Old Charles Towne District
The Old Charles Towne District (OCTD) is made up of the neighborhoods and businesses around Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road in West Ashley. The district also includes Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, the site of the original settlement of Charleston in 1670. Upcoming Meetings/Events:
The next Old Charles Towne District Task Force Meeting will be on May 18, 8:00 AM at the Sunfire Grill.
District Overview
Many recent improvements in the OCTD have been spurred on by the Old Charles Towne District Task Force. Founded in 1999, this group of area residents, neighborhood leaders, and business people strive to keep improving the District. The Task Force seeks to improve the overall appearance of the OCTD through beautification and litter control, improve the look of individual businesses and business centers in the area, and improve transportation in the area by automobile, on foot and by bicycle. The Task Force meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 8 AM at the Sunfire Grill on Sam Rittenberg. All are welcome to participate and help make the OCTD a better place!
Current Efforts:
In March of 2000, the Old Charles Towne District Task Force and the City of Charleston conducted a charrette - an intensive planning workshop - in the Ashley Landing Shopping Center. The product of this charrette - the Old Charles Towne District Plan - calls for repairing the commercial heart of the district around the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Old Towne Road. A key feature of the plan is the revival and redevelopment of the Ashley Plaza commercial area into a true community-oriented center.
The OCTD Task Force is currently making landscape and safety improvements to Sam Rittenberg Boulevard - particularly at its main intersection with Old Towne Road (see pictures). The first phase of planned median landscaping is already in place, and the Task Force is actively raising funds for further landscaping and beautification in the OCTD.
The Task Force holds a major fundraiser each year, known as the Taste of the Old Charles Towne. This event incorporates history with local entertainment and food from restaurants in the area. It also provides an opportunity for neighbors to learn more about what is going on in the District and to become involved with the Task Force.
This illustration shows a vision for the redevelopment of the Ashley Landing Shopping Center into a true neighborhood center. A mixture of uses (stores, offices, residences) are shown, surrounding a b
Mayor Riley, Councilman Paul Tinkler, and Task Force members at the December 2000 groundbreaking for the median beautification project.
The first finished median at Sam Rittenberg and Old Towne Road.
A view of Sam Rittenberg Boulevard heading southwest through the OCTD.
First settled in 1670, one of the most striking aspects of the Old Charles Towne District's neighborhoods. is their proximity to the beautiful marsh vistas on the Ashley River.
Christopher Morgan
Division Director
75 Calhoun Street - Third Floor
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone 843.724.3774
Fax 843.724.3772
morganc@charleston-sc.gov