Union Pier Terminal’s last cruise ship is slated to dock today, marking a milestone in the next chapter of the historic waterfront property.
The departure of the final cruise ship fulfills one of the earliest promises made by businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro when he announced his intentions to purchase the 65-acre site from the South Carolina State Ports Authority.
“Trust is earned through action over time, and this is another step toward delivering on the commitments we’ve made to Charleston,” said Miller Harper, who leads the Union Pier endeavor for Beemok, Navarro’s family office. “Ben Navarro’s vision for Union Pier is unwavering; this will be a thoughtful, incremental approach that puts Charleston residents first, evolves over time and serves our city well for generations.”
Beemok’s Union Pier team has spent two years researching Charleston and meeting with community members to guide its next steps. Research areas have included transportation, history, stormwater and resilience, public spaces and architecture.
A final cruise ship had been slated to dock at Union Pier on July 4, but with the America 250 celebration being based out of Waterfront Park, the ship’s port of call has now been moved to the Columbus Street Terminal.
The end of Union Pier’s cruise ship era coincides with the city taking a new approach to tourism that will better balance the visitor experience with residents’ quality of life.
Mayor William Cogswell has pledged to seek community input to craft new policies around five key pillars: residents first, more enforcement, spreading tourism beyond the peninsula, city-owned data and tracking, and identifying new revenue opportunities.
“Closing this chapter creates an extraordinary opportunity to shape Union Pier’s future,” Cogswell said. “By working together, the city and Beemok are building the foundation for a waterfront that improves our quality of life and celebrates our city’s character.”
Leaders from across Beemok, the City and the South Carolina Ports Authority continue to collaborate to ensure the best outcome for the historic Union Pier.
“We exist to serve our customers, our state and the communities where we operate,” SC Ports President and CEO Micah Mallace said. “As Union Pier Terminal transitions from port operations, we greatly appreciate Beemok’s commitment to working with the community and the City of Charleston to redevelop the site for Charleston residents, as we focus on growing our port business for all those who depend on us.”