Proposed Gaillard Center (File/WCIV)CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A black-owned company has received a more than $13 million contract for work on a new Charleston performing arts center. It's the largest minority contract ever given by the city where the Civil War began.
Horus Construction will be doing the masonry work on Charleston's new $142 million Gaillard Center. The work includes installing more than 260,000 square feet of brick for the project envisioned as a world class performing arts center.
Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says it's thought to be among the largest minority contracts in state history. He says the city has an ongoing effort to encourage minority businesses.
But Riley says the contract wasn't simply given to Horus because of race. He said the company has proven they can do the work at the best price.
