Thompson Turner Construction is serving as CM At-Risk for the new six-story, approximately 90,000 SF MUSC College of Health Professions building located at 74 President Street in downtown Charleston. Designed by Clark Nexsen in collaboration with SMHa, the facility supports rapid program growth and interdisciplinary healthcare education
The building accommodates four floors of mixed-use academic space—including classrooms, faculty/staff offices, conference rooms, and student support areas—while floors 5–6 are delivered as shell space for future expansion. Specialty zones include multipurpose lab/classroom suites for physical and occupational therapy on levels 2–4, and a human abilities lab that simulates real-world living environments on level 3. A dedicated 6,000 SF auditorium on the ground level supports lectures and events.
Constructed on a precast pile foundation in response to tight urban site conditions, the structure features a steel frame with hollow-core planks and topping slab at Level 1. The exterior envelope blends brick, curtain wall glazing, and metal panels, emphasizing daylight exposure to interior spaces that previously lacked windows
The project addresses Charleston’s floodplain challenges by elevating the lowest occupiable floor three feet above predicted flood levels and housing critical mechanical and electrical equipment in a secure rooftop penthouse. Additional hurricane shielding and high-velocity debris resistance systems were incorporated. Site planning included pedestrian walkways linking the new building to adjacent MUSC facilities and enhancements to stormwater management.
Located on a constrained downtown plot adjacent to historic structures, the construction team had to carefully sequence crane access, material staging, and deep foundation work. The building is scheduled to open in fall 2025, supporting MUSC’s fastest-growing college by adding modern, flexible learning, research, and lab spaces in a resilient, high-performance facility.