CHARLESTON , S.C. (WCIV) — A long-awaited new park has officially opened in the heart of downtown Charleston, transforming what was once a parking lot into a near acre of lush green space, fountains, and community gathering areas. American Gardens, located between King and Meeting Streets, is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to the public.
Built by the Beemok Hospitality Group in partnership with the City of Charleston and the Gibbes Museum of Art, the $11 million project adds significant green space to one of the most heavily visited areas of the historic district.
From Parking Lot to Urban Oasis
Eric Mann, General Manager of American Gardens with Beemok Hospitality Group, says the inspiration for the park began years ago.
“The story is very beautiful,” Mann explained. “This space has been up for sale for quite a while, and it just so happened that a journalist wrote an article back in 2022 stating that this was the last opportunity for green space in between King and Meeting Street in the busiest area of town. Mr. Navarro caught wind of that and thought it was a wonderful idea. A couple years later we started construction, and this was a parking lot back in January and February, and it’s now this beautiful park that is open to the public.”…