Project 3500 Design Charrette opens March 16, public invited to kickoff, open house, and work in progress presentation
March 10, 2026
The City of Charleston, in partnership with the Charleston Housing Authority, the WestEdge Foundation, and Charleston County, will host a weeklong design charrette focused on mixed-income, mixed-use affordable and workforce housing opportunities on the Upper Peninsula. The charrette will also feature three public evening lectures from nationally and internationally recognized leaders in architecture and urbanism: Hugh Petter, an architect and master planner and Design Director at ADAM Architecture who has served as architect to the Duchy of Cornwall and the Duchy of Lancaster, Ben Pentreath, an award winning British architect and designer whose practice works across town planning, buildings, and interiors, and Vince Graham, a South Carolina based urbanist and developer known for creating walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods including I’On and other traditional neighborhood developments.
What: Project 3500 Affordable Housing Design Charrette, public events, and community conversations throughout the design process
Who: City of Charleston, Charleston Housing Authority, WestEdge Foundation, Charleston County, Community members, neighborhood leaders, and stakeholders
When and where:
Monday, March 16
Design Charrette Kickoff: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street
Discussion of the site’s history, potential opportunities, design precedents, and community feedback
Evening Lecture with Hugh Petter: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street
Tuesday, March 17
Evening Lecture with Ben Pentreath: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street
Wednesday, March 18
Design Studio Open House: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street
Design and development team available to discuss progress and receive community feedback Evening Lecture with Vince Graham: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church Street
Friday, March 20
Work in Progress Presentation: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, City Hall, City Council Chambers
Design team will present the week’s progress and discuss next steps
Visuals: Design studio in progress, community input sessions, concept boards, planning maps, and design team working sessions
