The Planning Commission on Monday recommended approval on a rezoning for a major new downtown development on a Unum parking lot.
Officials of the Beach Co. of Charleston, S.C., said the development between Walnut and Cherry and Third and Fourth Streets will include six stories of apartments facing Fourth, while it will be tapered down along Third Street opposite existing two-story townhomes.
A four-story parking garage will be in between that will serve both residents of the complex as well as patrons of the 16,000 square feet of retail that will be included. A new restaurant will be part of the retail.
Construction is set to start next spring or summer.
Pat Patrick, nearby resident, said the complex "will be higher than Unum. It will be the highest building on that hill. It will be an eyesore especially for us but also for the town."
She added, "It seems a little over the top."
The parking garage section is the only part that requires a zoning change. The six buildings planned at the site fit under Form Based Code requirements.
A final decision will be made by the City Council.