Garvin Design Group and Hood Construction joined University of South Carolina (USC) administrators, students, and staff to celebrate the grand opening of Garnet Station, the newest and largest dining destination on the USC campus, serving nearly 500 students and staff. Located on the ground floor of USC’s beloved Russell House University Union, Garnet Station is a modern, flexible dining space in a central campus location. The project was completed on an aggressive four-month construction schedule.
The newly completed Garnet Station reimagines the spaces that recently housed the campus bookstore and Starbucks store. Key features of Garnet Station include:
- Multiple serving stations
- Upgraded entrances, check-in kiosks, and service lines designed for high-volume efficiency
- Two reservable private dining spaces for groups and special events
- Bright, open main dining area with a variety of seating types, including outdoor patio dining
- Numerous places to charge phones and laptops, including wireless charging stations
- Ample support and back-of-house areas
“This project was all about maximizing the most prominent space within the Russell House,” said Andrew Rogerson, Project Architect with Garvin Design Group. “Our team worked closely with USC, Aramark, and Hood Construction to create a dining experience that feels welcoming, vibrant, and distinctly Carolina.”
Jim Ott, Project Manager at Hood Construction, added, “From construction through final finishes, Garnet Station was a collaborative effort. We’re proud to have built a dining facility that not only meets the University’s operational needs but also creates an inviting environment for students to gather, recharge, and connect.”
Garnet Station embraces USC’s signature garnet and black palette and colors to complement the food station brands, paired with durable, easy-to-maintain finishes. Movable wall panels, acoustical treatments, and strategic lighting enhance flexibility and comfort.
About Garvin Design Group: Celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year, Garvin Design Group offers comprehensive planning and design services for a variety of project types and sizes. From master planning and programming to interior up-fits and new construction, Garvin Design Group strives to provide client-driven design solutions throughout South Carolina. The firm of 21 people has completed more than $1.2 billion worth of projects since its founding in 2003. GDG’s contributions to the community and the profession earned it the American Institute of Architects – South Carolina’s (AIA SC) 2019 Firm Award, the Columbia Chamber’s 2020 Small Business of the Year Award, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Best of Columbia Award, and recognition as a Top 3 Best in Business Award from SC Business Monthly. For more information, visit www.garvindesigngroup.com.
About Hood Construction: Hood Construction Company was founded in 1986 as a full-service Construction Management firm, currently licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Now in its 39th year, Hood specializes in CM-R and Design-Assist Delivery, Pre-construction Consulting, Site Analysis, Project Management, and General Contracting for a broad spectrum of commercial and industrial clients. For more information, please visit us online at www.hoodconstruction.com.