Upbeat addition: Biotech center

When one of the four start-up companies based in the new S.C. Research Authority Innovation Center produces therapeutic human antibodies or discovers a clue to dealing with Parkinson's or takes a major step toward treating cancer, it could make science news of significant import.

But even before that happens, the new biotech center, where start-up companies will be able to research such fields, is good news for Charleston. The center will bolster the city's quest to develop jobs in knowledge-based areas.

And even before that happens, Innovation Center has demonstrated what Charleston has been demonstrating for years -- the merit of rehabilitating old buildings for new purposes.

In this case, the Meeting Street building, an old mattress factory, was deeded to the city by the S.C. Department of Transportation to help mitigate for the Ravenel Bridge.

This project is one step toward reinvigorating a neighborhood that had become blighted. Other bright spots in the area include Cool Blow, a green office and condominium project and the handsome Charleston Housing Authority building. There are also plans for a nearby school, the Meeting Street Academy.

SCRA teamed up with the city and the Medical University of South Carolina to plan the Innovation Center as an incubator for biotechnical research.

At the center's recent opening, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley called the center the "culmination of a dream. ... This is a pivotal point in our community's history."

MUSC President Ray Greenberg noted that the center brings together important segments of the community. He said the first four companies to locate there "are a tribute to the quality of the amazing work that's going on at the Medical University."

The jobs, the rehabilitated building, the collaboration of SCRA, MUSC and the city -- all are encouraging news for Charleston.

And that new cancer treatment?

Let's hope it comes soon.