Key leaders within the University’s Alumni Association and the University made the decision that after 160 years without a home, it was time for the development of a facility that would be a place for students, Alumni and the business community to connect. After much planning, study and research, the perfect site was acquired—the corner lot at Lincoln and Senate Streets, in the heart of Columbia’s Vista and immediately adjacent to the Hilton Hotel and Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The 60,000 square foot Alumni Center features a 500-seat ballroom, 6,200 square feet of meeting spaces, pre-function areas totaling 7,500 square feet, catering kitchens, a 2,000 square foot executive board room for the USC Board of Trustees, a Presidential dining room seating up to 150, a 2,500 square foot outdoor plaza and offices for the Alumni Association staff.

LCK served as project manager and advisor for development of the new facility and began its assignment in early 2013. In compliance with State procurement guidelines, LCK and other team members were selected to bring the building to fruition and within a team arrangement new to State procurement.

As a key player in the development process, LCK led the way in team selection, prepared and negotiated contracts, prepared and managed cost projections, coordinated design and special consultant activities, served as an advisor to the finance committee and assisted in document development for new market tax credit financing. LCK managed design, construction, exhibits, audio/visual and furnishings.

LCK’s commitment to bring the project in on time and within budget was achieved, in the end reporting over $1,100,000 in cost savings for the project.