Downtown Charleston Gets 55 Affordable Units

Renters seeking attainable housing downtown could benefit if the county approves a $396,000 incentive for the Lowline project.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Apartments

Downtown Charleston Gets 55 Affordable Units

Live Poll

Should local governments offer tax breaks to developers building affordable housing?

Lowline Housing LP has asked Charleston County for a $396,000 incentive for a 55-unit affordable housing project on the Lowline in downtown Charleston. The request, which equals about 19% of the project's property taxes over 15 years, is under review as the county council's finance committee prepares to hold the first reading of the agreement Thursday.

Why it matters

The developer says the full property tax bill makes the five-story project too costly to build as planned, so the incentive would help close that gap for renters seeking attainable units. Construction has already started on phase one, and the county is weighing the trade-off against a $1.7 million fee the developer would pay over 15 years.

The 55 units would all be classified as affordable within a mixed-income building next to the Lowline path and steps from the future Lowcountry Rapid Transit line. The incentive would cover part of the site development costs for the project.

The players

Lowline Housing LP

The developer behind the five-story, 55-unit affordable housing project on the Lowline in downtown Charleston.

Charleston County Council

The local governing body whose finance committee is reviewing the incentive request under the county's Uniform Tax Exemption Policy.

The details

Lowline Housing LP is seeking assistance under the county's Uniform Tax Exemption Policy for attainable rental housing, which trades a property tax reduction for public benefit. The special source credit agreement would return part of the taxes the developer pays, while the developer would pay the county a fee of about $1.7 million over 15 years. The agreement must pass three readings before the county council can approve it.

Thursday: finance committee holds the first reading of the special source credit agreement.
Early 2027: county officials expect approval of the credit agreement.

The Home Front

The request sits within the county's Uniform Tax Exemption Policy for attainable rental housing, which uses tax relief to bring lower-cost units into downtown areas. It shows how local incentives are being used to offset the property tax burden on new affordable construction.

If you are looking for rental housing downtown, track the county council's readings of this agreement, since the incentive affects whether the 55 affordable units move forward. Renters who qualify for attainable housing may want to ask leasing offices about income limits and waitlist timing for future units.

The takeaway

Affordable apartment projects in downtown Charleston often depend on local tax incentives to stay financially viable. If you are planning a move, keep the county council's schedule on your calendar and ask about income eligibility before you apply.

What happens next

The finance committee's first reading of the special source credit agreement takes place Thursday, with county approval expected in early 2027 after the remaining readings.