CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. – After more than two decades in the making, Charleston County leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Phase II of the Azalea Complex, a new facility designed to support Public Works and Facilities Management operations.
A Project Years in the Making
County Councilman Teddie Pryor Sr. said the idea for the complex began over 20 years ago, but progress picked up in recent years.
“In 2016, we started acquiring property all around these places, and it’s finally done,” Pryor said. “By 2019, we were able to put it together, then we started construction and now here we are.”
What the New Complex Includes
The six-building complex will accommodate over 320 employees and provide:
Administrative offices
Equipment parking
Trade operation spaces
Other key facilities for county workers
Public Works Director Eric Adams said the new site will improve internal operations while also allowing the department to better serve residents.
“It will allow us to not only improve efficiencies internally but also be able to better engage with the public out of this building as well,” Adams noted.
Built for Storm Resilience
One of the most critical features of the Phase II building is its storm-ready construction.
The structure is designed to withstand up to a Category 4 hurricane.
It is outside the flood zone, providing a safe location for county workers.
After storms, the facility can serve as a mobilization hub for emergency response.
Pryor emphasized its importance during hurricane season:
“If we need to mobilize all our people and have one place for them to stay and be safe, this is it. We’ll be able to get out quicker after the storm passes.”
Adams added that Public Works’ primary responsibilities after hurricanes include clearing roads, clearing drainage ways, and removing debris to help the county recover quickly.
Cost and Future Phases
The project cost $55 million, which came in under budget and was finished ahead of schedule.
Another phase is already in development, which will establish a centralized and upgraded headquarters for Charleston County Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The completion of Phase II of the Azalea Complex represents a significant step in strengthening Charleston County’s infrastructure, storm preparedness, and public service capabilities.
