Bringing New Life to Landmark Public Space
Thrasher teamed up with the City of Charleston to revitalize Slack Plaza, a central public space in downtown. Located between Capitol Street and the Charleston Convention Center—and next to a major transit hub—the plaza is a key gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Built in the 1980s, the area had become outdated. Many features no longer worked, and much of the space was underused. To reimagine the plaza, Thrasher led a full planning and engagement process. They gathered input from community members to shape the design.
With feedback in hand, the team developed complete design and construction documents. This carried the project from concept to reality. The renewed Slack Plaza reopened in April 2022.
Now, the space features more green areas, a performance stage, café-style seating, and colorful murals. It also includes live walls, splash bubblers, public art, and improved lighting and landscaping—creating a vibrant, welcoming destination for Charleston.
Supporting Growth Through Planning and Design
Designed for flexibility, the updated plaza now supports food truck hook-ups along its central path. It also includes bike racks, public phone chargers, and the infrastructure needed for seasonal features—like a temporary ice rink during the holidays.
Thanks to these upgrades, Slack Plaza has become a true downtown destination once again. It’s now a place where people can gather, attend events, and enjoy community life in the heart of Charleston. Since the project wrapped up, the surrounding area has seen new energy and private investment. Residential, dining, and entertainment developments continue to grow—building on the plaza’s momentum.
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