History of Ashley Landing in Timeline

Ashley Landing is a shopping center located in the West Ashley area of Charleston, South Carolina. It holds the distinction of being the first indoor shopping mall in West Ashley, with full completion in 1972. Developed by Gate City Realty Company, the complex began with Ashley Plaza's opening in 1964, featuring J.M. Fields Department Stores and a Pantry Pride supermarket. Condon's Department Store later joined as a third tenant in 1970. Originally named "Ashley Plaza", the shopping center was known for its prominent red and white neon pylon sign, which stood until its destruction by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

1962: Ashley Plaza Groundbreaking

Ground was broken in 1962 for the Ashley Plaza shopping center complex.

April 16, 1964: Ashley Plaza Opening

On April 16, 1964, Ashley Plaza opened, featuring J.M. Fields Department Stores and a Pantry Pride supermarket, built at a cost of $1.75 million and owned by Sumar Corporation of South Carolina.

1970: Condon's Department Store Opens

In 1970, Condon's Department Store opened adjacent to Pantry Pride as a freestanding building, becoming the third tenant of Ashley Plaza.

April 1972: Indoor Shopping Mall Opens

In April 1972, an indoor shopping mall was created by adding on to the shopping plaza and enclosing the area between Pantry Pride and Condon's Department Store. The new mall, now named Ashley Plaza Mall, featured local and national retailers, specialty shops, a dual-screen General Cinemas, and a third department store, Edward's.

1972: Ashley Plaza Completion

In 1972, Ashley Landing was fully completed as the first indoor shopping mall in the West Ashley area of Charleston.

1983: Woolco Stores Close

In 1983, F.W. Woolworth Company announced the closure of all Woolco stores in the United States, leaving the 87,000-square-foot store vacant at Ashley Plaza Mall, which significantly impacted traffic to the mall.

September 22, 1989: Hurricane Hugo Causes Damage

On September 22, 1989, Hurricane Hugo caused severe roof and water damage to many stores at Ashley Plaza Mall. After repairs, the exterior was renovated, and the mall was renamed Ashley Landing. The remaining indoor mall wing was closed and converted into space for a discount retailer, ending its classification as a true indoor mall.

1989: Hurricane Hugo Destroys Sign

In 1989, Hurricane Hugo destroyed the large red and white neon pylon "Ashley Plaza" sign that was located in the center of the parking lot.

1997: Carolina Pottery Leases Space

In 1997, the subdivided space that originally housed J.M. Fields and later Woolco was converted back into a single 87,000-square-foot building and leased to Carolina Pottery, a large regionally based importer of pottery, housewares, and china.

2000: Design Charrette for Revitalization

In 2000, the City of Charleston conducted a design charrette and proposed an extensive overhaul of the Ashley Landing property to create a neighborhood gathering place with redesigned buildings for retail, offices, and residences. The Cordish Company expressed interest but could not commit due to existing store leases.

2001: Carolina Pottery Departs

In 2001, Carolina Pottery broke its lease and departed Ashley Landing, leading to a lawsuit. The space was subdivided and leased to Dollar Tree and Pivotal Fitness.

February 5, 2014: Faison Enterprises Acquires Ashley Landing

On February 5, 2014, Faison Enterprises Inc. acquired Ashley Landing for $19.2 million and began an extensive renovation, revitalization, and expansion of the property.

2017: Wintergreen Capital Spin-off

In 2017, Faison Enterprises spun off a majority of its retail holdings, including Ashley Landing, to a newly formed sister company, Wintergreen Capital.

2024: $345 Million Redevelopment Announced

In 2024, plans were announced for a $345 million redevelopment of the Ashley Landing area, led by developer Edens. The project includes green space, apartments, townhomes, and retail space.