The proposed $142 million Gaillard makeover plans made a major step forward Wednesday when the city’s Board of Architectural Review voted 4-1 to give preliminary approval to the design by David M. Schwarz Architects. Schwarz, based in Washington, D.C., presented the original plan in December to mixed reviews.
Schwarz made some changes to his first design, including an improved view from Calhoun Street, replacing a colonnade with a set of pavilions that draw the eye to the grand entrance. New landscaping was also added to hide the existing garage.
According to a report in The Post and Courier, board member Eddie Fava, an architect himself, cast the only no vote. Reporter Robert Behre writes that, “Fava said he didn’t see any aspect to the design that conveyed a sense of excitement but instead saw a building that looked like a public library or university building. ‘I think there’s an opportunity here to do something more vibrant and alive,’ he said.”
If all goes according to plan, the city hopes to begin construction next year and wrap it up in 2014.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.