Work begins on mixed-use waterfront development with hotel in Charleston

Work has begun on a mixed-use development in the Lowcountry that will include a hotel and marina.

Highland Resources Inc. broke ground recently on the infrastructure for Magnolia Landing, a planned mixed-use community located along the Ashley River in Charleston.

Spanning 192 acres, the community will offer a blend of parks, marina, residential offerings, hospitality offerings, office space, retail shops, restaurants, waterfront docks and a variety of entertainment options, all set against more than a mile of river frontage, according to a news release.

“Today marks an exciting milestone as we break ground on Magnolia Landing, a visionary community designed to showcase Charleston’s natural amenities and vibrant future,” said Clark Davis, president and CEO at Highland Resources Inc., in the release. “Through collaboration with exceptional partners, we look forward to shaping a destination where residents and visitors can connect, explore and thrive in a setting that reflects Charleston’s distinctive character.”

Magnolia Landing will feature a mix of residential options, including a dedicated commitment to affordable housing throughout the community, according to the release.

The community’s first phase includes a high-rise waterfront community and a mid-rise community both developed by Charleston-based Woodfield Development, offering a total of 600 rental residences, according to the release. Additionally, the community will include 158 luxury townhomes delivered by a prominent national developer during this first phase.

The community will include multiple office and retail buildings.

The first phase will feature a waterfront office building, offering 100,000 square feet of Class-A office space in addition to 75,000 square feet of street-level retail, gourmet restaurants and other commercial space, the release stated.

Magnolia Landing will offer a range of hospitality options designed to cater to both short-term visitors and extended stays, the release stated. The first phase will include a 125-key boutique hotel.

Featuring an active waterfront

Magnolia Landing will boast a marina featuring day-dock options, four waterfront restaurants with direct day-dock access, a boat club, monthly slips, scenic waterfront trails and boardwalks and a variety of watersport activities, according to the release.

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With a focus on conservation and expanding public access to the waterfront, Magnolia Landing will dedicate 24 acres to public parks and green spaces, including waterfront trails along the Ashley River, the release stated. Of the project’s total acreage, 49 acres will be preserved as marshland, ensuring the protection of the area’s natural habitat and scenic beauty.

With full buildout of the multi-phase project anticipated by 2040, Magnolia Landing expects to welcome its first residents in 2027.

The following design, engineering and contracting partners have been selected for Magnolia Landing:  The Reveer Group, Seamon Whiteside, S&ME, Outdoor Spatial Designs, OJB Landscape Architects, DesignWorks, Terracon Consultants, Keller Group, Gulf Stream Construction, Bihl Engineering, Pickard Chilton Architects, Munoz+Albin Architects, David Thompson Architect, Ramos Architecture + Design, Applied Technology & Management, Iskagna Management, Of Place and Beyer Blinder Belle.