Issues of race in suburbia have been prevalent since the inception of suburbs. From racial exclusion and covenants to white flight and gentrification, many housing problems continue to face minorities today. One example of these problems can be found in Charleston, South Carolina.
Although many people see the peninsula as one city, it is actually made up of many boroughs or suburbs as the original city was confined to a walled section on the southeastern tip of the peninsula. As these suburbs formed and evolved, some areas have become predominately African-American. One of these areas in particular, East Central, is facing severe issues of gentrification. While this portion of town does contain some small industry businesses, it is also full of low-income housing. Plans to develop One Cool Blow, a S.C. Research Authority Building, a private school, and other mixed-use developments are threatening the minority residences. While the blighted area is somewhat safe now due to the current economic status, these residents will have a lot to fear in the coming years as new developments increase property value and threaten their current area of being demolished for redevelopment.
The following photos are taken from atop the roof of the One Cool Blow, a mixed-use, five-story eco-friendly development, and show the blighted low-income housing that is being threatened by gentrification.
Although many people see the peninsula as one city, it is actually made up of many boroughs or suburbs as the original city was confined to a walled section on the southeastern tip of the peninsula. As these suburbs formed and evolved, some areas have become predominately African-American. One of these areas in particular, East Central, is facing severe issues of gentrification. While this portion of town does contain some small industry businesses, it is also full of low-income housing. Plans to develop One Cool Blow, a S.C. Research Authority Building, a private school, and other mixed-use developments are threatening the minority residences. While the blighted area is somewhat safe now due to the current economic status, these residents will have a lot to fear in the coming years as new developments increase property value and threaten their current area of being demolished for redevelopment.
The following photos are taken from atop the roof of the One Cool Blow, a mixed-use, five-story eco-friendly development, and show the blighted low-income housing that is being threatened by gentrification.
Fig. 1. Northwest view from One Cool Blow showing Section 8 housing units.
Fig. 2. Southwest view from One Cool Blow showing low-income housing.
Other areas of Charleston including Elliottborough, Radcliffeborough and neighborhoods near and to the north of the Crosstown Expressway are also predominately African-American. Images of these neighborhoods are below. 
Fig. 3. View of African-American neighborhood on Huger Street.
Fig. 4. View of African-American housing in the East Side section of Charleston.
As you can see from the below photo of a predominately white neighborhood in Charleston, the area and the housing vary greatly.
Fig. 5. Predominately white neighborhood located on the lower peninsula.
Great images, Courtney.
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