Developer updates plans for University House, The Pier, Pinehurst
A mixed-use project in Clemson received tentative approval to move forward, as student housing in the city of Clemson continues to be a priority.
Plans have changed somewhat for the mixed-use project, now known as University House on College Avenue (formally known as Dukes Center), since its announcement earlier this year. Instead of six stories, the project will top out at five, the number of beds has increased from 293 to 420, and retail space has been reduced from 17,000 to 12,000 square feet.
Despite opposition from local residents concerned about neighborhood impact and a court case against Clemson’s Architectural Review Board on its handling of the project, the board rendered its final decision.
Developer Tom Winkopp says the look of the building has been changed to better fit the “aesthetics of downtown Clemson.” He has added a courtyard area, and additional architectural features will be added to enhance the north and south sides of the building as a condition of board approval.
“I believe [the project] will strengthen downtown,” said Winkopp. “It’s a pedestrian-oriented development that will keep students in downtown. Much like Greenville has strengthened its focus on downtown residential for the same reason.”
Winkopp says he is working with several retailers and restaurants interested in occupying the commercial space, but no announcements are ready yet.
Construction on University House is expected to begin spring 2015 and be completed by August 2016.
Winkopp is also developing a new phase of The Pier, a student housing project that began in 2008. The Pier is located at the former J. P. Stevens plant and features cottage homes on Lake Hartwell, located 2.5 miles from the Clemson campus. The mixed-use development will have 20 acres of green space, a clubhouse with pool, sand volleyball, basketball, golf simulator, cinema room, a workout facility, tanning beds, coffee bar and event room. The community will also eventually have a town center with additional retail and restaurants. The project is expected to be complete in 2020.
Pineherst, yet another new student housing project by Winkopp, will add another 126 beds for student housing with three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhomes. Pineherst will be located behind The Esso and is expected to begin late winter 2015 and completed in fall 2015.
