Clemson University won’t look quite the same by this time next year.
The university has been working on more than 20 projects since summer 2022, and a number of them will continue well into 2023.
Joe Galbraith, associate vice president for strategic communications and university relations, said despite the number of projects ongoing at the university, he doesn’t anticipate any issues for students or visitors.
“Our facilities team does an outstanding job of not disrupting campus operations,” he said.
Here’s a look at just some of the major changes.
Daniel Hall/Humanities Hall
Humanities Hall opened for the fall 2022 semester and is fully operational. The building, which joins Daniel Hall as part of the humanities department, will have new classrooms, informal learning spaces and a 2oo-seat auditorium. Crews are still working on a few finishing touches and warranty issues.
Over winter break, crews will construct a bridge between the third floors of Humanities Hall and Daniel Hall, but it won’t be open until fall 2023.
Daniel Hall dates back to 1968, but by 2o23 the building will have a number of upgrades like revamped classrooms and office spaces, new exterior doors, improved accessibility and an upgraded HVAC and fire protection systems.
Perimeter Road widening
Perimeter Road will go from two lanes to four over a 1.2-mile stretch from U.S. 76 to Cherry Road, which will include safety lighting, pedestrian and bike paths, and improved signals.
It’s part of a $21 million project to improve pedestrian safety by directing traffic flow around campus and away from pedestrian-heavy areas in the heart of campus.
Galbraith said the widening is also expected to improve traffic flow on U.S. 76.
Improving sports facilities
Memorial Stadium, perhaps the most famous building on campus, received a new screen in time for the 2022 football season. The screen is almost 7,112 square feet of 10mm, high dynamic range-capable LED. It was part of a $20 million technology upgrade to the stadium.
Galbraith said Lot 5 outside of the stadium will see improvements and enhancements, along with improvements to the locker rooms, fan experiences and an updated sound system.
Plans also include the expansion of women’s sports, as well as a women’s lacrosse field adjacent to the rowing facility. Three more buildings are also in the works, and all the projects are awaiting final approval for construction.
Other improvements
Johnstone Hall and the Union Building complex are slated for demolition in the coming months. Johnstone Hall, a former dormitory, and the Union Building were built in the 1950s and 1970s, respectively, and Galbraith said they’re well past their useful date. The plan is to use the land for green space when the demolition is complete.
The university has plans for infrastructure improvements, including updates to the water distribution along Perimeter Road and Cherry Road and revamped wastewater treatment systems. Supply chain issues have delayed some of the work, however.
Gentry Hall will also undergo extensive renovations to support the daily operations of the university’s municipal court. It will require the use of the building’s parking area, which will open only during home football games.
Clemson ongoing projects
- Memorial Stadium phase 2 (Nov. 30, 2022-Aug. 1, 2023): Work will involve Lot 5 adjacent to the stadium affecting traffic along Centennial Boulevard.
- Williamson Road re-alignment (Dec. 15, 2022-Aug. 1, 2023): Work will realign Old Stadium Road and Williamson Road to provide an improved intersection for pedestrians and vehicles.
- Dillard building renovation, parking closure (Oct. 3, 2022-May 1, 2023): Nine parking spaces are blocked off during the renovation of the Dillard Building.
- Daniel Hall expansion and renovation (May 11, 2021-July 1, 2023): Will create new classrooms, informal learning spaces, and a 200-seat auditorium. Existing spaces are being upgraded as well.
- Perimeter Road widening (March 28, 2022-Aug. 15, 2023): Perimeter Road will widen from two lanes to four. The eastern half of the project will improve congestion between Perimeter Road and U.S. 76.
- Gentry Hall renovation (July 11, 2022-Dec. 1, 2022): Gentry Hall is undergoing significant renovations. The building’s parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project, except for home football games.
- Holtzendorff Auditorium renovations (June 6, 2022-Dec. 15, 2022): Tile roofing above the auditorium will be replaced, and an elevator will be installed to make the entire building ADA compliant.
