The project serves the dual purpose of providing a venue for travel sporting events while also serving to improve the recreational opportunities for residents of the Kanawha Valley. The project will commence with the demolition of the parking deck that spans Lee Street, the demolition of the upper three levels of the parking structure located adjacent to the former Macy’s store, as well as the demolition of one half (the west side) of the Macy’s building across from the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. The footprint of the Macy’s department store will house a 50-meter Olympic-sized swimming pool, both the main exterior and mall entrance, as well as the climbing structure and fitness center.

The remaining levels of the parking structure will serve as a pedestal for the sports courts and indoor turfed area. The pedestal will remain connected to the Macy’s structure with an existing pedestrian bridge, while a new pedestrian bridge will connect it to the parking structure located across Lee Street. The upper level of the Center will contain the pickleball courts and an indoor track. The exterior of the facility will complement the recently constructed Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, also designed by ZMM. The two structures will help define a recreation and entertainment district located at a key gateway to Charleston’s downtown.