At Ridgeline, every project is a partnership. When architecture and engineering firm GMC set out to transform a 10,000-square-foot warehouse into a modern office in downtown Greenville, they needed a construction partner who understood the stakes.
As both the client and the architect, GMC brought a clear vision to the table, and our team delivered with precision, creativity, and care.
A Fast-Tracked Vision for a Signature Space
As both the client and design team, GMC came to the table with a clear vision. They needed a space that was functional, collaborative, and representative of their design values. With a firm construction budget and a tight timeline, the project required careful coordination from the start.
“GMC had three primary goals,” said Ridgeline Commercial Project Manager Stephen Parham. “They had a fixed budget, a deadline to be moved in by the end of June 2022, and a desire for a space that made a statement while supporting a collaborative work environment.”
To meet the schedule, Ridgeline and GMC agreed to begin demolition while the final plans and building permits were still in process. This approach allowed the team to hit the ground running once construction was fully approved.
Preserving Character While Building for the Future
One of the standout features of the project was the decision to preserve and highlight original architectural elements. The team worked together to retain the building’s industrial character, including exposed brick and wood.
“Keeping some of the original elements was important to us,” said Kevin Laird, EVP of Engineering at GMC. “Ridgeline did a great job with that. They made suggestions like sandblasting the wood ceiling to bring out the natural look. Most of that wood is original, and it turned out beautifully.”
Sandblasting the underside of the roof deck was a particularly memorable part of the process. “We were able to preserve and expose about 98 percent of the original decking,” said Stephen. “It gives the space a lot of character and makes it feel both timeless and modern.”
Solving for Structure Without Compromising Design
Working within an existing structure presented challenges, especially when it came to the building’s foundation.
“The old slab varied quite a bit in elevation, and tearing it out wasn’t in the budget,” Stephen said. “We surveyed the entire slab and established a benchmark to control door heights and interior elevations. That allowed us to move forward with confidence.”
Despite the limitations, the final design delivers on every front. The open ceilings, increased natural light, and strategic layout help create a bright, flexible environment that supports how the GMC team works together.
“It functions great,” Kevin said. “It meets all our goals and really speaks to who we are as an architecture and engineering firm.”
Built on Trust and Communication
Throughout the project, Ridgeline’s communication and proximity played a key role in maintaining efficiency. “They were right next door, so they were always checking in,” Kevin said. “Stephen did a great job managing the process and making sure the schedule stayed on track.”
Kevin emphasized that what set Ridgeline apart was more than just their construction expertise. “Desire to build a relationship with us is a big deal,” he said. “They clearly had a desire to build a relationship in addition to building our space.”
Start Your Commercial Construction Project With Ridgeline
Whether you’re building from the ground up or transforming an existing space, Ridgeline Construction Group is here to help you bring your vision to life. Get in touch with our team to learn more about our commercial construction services and see how we can support your next project.
