Rendered image of the new Gaillard Municipal AuditoriumCHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) - Tuesday marked the first step toward renovating Gaillard Municipal Auditorium.
Mayor Riley and other officials knocked down the canopy on George Street to signify the start of the rebuilding project.
"This is the beginning of about a 27-month journey. It begins today and will end December the 14th, 2014. The next step will be the demolition of the existing building," Bob Ferguson, VP and project executive for Skanska and Trident.
Financing the $142 million for the project will be shared equally between the City of Charleston and private donors, according to officials. The project will bring 1,000 jobs and an economic impact of $62 million during construction and 400 permanent jobs with an annual economic benefit of more than $39 million once opened.
The new Gaillard Center will be the final piece in Charleston's acclaimed arts infrastructure.
