Elementary School will open as an 89-unit affordable housing complex for seniors in a ribbon cutting Thursday. The new housing complex offers one and two-bed units.

Income Eligibility and Partnerships

Seniors aged 55 and up who live with incomes of 30%, 60% or 80% of the Area Median Income are eligible to rent units in the building. The highest income limit for a potential resident at 80% is a little over $50,000.

The Humanities Foundation partnered with Charleston County and City Council officials in the renovation project back in 2020. Foundation officials say the renovation was a result of community input as well as their wellness initiatives for senior empowerment.

Support and Services for Residents

Residents will receive transportation, fresh food and produce through the food pantry program and health and wellness activities from the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing.

Alumni Reactions and Community Support

The renovation project is repurposing the former Henry P. Archer Elementary School, which was built in the early 1930s. The school holds historical influence in the downtown Eastside neighborhood as civil rights activist Septima Clark once taught in that very building.

One alumnus, Reverend Matthew Rivers, has followed the project from its beginning stages. He expressed joy and pride in the transformation of the building into affordable senior housing.

Rivers believes the community needs this project and urges continued support. Affordable housing rules in place establish that this housing complex will remain affordable for the next 30 years.