Public-Private Partnership Reveals Plans for an Innovative New School of Medicine at the University of South Carolina (“USC”)
Columbia, SC (March 1, 2024) – Marking a transformative moment in higher education and health sciences research collaboration, an innovative Public-Private Partnership (P3) initiative revealed plans for the new School of Medicine at the University of South Carolina (USC) following approval by USC‘s Board of Trustees at its December 19, 2023 meeting. USC is partnering with Gilbane, who will lead the planning, design, development, and construction of the university’s health sciences campus in the BullStreet District in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
In addition to Gilbane Development Company and Gilbane Building Company, other key project team members include lead design architect The SLAM Collaborative collaborating with local architect BOUDREAUX, construction manager Cummings, construction manager and minority business Brownstone Construction Group, and development consultant and minority- and women-owned business Restoration 52.
By leveraging a P3, it is expected to result in the most efficient, cost-effective, and successful project completion, aiming to redefine medical education and contribute to the advancement of health sciences research collaboration in the region. Through shared resources, innovative design, and a commitment to excellence, the School of Medicine at the University of South Carolina aspires to become a model for future academic and health sciences research collaborations.
The School of Medicine will include a 308,000+/- SF medical education and multidisciplinary research building with innovative laboratories, simulation centers, and collaborative spaces to foster interdisciplinary research and innovation among students, faculty, and health sciences research professionals.
Additionally, the project emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity, with plans for green spaces, including an outdoor courtyard and garden, with state-of-the-art technology integration, and accessibility features to create a campus that meets the diverse needs of its community. The development team in concert with the University of South Carolina has set a goal to reach 30% MWBE subcontracting participation for design and construction entities for this project. Throughout the project, the team will be connecting with stakeholders and engaging the broader community to foster a collaborative approach that will create a positive impact on the community and help achieve a shared vision.
“Gilbane is excited by the Board’s recent approval for the project to move forward, as we appreciate its unprecedented nature and the transformational effect it will have upon both USC and the broader community,” said John Keegan, senior vice president of Gilbane Development Company. “We look forward to continuing stakeholder outreach and engagement as we commence the next phase of design, with an eye toward breaking ground by the end of 2024 and opening for students, faculty, staff, and researchers for the fall semester of 2027.”
Brian Steed, vice president and South Carolina Business Leader for Gilbane Building Company said, “We are honored to be a part of this talented team delivering the University of South Carolina’s new Health Sciences campus. This exciting project will result in a prestigious facility that will benefit the entire state of South Carolina by creating jobs, attracting top-tier talent, and educating the state’s future medical professionals.”
“As a long time trusted USC design partner, we are especially honored and excited to blend the urban character of the BullStreet District with the timelessness of University architecture,” said President of BOUDREAUX Heather Mitchell, AIA. “This building will be a landmark in downtown Columbia, and a place of pride for USC as a showcase for the School of Medicine and health sciences research.”
Construction on the project is slated to begin in Q4 2024, with estimated completion in Q3 2027.
About Gilbane
Gilbane, Inc., a private holding company with a more than 150-year history, is one of the oldest and largest family-owned construction, investment, and real estate development firms in the world. Gilbane Development Company is the project development, financing, and ownership arm of Gilbane, providing a full slate of real estate development and property management services. Gilbane Building Company is a full-service construction services firm providing preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services on some of the nation’s most complex projects.
Gilbane’s Public Private Partnership Group has delivered or has underway more than $4 billion in P3 projects for healthcare, higher education, K-12 schools, and federal/state/municipal clients. To learn more, visit www.gilbaneco.com.