Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) TOD Plan
SB Friedman is helping shape economic growth and land use patterns along South Carolina's first mass transit system.
Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments
Charleston Region, SC
All Together, BIC Solutions, HNTB and Sasaki
The LCRT corridor spans 21 miles through one of the Southeast's fastest-growing regions. We have supported multiple phases of transit-oriented development (TOD) planning, working alongside consulting partners to guide equitable, resilient growth along the corridor.
Work Completed
Prepared a 2020–2045 market assessment projecting residential, industrial, office, retail and hotel development across the region and LCRT study area
Analyzed the development, population and employment impacts of bus rapid transit in comparable communities
Identified opportunity sites, established preferred redevelopment scenarios, and evaluated financial feasibility
Conducted a regional housing affordability assessment, identifying the regional shortfall/surplus of affordable housing across income levels
Developed a value capture toolkit to help municipalities leverage the initial LCRT investment to catalyze additional priority community investments
Formulated policy recommendations to encourage affordability and preserve quality of life for existing residents
Led a TOD Advisory Committee and Neighborhood Framework Subcommittee
Worked alongside staff at the BCDCOG, City of Charleston, and City of North Charleston to advance policy reforms
Results
Findings from Phases 1 and 2 have informed FTA-funded capital improvement grant applications, advanced housing policy reforms, and guided land use and zoning decisions. Phase 3, currently underway, includes neighborhood framework plans for three zones along the broader corridor, defining a vision for growth rooted in community character and long-term resiliency. Phase 3 is anticipated to be complete in early 2027.
