Government

The City of Sumter needed a 7,000 sq. ft building constructed in a gesture of unity and fellowship with Shaw Airforce Base; the life blood of Sumter. Designed by Architect RS Bell with a Rustic Grand aesthetic, the building featured woodwork including reclaimed beams and shiplap throughout. At the center of the multipurpose room, a fireplace 10ft wide and an impressive 35 ft tall was to serve as the focal point. Outside a parking lot with 100 parking spaces needed to be built with an extensive erosion control plan in place to protect nearby wetlands. Hardee Construction provided the City of Sumter with the lowest cost in the bid and was awarded the contract. The project saw major change orders requested by the City of Sumter, which included changing the fire suppression system origin from a pump on the nearby pond to tapping into the water main over half a mile away, as well as the paving of the main road; over 2500 ft in length. Even with these change orders, as well as project delays, and three hurricanes during the summer of 2018, Hardee Construction finished within budget.

Hardee Construction spearheaded the design of the Fire Station HQ in St. Matthew’s. The town of St. Matthew’s planned to convert an old Army Depot given to the town into their new Fire Department Headquarters. After designing the addition, Hardee Construction was able to provide the lowest cost and was awarded the project. The existing depot building was gutted and converted into a storage location for the Department’s vehicles and equipment. The 3000 sq ft addition to the existing depot was constructed to add bunk rooms, kitchen, gym and classroom for the fire department. An asphalt drive and concrete apron were added to the site for ease of vehicle access.

The Sumter County Sheriff's Office needed complete remodeling of their training facility. The county put the project out for bid, and Hardee Construction as able to provide them with the lowest bid. After being awarded the contract, we demolished much of the existing ceilings, flooring, and wall layout to construct a more functional design for the sheriff’s office along with a kitchen with hood, new floor coverings and new acoustic ceilings. Outside, a parking lot was added along with replacement of any damaged metal panels and outside porch coverings were constructed over the two main entrance doors.

The Sumter Fire Training Facility was damaged during the 2015-thousand-year flood. Like many places in South Carolina at that time, Sumter’s wastewater management systems were unable to handle more than 20 inches of rainfall. Flood waters at 3 and a half feet deep flooded the fire department’s Fire Training Facility. Upon reconstruction, a unique approach was taken by architect, R.S. Bell, to install concrete board and spray insulation at 4’ height around the entire building in case of flooding again. Cement board and spray foam materials would withstand water far better than gypsum and fiberglass insulation if future flooding occurs. An emergency generator for the facility was also installed and mounted at a height of 4’ to keep it above future flood waters. Hardee Construction also replaced the 12’ garage doors with beautiful storefront windows. Several problems were encountered during this project, such as unforeseen difficulties installing the tile floor on the inadequate existing slab, as well as discrepancies in interior dimensions due to the nature of construction inside of an existing metal building. All in all, the problems encountered were handled accordingly and the project was able to remain on budget with on-time completion.