Shipwatch Square Redevelopment

Project Backer: South Carolina Community Loan Fund

THE PROJECT OR INITIATIVE

The Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood of North Charleston has been void of a full-service grocery store since the shopping center was shuttered as a result of the navy base closure in the 90s. Despite efforts by local non-profits, the City of North Charleston, and grocery retailers, the area, located at the intersection of Rivers Avenue and McMillian, remains a vast, vacant space in the heart of the neighborhood.

Through a collaborative effort, we advocate for the development of a full-service grocery store for Shipwatch Square to provide essential food services to local residents. Our work includes:

1. Catalyzing development of a grocery store by partnering with the national advocacy group, UpLift Solutions, to address concerns and offer a first-hand perspective on the successful venture of grocery retail in a food desert

2. Assisting in the identification of a developer and grocery retailer

3. Identifying potential funding sources for development

4. Advocating on the local, state, and national level for grants, loans, and incentives to support this type of development