CHARLESTON, S.C. — The City of Charleston has selected a joint venture between Skanska USA and North Charleston-based Trident Construction Co. for the $142 million renovation of the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, a multi-purpose building located at 77 Calhoun St. in Charleston. This is the largest construction project in the history of the city, according to Mayor Joseph Riley Jr.
“The purpose of the project is two-fold. The first reason is the city wants to renovate the building is that it's been around for about 45 years and is in need of renovation to the performing arts hall,” says Bob Ferguson of Skanksa, who is the project executive for the Gaillard Center project. “The renovation/new construction will also include the addition of office space for city employees, so that the city can own the office space, as opposed to leasing office space.”
The building, which was constructed in 1968, includes a 2,726-seat auditorium, a 15,000-square-foot exhibition hall and four meeting rooms. The building will be gutted, but the framework will remain. Ferguson says the renovation will include raising the roof about 18 feet higher, reducing the number of seats in the auditorium and adjusting the walls around the performing arts hall.
“This will all help increase the acoustical value and attract world-class performers to the venue, as they are currently deterred by the existing space due to the reverberation and the low acoustical value as of now,” he adds.
Upon completion, the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium will include an 1,800-seat auditorium, a 38,715-square-foot exhibition hall, 15,000 square feet of ballroom and exhibition space, a 7,300-square-foot banquet terrace and a three-story, 80,000-square-foot municipal office building for city employees. The building will total 260,000 square feet.
Skanska and Trident will be responsible for working with the owner and architect for program management, quality control management, scheduling and cost estimating. The project team expects to break ground in August, with completion slated for December 2014. David Schwarz Architects designed the project to LEED Silver certification standards.
“The project is seeking LEED Silver certification through the use of public transportation, recycling materials used onsite and energy conservation measures,” Ferguson says. “The mayor is extremely passionate about this project and has noted in City meetings that the renovation can enrich the lives of people who reside in Charleston and impact the future of performing arts, as it will increase the cultural value and have a positive effect on the city as a cultural destination.”
A public-private partnership between the City of Charleston and donors funded the project. It will create approximately 1,000 jobs during construction and 400 full-time jobs once it is complete. The City of Charleston says it will add $40 million a year to the regional economy.
— Savannah Duncan