The Gadsden

Charleston, SC

Part of a larger development plan in Charleston’s Aquarium Wharf area, The Gadsden is a four-story, 76-unit residential development over ground-level parking. Located at the south end of Gadsdenboro Park, the development was designed to be inclusive for locals and part-time residents alike. The building’s spaces were designed to extend the spacious feeling of the neighboring park. The ceilings in the condos soar nearly 10 feet and sport private balconies.

Near the waterfront, the project had several environmental challenges, including sitting in a VE flood zone, a high-velocity wind zone, and a high-seismic zone. The structural system includes Infinity load-bearing metal stud walls and Epicore deck over a cast-in-place parking podium.

The Gadsden is located in the historic district and was therefore subject to the City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural (BAR) review and approval. The client had secured buy-in from the surrounding community early on. Cooper Carry engaged in a series of pre-submittal conferences with the City Architect, who was able to offer insight into the BAR’s thought process and preferences.

With the client’s feedback, Cooper Carry adjusted the design accordingly with the community support to move forward into the formal BAR process. Cooper Carry presented a design that responded to the local historical context by maintaining a consistent material palette, respecting existing proportion and massing, and incorporating historic details.