We are happy to begin our 2025 Charleston in the News blog reporting that the Charleston economy continues to grow and diversify, with expansions and newcomers across several sectors and the region. This month, we highlight some of those in the aviation, education and medicine, entertainment and services, manufacturing and senior housing sectors.
In the areas of education and medicine, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has broken ground for the construction of a dedicated College of Medicine building to serve its students, faculty and staff. At a cost of $175 million, the 186,000 sq ft building at the corner of Bee and President Streets is targeted to open in summer 2027.
In aviation news, Boeing plans to expand operations on its two campuses in North Charleston - “home of the full 787 Dreamliner production cycle”, investing $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades and creating 500 new jobs over the next five years.
In the entertainment and services sector, Charleston now has its first gaming services company. Pole To Win (PTW), a global video game development and services provider from Japan has set up shop on Clements Ferry Road in Berkeley County - its fifth location in North America - and expects to create hundreds of jobs for the region over the next few years. Mesa Land Services, a woman-owned acquisition and title search solutions company, will be establishing its new headquarters and operations center in Mount Pleasant, a $1.3 million investment that will create 24 new jobs.
As for the manufacturing sector, Ingevity, a global manufacturer of “specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials that purify, protect and enhance the world”, is investing $53.3 million over a five-year period in its North Charleston manufacturing facility.
The senior housing sector will be expanding with Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community’s newest senior living facility opening in late 2025 on Kiawah Island, within walking distance of Freshfields Village. Seafields by Bishop Gadsden will have 89 independent and 16 assisted living residences, plus a wide range of amenities and services available for people over 62-years-old.
