Thompson Turner Construction served as the contractor for the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, a 180,000 SF facility prominently located in Columbia, SC's Congaree Vista district. Designed by Stevens & Wilkinson in association with TVS & Associates, the convention center was Columbia’s first publicly financed facility of this kind and was completed as a cornerstone of downtown revitalization efforts.
Situated on a tight urban site bounded by Lincoln, Senate, and Pendleton Streets, the project required extensive coordination with adjacent developments, including the adjoining Hilton Hotel and a multi-level parking garage. Site work included utilities relocation, stormwater infrastructure upgrades, and coordination with city streetscape enhancements to improve pedestrian access.
The steel-framed structure features a durable brick and cast stone façade with large curtain wall systems to bring in natural light. Inside, the facility includes a 24,700 SF exhibition hall with 30-foot clear heights, a 15,000 SF grand ballroom, and multiple configurable meeting rooms equipped with integrated A/V systems. High-end finishes, acoustically rated partitions, and extensive millwork were used throughout public concourse areas, registration lobbies, and hospitality suites. The back-of-house spaces support full-service food operations with commercial kitchens and loading dock access.
This project exemplifies Thompson Turner's ability to execute large-scale civic facilities in constrained urban environments, with a focus on craftsmanship, logistics, and collaboration with public stakeholders.