Construction to renovate Archer School into affordable housing ramps up

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Charleston County council members got a chance to check out the progress being made at a former school building downtown.

The renovation project to convert the former Archer School on Nassau Street into affordable housing units was announced last summer.

In January, the council voted to use $2 million of American Rescue Plan Funding to make sure the project stayed afloat. Officials say new laws that cut funding for affordable housing put the project in danger, but the vote made sure it stayed on track and council members called it a necessary investment.

County Council members said seeing the construction take place and knowing units will be available in the coming months is a critical part of the “Housing our Future” plan; particularly to secure space for low-income seniors.

The apartments will be for people ages 55 and older who are at or below 60% of the area median income. According to the county’s most recent “Housing our Future” report this year, 50% of the median income is about $39,000 for a year’s income.

Jenny Honeycutt, Charleston County Member for District 9, has been outspoken about affordable housing since her election.

“So there’s 89 units available, there’s already 100 people on the waitlist. What it tells me is the need is great and we are here to supply that need and work with community partners who can bring it to market,” Honeycutt said.

Chairman of the Charleston County Council Herbert Sass said he enjoyed seeing the progress and the project coming to fruition.

“We’ve got a little ways to go, but it’s really looking good. And repurposing a building is really incredible – it may have been a little more expensive but it’s an important building that probably should have been saved, so we were able to repurpose it,” Sass said.

Affordable housing rules in place establish that this property will remain affordable housing for at least the next 30 years.

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