Can you tell us about the history of the NYIC and its evolution from a Naval Shipyard to how it functions today?

The Navy Yard Industrial Campus occupies what was once the Charleston Naval Shipyard, a site that played a vital role in the defense and industrial history of our country for nearly a century. When the base closed in the mid-90s, there was an urgent need to reimagine this historically significant waterfront in a way that preserved its character while reigniting its economic potential.

Today, NYIC is a thriving industrial hub, home to over 40 businesses across maritime, manufacturing, creative, and industrial sectors. We’ve adapted more than 2 million square feet of historic industrial space, proving that you don’t have to choose between preservation and progress—you can have both.

What is NYIC’s long-term vision for the working waterfront and its role within Charleston’s industrial sector?

Our long-term vision is to establish NYIC as the center of Charleston’s industrial future—an innovation-forward, community-conscious campus that champions authentic and sustainable growth. The working waterfront is a key piece of that puzzle. It’s not just a relic of our past; it’s a powerful economic asset that companies here are actively utilizing to serve modern needs.

By investing in infrastructure, attracting purpose-driven businesses, and maintaining the integrity of our historic buildings and waterfront, we’re creating a model for how industrial campuses can adapt for the 21st century without losing their soul.

Can you share examples of the most innovative or inspiring projects you’ve seen your tenants create at the Navy Yard Industrial Campus?

There’s no shortage of remarkable work happening across the campus. We’re home to everything from the largest commercial shipyard on the East Coast to a bespoke design showroom featuring boutique finds from around the globe—a mix of hard manufacturing and creative production that reflects the unique character of the site.

What’s particularly inspiring is how this range of work coexists and often complements one another. You’ll find companies repairing ocean-going vessels just steps from others designing custom furniture, high-end interiors, or immersive physical experiences. This dynamic mix is exactly what we envisioned for the campus: a place where industrial expertise and creative thinking intersect, and where businesses across disciplines thrive in a setting defined by authenticity, collaboration, and innovation.

How do you balance the industrial and manufacturing aspects of NYIC with the public’s interest in the site and its historical significance?

We see historic preservation not as a constraint, but as a catalyst for authentic and meaningful development. The site’s architecture and infrastructure tell a powerful story, and we work hard to make that story visible—not buried beneath layers of new construction.

At the same time, we’re a working industrial campus. Our job is to support the businesses that power our economy. The balance comes from respecting the past while building a future that’s productive, inclusive, and sustainable. That’s why we invest in adaptive reuse and seek out tenants who appreciate both the grit and the greatness of this place.

How can organizations like Navy Yard Charleston and NYIC work together to tell a cohesive, powerful story about the site’s past, present, and future?

Collaboration is key. The Navy Yard’s story is too big and too important to be told by a single voice. By partnering with organizations like Navy Yard Charleston—who bring a renewed sense of public curiosity and excitement to the table—we can create a more complete narrative.

Together, we can honor the workers, the service members, and the industries that shaped this place, while also showcasing the incredible innovation happening here today. Our goal is to make sure future generations see the Navy Yard not just as a historical site, but as a living example of how legacy and progress can coexist.

As Navy Yard Charleston’s master plan unfolds, we are committed to honoring the rich history, vast contributions and endless potential that this campus and community has to offer. Follow along as we launch the Charleston Design District, open a rooftop restaurant and restore several more historic naval buildings with the passion and craftsmanship these heirloom structures deserve.