Project Overview

With nearly 40,000 active students and enrollment rates increasing each year, the University of South Carolina (USC) in Columbia, S.C., faces an escalating need for additional housing. In May 2023, university officials set their sights on a new development that would not only provide a safe and exceptional experience for students, but also one that could be fast-tracked for completion just over two years later, in summer 2025. As officials considered which building material to work with, cast-in-place concrete was originally in the mix. However, with an aggressive timeline and the need for a long-term, resilient solution for both USC and its students, the project team, including precast concrete manufacturer Metromont, architect Cooper Carry Inc., and general contractor New South Construction, turned to an all–precast concrete solution consisting of more than 4600 pieces.

Precast Concrete Everywhere

Gateway 737 offers a high-end experience for residents, thanks primarily to its design-build, total–precast concrete approach. The 750,000-ft² structure uses a precast concrete floor and ceiling system that allowed for long spans and clear openings, with minimal interior bearing walls. This approach enabled more design flexibility, as well as the capability for future adaptive reuse. Multiple large, precast, prestressed concrete transfer beams support the building’s 11 levels, carrying the load to a combination of columns and walls. Some of these beams support approximately 1 million lb of precast concrete self-weight and concrete-topped floors. Ultimately, leveraging this design allowed for an optimal project workflow, expediting construction.

“Precast concrete was selected for this project primarily due to speed of construction,” says Clay Putnam, project manager for Metromont. “The overall project schedule was very condensed, but with precast, the building could become operational by August 2025.”

Beyond the floor and ceiling system, precast concrete played a pivotal role in several other elements of the development, which features 311 fully furnished residential units in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations. A steel roof terrace structure on the top level designed for socializing and events is supported by precast concrete. An elevated courtyard framed entirely out of precast concrete with a large pool is located in the center of Gateway 737. The pool was constructed with precast concrete beams, columns, spandrels, and double tees.

On the building’s ground level, which consists of the bottom two floors, the need for multipurpose spaces, including restaurant and retail, necessitated a complex arrangement of precast concrete walls and columns to allow for the required doors, openings, and egress—all while adequately supporting the structure above. The development is even supported by a six-level, 130,000-ft² parking structure that provides approximately 600 spaces for the community. This structure, along with the courtyard and pool area, leverages precast concrete columns, walls, and spandrels to support the double tees. Gateway 737’s stair and elevator towers also consist of precast concrete stair treads and risers, allowing safe access to the structure as it was being built.

In addition to the design flexibility and aesthetic advantages offered by precast concrete, Gateway 737 also benefits from the material’s resilient attributes. The total–precast concrete solution contributed to improved storm resistance for the structure while also creating a safe building envelope that protects residents and their belongings. Precast concrete’s ability to withstand the effects of severe weather—especially compared with alternative materials such as conventional metal studs or hand-laid brick and stucco—means that the development will serve as a source of pride and joy to USC students and the wider community well into the future.

“The Gateway 737 project provides university students with an attractive option for living, socializing, and studying within walking distance of campus,” Putnam says.

Mason Nichols is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based writer and editor who has covered the precast concrete industry since 2013.

Owner: USC Development Foundation, Columbia, S.C.

PCI-Certified Precast Concrete Producer: Metromont, Greenville, S.C.

Precast Concrete Specialty Engineer: TRC Worldwide Engineering, Allentown, Pa.

Architect: Cooper Carry Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

Engineer of Record: MMSA Inc., Greenville, S.C.

Contractor: New South Construction, Atlanta, Ga.

Developer: Holder Properties, Atlanta, Ga.

PCI-Certified Erector: Davis Erecting & Finishing Inc., Greenville, S.C.

PCI-Certified Associate Supplier: Hamilton Form Company Ltd., Fort Worth, Tex.

Insteel Wire Products, Mount Airy, N.C.

Project Cost: $153.5 million ($43 million for the precast concrete)

Project Size: 750,000 ft²

Key Project Attributes

• Gateway 737 provides 311 fully furnished apartment units to the University of South Carolina community across one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom configurations.
• The 750,000-ft² complex sits on 3.75 acres and is within walking distance of the university campus.
• Beyond residential living spaces, Gateway 737 also offers a variety of mixed-use spaces, including those for restaurants, retail, events, and more.

Project/Precast Scope

• More than 4600 pieces of precast concrete were delivered and installed on-site in an extremely tight project window, from May 2023 to August 2025.
• Precast concrete was involved in nearly every aspect of the project, from the building’s floor and ceiling system to the pool, stair and elevator towers, and beyond.
• The project also included a six-level, 130,000-ft² parking structure that provides approximately 600 spaces for the community.