With an intent to accelerate innovations to market, the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) teams once again with Choate Construction Company in a CM at-Risk approach for the construction of its Graduate Education Center. The facility is designed to serve as a world-class center of excellence to further fuel the knowledge base critical to supporting the future of South Carolina's economy. It provides students, faculty/staff, and private industry partners ample space dedicated to fostering innovation in the latest fields of opportunity, from composite materials and energy systems to advanced computing and microscopy. The facility sits directly adjacent to Clemson University's SCE&G Energy Innovation Center, a $100+ million, award-winning facility constructed by Choate Construction Company and completed in early 2014.

Due to its location adjacent to the Cooper River at the site of the former naval warehouse building #1174, the Graduate Education Center requires structural support by deep pile foundations and cast-in-place concrete columns and slab. The main structure is comprised of structural steel beams and columns with full glass curtain walls and a rain-screen ACM metal panel system. A two-ply modified bitumen system tops the facility and integrates a green roof and an open terrace viewing deck. The mechanical systems are also housed on the roof level.

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

The interior features a 25,000-SF upfit for classrooms, offices and meeting rooms with an additional 25,000-SF available for a future tenant upfit. Honoring the rich history of the site, 1940s wooden beams from the former naval shipyard warehouse can be found in an overhanging fashion throughout the building.

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