The Hub Clemson student housing development project is in the works over a year after Clemson City Council reached a majority vote to allow developers to build on Keowee Trail, despite opposition from many Clemson residents.
The privately owned and managed Hub Clemson project began construction on July 1 and is expected to come online during summer 2027, according to city engineer Nathan Hinkle. At this stage in the project, the initial utility work, grading, foundation and the start of the parking deck are under construction.
The city has shut down a section of Keowee Trail to “ensure the safety of both drivers and construction workers” and to prepare for another city project, which is anticipated to begin in the “late fourth quarter of 2025,” Hinkle told The Tiger.
However, the historic Abernathy Park is still accessible through several entrances by the Bixby apartment complex, Jaycee Park and US Highway 123.
“The Hub Project has had minimal traffic interruptions outside of immediately adjacent to the park,” Hinkle said.
In addition to Hub Clemson, the city is actively developing the Abernathy Park enhancement design plan. Developer Core Spaces, LLC, donated $1 million to the city for the enhancement of Abernathy Park after the initial yes vote on the Hub Clemson project back in April 2024. However, this didn’t affect many residents’ feelings about the housing development at the time.
One resident even told the council during the April 15 meeting that Abernathy Park “doesn’t need a million-dollar facelift.”
Over a year later, the enhancement design plan is in the works. City council met on Aug. 12 to “discuss their vision and goals for the park,” according to the city of Clemson’s website.
City of Clemson Mayor Robert Halfacre said during the meeting that he would like to see a boardwalk path to Jaycee Park with the intention of bringing more lighting, signs and connection of the park to the downtown boulevard.
Several councilmembers were on the same page when it came to upgrading lighting at the park, specifically for pedestrian safety.
“We need to make it really safe for people to walk because we now have community members and students and locals alike walking to get downtown,” Councilwoman Lillian Scott noted. She believes ensuring the park is well-lit is a good place to start, as well as potentially thinning trees to allow more visibility.
Council members also mentioned that the park’s longevity is a major consideration, and an idea that the improvement plan could include better access to Lake Hartwell for boaters since the park is located on the lake’s banks.
“I don’t really want to see us design for three to five years out. We need to look at what’s going to last,” Councilman Adam Jones said.
The city is hosting two open-house workshops for the Clemson community to “reimagine this unique space together,” per the city of Clemson’s website, and “gather public input and desires for the enhanced park,” according to Hinkle.
The first workshop will be held Aug. 26, and the second date has not yet been confirmed.
Although specific improvement plans have not been developed yet, general ideas for Abernathy Park’s features will be presented to city council and the public to “ensure we are providing a park that meets the expectations of the residents,” Hinkle said.
In terms of managing any opposition to both the Hub and the park’s enhancement project, Hinkle told The Tiger that the city has replied to individual concerns by collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the contractor and Clemson residents “to ensure a smooth construction process.”
