April 1, 2025

Significant Residential Development Planned in West Ashley

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News Summary

West Ashley, Charleston is undergoing a major transformation with the Verdier Point development by Toll Brothers, which will add 6,000 homes to the area. This expansion is part of a broader trend in Charleston, where the population is growing rapidly, prompting several new housing projects like Ashley Walk Townes and Bellerose at Bees Ferry. The local government is also focusing on affordable housing and infrastructure improvements, including a new flyover to address traffic congestion.

Significant Residential Development Planned in West Ashley, Charleston

The picturesque neighborhood of West Ashley in Charleston is currently undergoing a transformation, with heavy construction underway at *Toll Brothers’ Verdier Point development*. The ambitious plan aims for the addition of over 6,000 new homes over a mere five-mile strip. The new real estate landscape will offer a diverse blend of **single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments**, catering to a growing population that has swelled by 6% just from 2020 to 2025.

A Booming West Ashley

Presently home to nearly 72,000 residents, West Ashley’s population growth outpaces the national average increase of 2.8%. This trend is consistent with broader patterns throughout South Carolina, which has seen an influx of approximately 360,579 new residents annually from April 2020 to July 2024, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It is projected that a significant portion of **new housing** will become available within the next year, addressing the burgeoning demand for residences in the populated area.

Key Developments

Among the most noteworthy developments is Beazer Homes’ *Ashley Walk Townes*, which recently sold out phase one of its 57-unit configuration. The *Bellerose at Bees Ferry*, another distinctive project, is on track to complete its 155 townhomes. Meanwhile, *Toll Brothers’ Verdier Pointe* development is set to introduce a unique layout, showcasing single-family homes that will be linked via individual storage units.

The *Storia neighborhood*, featuring 155 three-bedroom townhomes, promises residents amenities such as a pool and walking paths, effectively enriching the community’s quality of life. *Long Savanna*, another massive undertaking, encompasses a city park, county park, and plans for a substantial 1,200-acre residential area, subdivided into ten neighborhoods with the capacity for 4,500 residential units, including 675 earmarked for workforce housing.

In a noteworthy addition to the mix of developments, *Davis Development* is in the process of clearing land for a significant new complex comprising 337 multifamily units at the junction of Bees Ferry and Sanders roads—a project that cost $5.6 million.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Recognizing the pressing need for affordable housing, Charleston City Council approved a zoning adjustment for a 17-acre site near *Verdier Road*, which will allow for 180 affordable housing units, complemented by a commercial component. This decision underscores local government’s commitment to developing inclusive housing options.

More Than Just Housing

Additionally, the *Gateway Apartments*, a senior housing project with 69 units designated for residents aged 55 and older, is presently under construction. The West Ashley area is not solely focused on residential expansion, as improved infrastructure is on the horizon. A much-anticipated flyover project at the intersection of Highway 17 and Main Road commenced on March 12, 2025. This $354 million initiative, funded through the 2016 half-cent transportation sales tax, aims to minimize traffic congestion—a growing concern among locals.

The project is expected to be completed by September 2028, which is timely given the rapid growth in the area. Furthermore, the Ashley River Crossing pedestrian bridge is in the works to connect West Ashley to downtown Charleston, expected to be finished by June 2027. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings regarding the surge in developments, primarily due to apprehensions surrounding traffic and the community’s infrastructure, which may need to catch up with the pace of growth.

A New Era for West Ashley

The 500-home *Hunt Club* and the 1,800-home *Carolina Bay* are foundational pillars already in place. Meanwhile, recent completions include the *Grand Bees* and 394 apartments at *Aventon Bees Ferry*, adding more options to the real estate market. With plans for rental units from a North Carolina developer and the introduction of assorted housing types, West Ashley is poised for an exciting future.