Central Carolina Technical College, in partnership with the South Carolina Technical College System, developed the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Training Center in Sumter. The project—designed by LS3P and built by Rodgers—transformed a 104,000-sq-ft former Wal-Mart into a state-of-the-art industrial training center for the region’s workforce. Construction included demolition of the interior infrastructure and front facade, exterior components and site enhancements. While the structural walls and core framing remained, the front exterior was opened in several locations to eliminate the “big box” feel, add natural daylight and create greater visibility into the facility.

As the structure was originally built in 1983, contractors needed to bring it up to current seismic codes. Rodgers worked with contractors to install vertical reinforcement in the existing concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls by saw-cutting into existing footing vertically to the existing bond beam. Crews then drilled and embedded reinforcing steel into the footings and extended the full height of the wall. Workers also anchored wood forms to the inside face of the CMU wall and installed 167 pilasters, including pilasters at each door or window opening.

Crews performed selective demolition on portions of the building and recycled the concrete and steel. In all, Rodgers estimated it recycled 100 tons of steel and 602 tons of concrete.