• A multi-discipline team led by GMK Associates was retained in late 2018 to provide architectural and engineering services for the renovation of the existing chemistry laboratory located on the first floor of the Jones Physical Science Center (PSC) on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia for future use as biology teaching laboratories. Jones PSC was originally constructed in 1967 and contains 192,503 gross square feet within eight floors and a basement. This project represents ongoing renovation to the space, including gutting areas of the first floor and providing necessary asbestos abatement for the floor and adjacent areas. In total, the newly renovated space will include four biology teaching laboratories, three prep rooms, a general classroom, a collaborative study area, faculty offices, and accessible toilet rooms.

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• The objective of the approximately $6 million project is to aid in creating demonstration space visible to the outside public and to establish lab facilities that are competitive with other institutions of higher learning and can aid in attracting high-quality students and faculty.

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• As a corollary to GMK’s architectural and engineering services for the renovation of the existing chemistry laboratory, GMK was retained under an existing IDC with the University to provide engineering design services for AHU replacements in the basement of the building. The project includes the removal and replacement of the basement air handler unit and the electrical motor control center with a new distribution panel feeding the new air handler, pumps, and air compressor (25,000 cfm total capacity).

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• GMK completed preliminary design schematics and programming for the project in accordance with the original project schedule in 2020. However, due to the uncertainty of project funding resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, UofSC put a temporary hold on construction related to the project until after the current 2020-2021 school term. In March of 2021, the project began ramping up again with the start of hazardous materials abatement. This work includes removal of interior partition walls, ceilings, flooring, lab equipment, spray-applied fireproofing in the structural steel, MEP systems, as well removal of ACM in chase penetrations throughout selected areas in the basement through fourth floors. Later in 2021, the project was put out for construction bids to complete the full renovation scope.