Officials urge Dockside Condominiums residents to evacuate

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Residents of a downtown condominium building that sits directly on the Charleston Harbor were told to prepare to evacuate, city officials said Wednesday.

The City of Charleston officials were advised Wednesday by the Dockside Association Board of Representatives that the Dockside Condominium’s engineering firm recommended evacuation.

As a result, officials notified residents they should prepare to evacuate by 5 p.m. Friday.

“Formal documentation outlining the evacuation details will be issued to the Dockside Association as soon as possible,” said Deja Knight McMillan, spokesperson for the city of Charleston. “The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority, and we urge all affected residents to take the necessary precautions.”

The condos are located at 330 Concord Street. The building tower has been a cause for concern in the past after structural issues were highlighted in March 2023.

City leaders notified the Dockside board in February 2023, asking the board to correct found issues, such as columns that needed shoring.

In a preliminary report released later, engineers ultimately found the building would “safely support the weight of firefighters, equipment, and water in the event of an emergency.”