GAI’s Community Solutions Group (CSG) assisted in leading the master plan and landscape architecture for a major renovation to the downtown Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center (CCCC), as well as the associated adjacent streets and waterfront. GAI’s CSG team focused on the urban experience of arrival, parking, outdoor gathering, and adjacent urban development. This project scope included several components of landscape architecture and urban engineering.

GAI’s CSG team  offered renovations and updates that presented a modern vision by updating exterior and interior aesthetics, designing additional spaces, and tying the site to the downtown core. The team created a comprehensive plan to bring the CCCC up to the standard of today’s entertainment and convention venue needs—for example, by including several distinct areas of improved visitor experience in the adjacent area.

GAI’s CSG also redesigned the Quarrier Street and Civic Center Drive entrance plaza with new drop-off and arrival features. Near the entry/box office areas, the entire Clendenin Street frontage was “dieted” by reducing travel lanes, adding guest drop-off, and enhancing pedestrian crossing elements.

Finally, GAI’s CSG team created an activated plaza featuring a staircase that leads down from the ballroom addition to connect to a multi-purpose plaza and pre-function space overlooking the Elk River. When needed, the plaza space can serve as an outdoor extension of the CCCC by allowing guests to congregate outside during events.