MUSC takes significant step toward expanding West Ashley footprint with acquisition of more mall space
by Matt Poust | Contributing Writer
The Medical University of South Carolina has taken a major step toward expanding its presence in West Ashley after its Board of Trustees approved an $83.5 million acquisition of key parcels at Citadel Mall during a Dec. 12, 2025 meeting.
As part of the purchase, MUSC will acquire the vacant 120,816-square-foot former Sears store, approximately 330,000 square feet of inline mall space, and more than 2,000 parking spaces for employees and staff. The move builds on the existing 126,000-square-foot MUSC Health West Ashley Medical Pavilion, which has operated at Citadel Mall since December 2019 and has already outgrown its original footprint, according to an MUSC representative.
“As we looked to expand our services, it became clear that the most financially viable option was to purchase the mall,” the representative said.
While specific services planned for the newly acquired space have not yet been finalized, officials indicated the expansion could allow for the relocation of operating rooms and clinics currently housed at Rutledge Tower downtown. That shift would help make room for the new comprehensive cancer hospital project approved by the MUSC Board of Trustees in April 2025.
Currently, surgical subspecialties offered at the West Ashley Medical Pavilion include orthopedics, neurosciences, ophthalmology, pain management, digestive health, and heart and vascular services.
“The acquisition of Citadel Mall presents a unique opportunity to gain more space for research facilities while expanding education and clinical care for patients in and near West Ashley,” an MUSC representative said. “These new facilities will remain within commuting distance of downtown MUSC, helping alleviate critical parking challenges on the peninsula.”
Though a definitive redevelopment timeline has not been announced, planning efforts are underway. Fencing is expected to be installed around purchased areas in the coming months, along with adjustments to employee transportation and parking schedules.
As the acquisition begins to reshape Citadel Mall, several department stores are expected to remain unchanged for now, including Belk, Dillard’s and Target, along with outer-parcel businesses such as the cinema, a sporting goods retailer and a national pet supply store. While other inline tenants may not be immediately affected, no formal announcements have been made, and many are believed to be operating under short-term leases.
The project comes amid broader regional growth for MUSC Health across the Lowcountry. Recently opened facilities include new pavilions at Clements Ferry and Kiawah. Two additional hospital projects are also underway, including a new medical center in Indian Land and another in Nexton that will include a Hollings Cancer Center component.
With this latest investment, MUSC continues its long-term strategy of expanding care beyond the downtown peninsula while reshaping one of West Ashley’s most recognizable commercial corridors.
