Beemok Unveils Thoughtful Approach to Union Pier Redevelopment

Philanthropist-led team focuses on transportation, history, resilience, and community in Charleston project

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:39am

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a collection of polished wooden blocks, smooth stone shapes, and other premium materials arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the layers of research and planning guiding the Union Pier redevelopment.Beemok's thoughtful, research-driven approach to the Union Pier redevelopment aims to preserve Charleston's historic character and organic growth patterns.Charleston Today

The redevelopment of Charleston's Union Pier, now under the direction of local philanthropist Ben Navarro's company Beemok, is taking a thoughtful, research-driven approach that departs from typical master-planned developments. The team is focusing on five key areas - transportation, history, stormwater and resilience, public spaces, and the DNA of Charleston - to guide an 'intentionally incremental' growth plan for the site.

Why it matters

Unlike many large-scale developments that follow a pre-determined master plan, Beemok's approach to Union Pier aims to preserve Charleston's historic character and organic growth patterns. This process could set a new standard for responsible, community-focused redevelopment in the city and beyond.

The details

Beemok's team has spent over a year conducting extensive research, gathering data, and collaborating with experts and community members. They've mapped walkability metrics, analyzed public space usage, and delved into the site's rich history to inform their plans. Rather than rushing to a final design, they're taking an iterative, 'outside-in' approach that prioritizes the edges and existing layers of the site.

  • Beemok announced plans to purchase Union Pier in early 2024.
  • The team has been conducting research and holding public workshops since early 2025.
  • Beemok presented their initial findings and framework to the community in March 2026.

The players

Ben Navarro

A local philanthropist who purchased the Union Pier site with the goal of being a 'steward' rather than a traditional developer.

Chris Sottile

An architect leading the Beemok team's research and planning efforts for the Union Pier redevelopment.

Rick Hall

An engineer who devised a metric for measuring walkability in urban areas using intersection frequency.

Nic Butler

A historian whose Charleston Time Machine podcast provided valuable historical context for the Union Pier site.

Angela Drake

The president of the Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, which has been involved in the planning process.

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What they’re saying

“When you look at the old city and how it developed organically and incrementally, all of the lessons are actually already here. The larger development world today just doesn't follow the lessons that come from the best and oldest parts of Charleston.”

— Chris Sottile, Architect

“This process has been one of consideration for all — the market, the neighborhoods, the city as a whole. It's not just one small project. This is going to set the precedent for projects all over the country, if not the world.”

— Angela Drake, President, Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association

What’s next

Beemok plans to continue their research and community engagement efforts as they work towards updated zoning and site plans for the Union Pier redevelopment.

The takeaway

Beemok's thoughtful, research-driven approach to the Union Pier project stands in stark contrast to typical large-scale developments. By prioritizing the site's history, community needs, and sustainable growth, this process could serve as a model for responsible redevelopment that preserves Charleston's unique character.