Gaillard renovation plans take first big step

June 15, 2010

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The mayor's pitch worked.

A council who doesn't always agree with Mayor Joe Riley voted unanimously to move forward with $142 million plans to renovate and expand the Gaillard Auditorium in Downtown Charleston.

"I think city council realized that this was one of those seize the moment," Riley said after the vote Tuesday night. "This is for the ages and we needed to act now."

Riley said because of the poor economy, the project will cost less than it would have several years ago or in the near future.

Council members were concerned about not exceeding the $142 million price tag.

Some reminded Riley of the South Carolina Aquarium and the millions it went over budget.

Riley cited unforeseen circumstances in the aquarium project.

"Here we've got a known site, a known building that's going to be restored and we've also employed cost estimators who are experts in performance halls," he said.

The council approved several contracts so the city can hire an architect, a design architect and a project management cost estimation consultant.

The team will start working on a plan that will completely renovate the performance hall, update and expand its exhibition hall and build offices for 120 city employees that would wrap around the existing building.

Riley said that construction will not start in 2012 unless he has half the money ($71 million) from private donors.

"It is something we can't pass up...a chance to create a world-class civic place, half the money being paid for by the private sector," he added.

Riley said the other half will come from existing city revenue and loans, so taxes don't have to be raised.

In the 2010 budget, the city anticipated the Gaillard would lose close to $700,000.

Riley thinks the renovations would help bring in money.

The city would also save cash by moving their staff to a city-owned building, instead of renting space in other buildings, Riley said.