650,000 — that’s the square footage of Gateway 737, the new student living and retail development next to Colonial Life Arena in the Vista. With a ~$170 million price tag, it’s the largest single investment in the USC Development Foundation’s history.

Formerly home to USC intramural sports fields, the complex features:

311 fully furnished apartments
940 beds across one- to four-bedroom units
Rooftop lounge + resort-style pool
Two-story fitness center
42,000 sqft of study and collaboration space

The development is fully leased, and residents begin moving in later this month ahead of USC’s first day of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The ground-level retail includes Knowledge Perk Coffee, the second Columbia location for the Rock Hill-based coffee shop, a Chick-fil-A, and Domino’s Pizza. Roxanne’s Market, an Irmo market led by Chef Saul, will also open a downtown location in the complex.

The ground-level retail includes Knowledge Perk Coffee, the second Columbia location for the Rock Hill-based coffee shop, a Chick-fil-A, and Domino’s Pizza. Roxanne’s Market, an Irmo market led by Chef Saul, will also open a downtown location in the complex.

“Gateway 737 is a transformational development that delivers on the Foundation’s mission to support the university through real estate investments that benefit students, the institution, and the community,” said Foundation President Jason Caskey. The project also brings to life priorities outlined in USC’s 2018 Campus Master Plan — supporting growth towards the Congaree River, mixed-use density, and academic hubs in student districts.

Three floors of Gateway 737 house the new Idea Center, a 44,000-sqft collaboration hub designed by Garvin Design Group and built by Hood Construction. Featuring two 400-seat flex spaces, meeting rooms, a craft room, and event space overlooking Colonial Life Arena, the center will host academic and community programming.