Charleston student housing development planned near CofC

A Lowcountry private equity firm and a real estate developer have partnered to develop a site in Charleston for student housing.

Henderson Park, an international private equity real estate manager with U.S. headquarters in Charleston, and Landmark Properties, a real estate firm specializing in development, construction, investment management and operation of high-quality residential communities, have closed on the acquisition of a 1.21-acre site in Charleston, which they will develop into a 335-bed, six-story student housing community adjacent to the College of Charleston, according to a news release.

The project, named The Mark Charleston, will be built by Landmark Properties’ internal construction division, Landmark Construction, with design provided by GreenbergFarrow, according to the release. Situated downtown at 500 East Bay St. on the east side of the peninsula, less than half a mile from the Harbor Walk campus, The Mark Charleston will offer a mix of studio to six-bedroom apartments across 99 units and is expected to deliver in time for the 2027-28 academic year.

“Charleston is a market we like and know well, having chosen to set up our US headquarters here in 2024, which helped us understand the unique opportunity presented by this top tier development project,” said Nick Weber, CEO and Founder of Henderson Park. “We look forward to working with Landmark Properties to deliver a new best-in-class student product in an unrivalled waterfront location that taps into the unmet demand from the city’s growing student population.”

As one of the only new off-campus student housing developments built in Charleston over the last four years and the closest student asset to the Cooper River waterfront, The Mark Charleston will stand out from other properties with its unit mix and upgraded finishes, the release stated. The development will also feature 1,200 square feet of ground floor retail space and more than 18,000 square feet of amenity space that includes a clubhouse and three rooftop decks that provide unrivaled views of the Charleston Harbor and Ravenel Bridge, a pool deck, grilling area, lounge and outdoor recreation areas. Additionally, residents will be able to utilize the onsite 1,800-square-foot fitness center, computer lab and numerous study areas. The building will provide 140 total covered parking spaces.

The site is in the city’s vibrant Wraggborough neighborhood, which offers a number of dining, retail, entertainment, and transportation options, according to the release The historic Blanken/Matson House, which currently occupies the site, will be relocated on the site and revitalized into more than 1,200 square feet of study space, to be named “The Library.”

“We’ve had our eye on the Charleston area; we’re excited to complete our first acquisition here and begin construction on The Mark Charleston alongside an outstanding partner in Henderson Park,” said Jason Doornbos, chief development officer at Landmark Properties. “The demand for off-campus student housing in Charleston has far outpaced supply, and we’re confident The Mark Charleston will be a bridge between increasing enrollment rates and limited stock. The building’s premium amenity package and proximity to campus and downtown areas will make it a top choice for students in need of housing options.”