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The Patriots Point Development Authority entered into an agreement with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to develop a Medal of Honor museum on the waterfront of Charleston Harbor. The $100 million project will develop about 12 acres of Patriots Point land.
 Maj. Gen. James Livingston, left, of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and Ray Chandler, chairman of the Patriots Point Development Authority, reveal plans for the development of a $100 million Medal of Honor museum in Charleston. (Photo/Leslie Burden) |
By Lauren Ratcliffe
lratcliffe@scbiznews.com
Published Aug. 1, 2012
Patriots Point Development Authority and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society announced today they have entered into an agreement to develop a museum on the waterfront of Charleston Harbor.
The $100 million project will develop about 12 acres of Patriots Point land and require the realignment of access roads to Patriots Point.
“This will truly be one of the most compelling and beautiful spots in Charleston,” said Ray Chandler, chairman of the PPDA.
 Ray Chandler, chairman of the PPDA, said the proposed Medal of Honor museum will be one of the most compelling spots in Charleston. (Photo/Leslie Burden) |
In addition to the museum, a hotel, retail and other amenities are proposed.
The PPDA board and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society will jointly seek Congressional designation of the site as the National Medal of Honor Museum.
“We fully expect that this project will serve as a catalyst for additional investments at Patriots Point,” Chandler said.
Maj. Gen. James Livingston of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society said the opportunity to build in Charleston is the final opportunity to create a museum while many of the recipients are still alive.
There are currently 12 living recipients whose medals came from heroic acts in World War II and the Korean War.
“The average age of a living recipient is 73 years,” Livingston said.
The town of Mount Pleasant will bear the costs associated with moving roadways, Mayor Billy Swails said. No operating funds from Patriots Point Development Authority will be used for construction or operation of the museum.
A nonprofit foundation will be established to facilitate the creation of the museum. The organizing committee will include: Wayne Adams, PPDA board vice chairman; Darwin Simpson, PPDA board member and chairman of the finance and personnel committee; Carlyle Blakeney, chairman of the Patriots Point Foundation; Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, medal of honor recipient and member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society; and George Patton Waters, member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, to be established, will secure fundraisers to generate the $100 million in required funding.
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