The University of South Carolina's Idea Center is a 44,000 SF upfit of 3-levels of 737 Gateway, an 11-story student housing property at the corner of Gadsden and Greene Streets in Columbia. It serves as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship, offering two 400-person flex spaces, collaboration rooms, a craft & creation room, and event space with views of the Colonial Life Center.

The major HVAC equipment includes (1) 140-ton air cooled chiller, (3) air handling units (19,000 CFM, 17,000 CFM and 4,000 CFM), (3) VRV split heat pumps, as well as the necessary pumps, fans, piping and ductwork required by the system. Blackstone built the ductwork for air distribution. Comfort is maintained by (30) VAV boxes of miscellaneous sizes and capacities.

The project features exposed ductwork and piping in some areas of the space. Specialty items included the linear air diffusers which were custom built in our Shop. These are located at the baffle ceilings and installed with close coordination with the associated trades. The project included HVAC controls.

The project was completed on an accelerated schedule for occupancy of the fall 2025 semester start.