NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (August 27, 2025) – A creative ecosystem of showrooms, maker spaces, residences, retail, dining, and offices is forming at Navy Yard Charleston. Following the recent opening of luxury hardwood company Textures, three locally owned businesses have chosen to expand their brands in the new mixed-use neighborhood: Second State Coffee, Dwell Somatic Studio, and Artis Construction.

“We’re working hard to curate an authentic destination that caters to the cultural arts and design community at Navy Yard Charleston through inspired merchandising and programming,” said Ned Miller, Head of Development at Navy Yard Charleston. “Several talented entrepreneurs are currently operating out of our Maker Studios alongside a collection of companies already open in the Charleston Design District, and the energy onsite has started to shift as more residents, businesses, and guests continue seeking us out.”

At the heart of Navy Yard Charleston, local specialty roaster and wholesale partner Second State Coffee will activate the standalone glass building in the Storehouse Row Courtyard. The Navy Yard café will offer a thoughtfully curated menu, featuring everything from expertly dialed espressos and velvety lattes to top-tier pour-overs. Owner and Wholesale Manager Ross Jett also envisions the space evolving into a hub for community events and gathering.

"My favorite part about coffee is that it’s a relationship-driven business – you can't buy or sell it without getting to know someone on a personal level. Our team already sees a lot of regulars from this part of town and hopes to become a third place for those guests and others,” said Ross Jett, Second State Coffee owner and wholesale manager. “We believe in Jamestown’s vision for the historic Navy Yard and look forward to meeting new faces soon as we get integrated into this very special corner of North Charleston.”

Second State is working with Navy Yard Charleston tenant Post Loyal Architecture & Industrial Design to design the 880-square-foot space, complete with an outdoor patio expected to open winter 2025.

Three years after launching her yoga career, Park Circle resident Beth Cosi gained national acclaim for her “Bendy Brewski” series, which she began hosting at North Charleston’s Holy City Brewing in 2012—long before the beer yoga trend took off. In July, building on 16 years of teaching mobile and virtual classes, Cosi opened her first brick-and-mortar space within a Maker Studio in Navy Yard Charleston’s Storehouse Nine. 

“I wasn’t really looking for a space to host classes but needed somewhere I could develop virtual content for my members. A friend suggested I check out Navy Yard Charleston, and when I did, I experienced a deep sense of community and connection,” said Beth Cosi, Dwell Somatic Studio owner. “Once my preferred studio became available, I felt divinely guided to plant roots here and am so proud to be one of the many unique businesses shaping this development into something unlike anything else in the market.”

Dwell Somatic Studio focuses on Clinical Somatic Exercise (CSE) and therapeutic yoga practices, emphasizing nervous system regulation and the release of tension patterns. Cosi, a former lululemon ambassador, holds a CSE Level 2 certification and is the only CSE practitioner in South Carolina.

Charleston-based Artis Construction, an award-winning general contracting company specializing in historic preservation and new construction, has also signed a lease for a Maker Studio. Planned as a satellite office within the Charleston Design District, the space will foster collaborations with architects, designers, craftspeople, and unique material suppliers. Upon opening this fall, the office will provide a welcoming hub for Charleston’s innovators from every corner of the design and construction community.

“We’ve looked at expanding in downtown Charleston, but the Navy Yard Charleston campus, and more importantly the Charleston Design District’s vibe, is why we inked the deal,” said Artis Construction Co-Founder and Principal Guyton Ash. “We simply want to be in the middle of this exciting and creative community.”

Founded by American College of the Building Arts graduate Guyton Ash and former Washington, D.C., marketing executive-turned-builder Tim Sites, the company has grown to 24 full-time employees. Taking its name from the Latin word for “craftsman,” Artis is built on three principles: hiring expert carpenters, ensuring financial transparency, and measuring success through client happiness. With decades of residential and commercial experience, its own millwork shop, and recognition from Charleston’s leading preservation groups, Artis has earned a reputation for quality, integrity, and building lasting relationships.

Other businesses currently operating in the Storehouse Nine Maker Studios, which were created to shine a light on local tastemakers and provide them with space to grow next to established brands, include Middleton Made Knives, Floral Studies, Kate McDonald Bridal, Nidum Studios, Nidum Gallery, and LMC Studio. Middleton Made Knives, Floral Studies, Kate McDonald Bridal, and Nidum Gallery are also members of the Charleston Design District.

These additions are part of the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Charleston Naval Base into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. The restoration and renovation of Storehouses Eight and Nine was the first major milestone to be reached by the ownership team, earning a pair of 2025 Carolopolis Awards from the Preservation Society of Charleston. Home furnishings companies Kravet and Schumacher are the next two businesses slated to open onsite as part of the Charleston Design District.

To keep up with happenings at Navy Yard Charleston, visit navyyardcharleston.com and follow the destination on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the Charleston Design District, visit charlestondesigndistrict.com, and watch the destination take shape on Instagram. 

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About Navy Yard Charleston 

Navy Yard Charleston is a multi-phase redevelopment to transform the former Charleston Naval Base into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood and regional destination that celebrates and amplifies the history and culture of the Lowcountry. Situated on 85 acres along the Cooper River in North Charleston, Navy Yard Charleston includes the restoration and reactivation of historic buildings as well as new construction. Today, Navy Yard Charleston is home to dozens of companies, including designers and makers. In the future, Navy Yard Charleston is projected to encompass more than 3.2 million square feet and feature a dynamic mix of office, residential, retail, dining, showrooms, entertainment and cultural venues, and community green spaces. For more information, visit navyyardcharleston.com.