Reknitting a Community's Fabric: A Revitalization Strategy for the Union Heights and Windsor Place Neighborhoods of North Charleston, South Carolina

Howell, Anne Tyler Feldmann

Reknitting a Community's Fabric: A Revitalization Strategy for the Union Heights and Windsor Place Neighborhoods of North Charleston, South Carolina

Authors

Howell, Anne Tyler Feldmann

Abstract

This study focuses on the contiguous neighborhoods of Union Heights and Windsor Place in the City of North Charleston, South Carolina. The neighborhoods suffer from a history of racial segregation, environmental injustices, and loss of social and physical fabric. In addition to this challenging history, the neighborhoods sit at a junction point for the region’s future; opportunity-seeking private developers and long-time residents who fear gentrification and displacement stand in conflict. This study offers a comprehensive assessment of the two neighborhoods, a historical overview, a site analysis, and a zoning and demographic profile. The findings of this assessment, along with lessons from historical precedents, provide the foundation for a design proposal and a holistic revitalization strategy. The proposal applies a modular design approach to create a unified street network, an infill development plan, and a palette of elements that can be readily employed using a phased approach. The complementing revitalization strategy includes policy recommendations, financial feasibility, and preservation and sustainability tactics to contribute to a vibrant community future.