CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Charleston County leaders are moving forward with a request from the College of Charleston that could help expand student housing.

The College of Charleston is considering purchasing two sites, one at 99 St. Philip Street and another at 106 Coming Street to create more on-campus housing options for students. But first, the college is required to receive a letter of support from Charleston County and the city of Charleston, as the college would be exempt from paying taxes if it acquires the properties.

According to the county, in 2023, $174,873.62 in taxes were paid on the Coming Street property, and $365,447.32 in taxes were paid on the St. Philip Street site.

On Tuesday, during a Charleston County Special Finance Committee meeting, county leaders agreed to write a letter in support of the college.

Currently, there is a private apartment complex located at the 99 St. Philip Street property, with a capacity of 131 beds. However, it is not owned by the college, and leaders are exploring the option of purchasing it for student housing.

There is also an adjacent parking lot next door, and in the college’s 2023 Framework Plan, there are detailed plans to eventually expand the residence hall to about 200 beds after acquiring the lot.

The second site the college hopes to purchase, 106 Coming Street, is the former site of the YWCA. It is adjacent to the St. Philip Street complex, and college leaders say it would also expand student housing. Additionally, the framework plan details the possibility of using that site to add more parking to the nearby St. Philip Street parking garage.

Officials with the City of Charleston tell News 2 they have not yet received a request from the college regarding these plans.