Charleston Main Streets unveiled a more than $483,000 lighting infrastructure project it hopes will further energize the city’s historic Elk City District on Charleston’s West Side. The West Side Gateway Lighting Project is an LED lighting installation that will illuminate parts of Washington Street West and its surrounding buildings. Charleston Main Streets members said the project will improve public safety and encourage additional activity that will support local businesses and encourage future businesses to open in the area. Work on the project has started, which includes replacing existing lamp posts with LED street lamps designed to reflect the historic character of Elk City. The project will take 12 to 18 months to complete.