CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The Medical University of South Carolina may soon take a major step toward expanding its footprint in downtown Charleston.
At a special meeting Tuesday evening, the city’s Planning Commission will vote on a proposal to create a 62-acre Medical District Overlay Zone, a zoning change that would give MUSC and the city more flexibility to grow together on the peninsula. The zone would eliminate certain restrictions and help fast-track future development as part of MUSC’s long-term “Innovation District” plan.
The overlay would allow higher housing density, relaxed parking requirements and building height limits would increase to 200 feet to make room for a new comprehensive cancer center, which university leaders say is the catalyst for the entire innovation district.
Oversight of the demolition of more than a dozen buildings is also part of the proposal, some of which may have historical significance…