The College of Charleston has announced plans to construct a new, world-class School of Business facility in a prominent downtown location. This development is made possible by a significant land donation from Beemok, the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro.
The gifted property is the site of the former Carroll building, situated at the intersection of Market Street and East Bay Street. This strategic move aims to deepen the connection between the university's business students and Charleston's thriving commercial sector.
Key Takeaways
- The College of Charleston received a major land gift from the Navarro family's Beemok office.
- The land, located at Market and East Bay Streets, will house a new School of Business facility.
- The project aims to create a state-of-the-art educational center in the heart of Charleston's business district.
- The School of Business has experienced a 39% enrollment increase in recent years, reaching 2,557 students in 2024.
A Landmark Donation for Business Education
The College of Charleston is set to expand its School of Business after receiving a transformative gift from local philanthropists Benjamin and Kelly Navarro. Their family office, Beemok, has donated a prime piece of real estate located at a key downtown intersection.
In a statement, Benjamin Navarro confirmed that Beemok had previously purchased the abandoned Carroll building. The company is now transferring ownership of this land to the university to support its educational mission. This act of generosity provides the foundation for what the college envisions as a premier business school.
Background on the Donors
Beemok is the family office of Benjamin and Kelly Navarro. The organization is involved in various investments and philanthropic activities in the Charleston area. This donation represents a significant investment in the city's educational and economic future.
College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its long-term impact on the institution and its students.
“We are inspired by the Navarro family’s act of generosity and stewardship. This new site will allow us to build a best-in-class business school where students enjoy direct access to Charleston’s dynamic business environment.”
Strategic Location at Charleston's Core
The new facility will be constructed at the intersection of Market Street and East Bay Street, a location university officials describe as one of Charleston's most iconic. This placement is not just symbolic; it is a strategic decision to embed the School of Business directly within the city's commercial hub.
The site is positioned near the entrance of the future Union Pier development, placing students at the crossroads of business, tourism, and community life. This proximity is expected to create new opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world learning experiences that are difficult to replicate in a traditional campus setting.
Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business, emphasized the importance of the location for the school's future and its students.
“This is a game-changer for the School of Business. Strategically placing our School in the center of what will be one of Charleston’s most visible corridors will reinforce the College’s position as an integral part of the city.”
Vision for the New Facility
The college plans to build a facility that reflects its ambition to be a leading institution for business education. The new building is designed to be a centerpiece for the university's future development and a landmark for the city.
Key features of the planned business school include:
- State-of-the-art classrooms equipped with modern technology to support innovative teaching methods.
- Collaborative spaces designed to encourage teamwork, group projects, and interaction among students and faculty.
- Areas for engagement with local and global business leaders, fostering mentorship and professional development.
The design will focus on creating an environment that prepares students for the modern workplace. According to the announcement, the goal is to provide unprecedented access to the professional world, allowing students to seamlessly transition from academic studies to practical application.
Rapid Enrollment Growth
The expansion comes as the School of Business experiences significant growth. The College of Charleston reported a 39% increase in enrollment for the school in recent years, with the student body growing to 2,557 students in 2024.
Impact on Students and the Community
The development is expected to have a profound impact on both the student experience and the broader Charleston community. For students, the new location offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with the city's business ecosystem.
Dean Schwager noted that the facility will offer students more “unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning, internships and community engagement.” This hands-on approach is central to the school's educational philosophy, aiming to produce graduates who are prepared to contribute to the economy from day one.
For the community, the new School of Business building represents a significant investment in downtown Charleston. It will bring a consistent flow of students, faculty, and visiting professionals to the area, further energizing the city's economic corridor. The project solidifies the College of Charleston's role as a key partner in the city's ongoing growth and development.