Agragrian to Industrial

The Noisette area has evolved from a plantation economy during colonial days to a community dominated by a major military base and shipyard during the 20th century. The base was vacated in the wave of military downsizing of the mid-1990s, leaving the surrounding neighborhoods without a central economic engine.

The community itself has seen repeated boom and bust cycles as wars brought prosperous activity followed by economic decline. When Noisette’s sustainable redevelopment strategy was being developed by the City of North Charleston and the Noisette Company, the area’s fortunes were at a low ebb, and residents were eager for changes that would complement the pride they had always felt toward their homes and neighborhoods. The Noisette Master Plan – developed in common with the City, its residents and business people, and the Noisette Company – outlined those changes.


Milestones On a Path to a Sustainable Future

Pre-history
Noisette area was occupied by native American tribes like the Wando, Etiwan, Kiawah, Sewee, Stono and Kussoe.

1670
First European settlers arrive and form Charles Towne, a city that would rival Boston and Philadelphia as the colonies’ busiest and most sophisticated seaport.

1871
In the difficult years after the Civil War, Liberty Hill, the oldest neighborhood in the Noisette footprint, was established by freed slaves.

1902
The Charleston naval base and shipyard was launched by President Teddy Roosevelt. As many as 25,000 workers were employed on the base during boom times.

1996
The Navy base closed, freeing 1,400 acres of mixed use industrial and residential facilities. Plans for Noisette begin development.

2001
Noisette Company holds many cycles of community meetings to discuss plans and gather input.

2003
In December, the Noisette Master Plan is presented and accepted by the City of North Charleston as a guideline for community development.