AIA Charleston Hard Hat Tour

Get ready to kick off the new year with a unique hard hat tour followed by a fun happy hour – it’s going to be a blast!

DATE: Wednesday January 21
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: 71 George Street

AIA Charleston will kick off 2026 on January 21 with a downtown hard hat tour followed by a happy hour nearby- we would love to see you at either one or both!

Hard Hat Tour:

71 George Street

The College of Charleston Stern Student Center Renovation is a major transformation of a 76,000-square-foot facility in downtown Charleston. The project involves stripping the building to its concrete structure, reskinning the exterior, and demolishing an old pool to create additional programmatic space. The renovation includes two new restaurants, a dining area, a two-story multipurpose room, spaces for student government and organizations, a fitness center, and administrative offices. The design had to meet the strict requirements of the City of Charleston’s Board of Architectural Review, navigate a tight budget, and address complex existing conditions. Sustainability strategies aim to achieve Two Green Globes certification, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials. This renovation will modernize the building while respecting Charleston’s historic aesthetic, creating a vibrant and environmentally responsible hub for student activities.

Project Size: 76,000 SF

Project Cost: $34M

We will meet at the site entrance at 4:30pm; street parking or parking garages are nearby. Closed-toe shoes, hard hats, and safety vests are required for all attendees; please bring your own as limited PPE will be available on site.

This event is open to AIA Members only and HSW Credit will be logged for all attendees.

Happy Hour: After the hard hat tour, we will meet nearby (Location TBD) for a happy hour at 5:30. We would love to see you even if you cannot make the hard hat tour!