Grayson Kargol // Contributor
The space that was formerly the Clemson city substation is being converted into a new multi-purpose building.
The city of Clemson has begun a phased redevelopment project to repurpose the space that was formerly the police substation, adjacent to Charleston Sports Pub, into a modernized, multi-purpose area.
In 2018, the city of Clemson approved the Downtown Corridor Conceptual Master Plan, a plan to make downtown more accessible and pedestrian-friendly.
Two key components of this project include streetscape improvements and the construction of a new downtown building in the space formerly occupied by the police substation, according to the city of Clemson website.
“The phased approach to construction greatly minimizes disruption to our community, with maximum accessibility to come in the next year or so. This project has been carefully planned to ensure we can deliver these improvements efficiently,” Nathan Hinkle, Clemson’s city engineer, told The Tiger in an interview.
The building will be “designed with a smaller footprint,” while creating an open concept “gathering space along the front and sides,” according to the Downtown Improvement Project. The interior will feature a lobby, a small office space, an employee restroom and four outward-facing public restrooms.
This improvement is a $3.3 million project funded by a $750,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant, $1.2 million in hospitality funds, $1 million in bond proceeds and $450,000 in impact fees.
City council approved Hogan Construction to design and construct the newest adaptation to downtown Clemson in February 2024. Once the original design was implemented, Hogan Construction incorporated feedback from nearby businesses and the city council.
“This is a community-driven plan, so seeing everyone’s desires for a more walkable and bikeable downtown come to life is exciting. It’s more progress in keeping downtown as safe, vibrant, and welcoming as ever,” Robert Halfacre, the city of Clemson’s mayor, told The Tiger.
Construction goals include fostering a more inclusive downtown community. Hinkle said that “from wider sidewalks and shared bike lanes to the new multi-purpose building, this entire design directly addresses the need for a safer, more inviting downtown.”
The preexisting building was demolished in July 2024. The city has owned the building since 1963, and it was once home to a filling station, the Clemson Police Department, planning and development offices and, most recently, a police substation — allowing for a police presence downtown — according to the Downtown Improvement Project.
The city will also see an onslaught of streetscape improvements in various places. These improvements include wider sidewalks, shared bicycle and vehicle lanes and ADA-compliant stamped concrete in an attempt to improve both pedestrian safety and accessibility while also creating a vibrant, friendly atmosphere downtown, per the city’s website.
Other enhancements include clearly defining delivery zones and replacing current trees with fewer, larger canopy trees to provide more shade and better storefront visibility. The project also includes street lighting updates and electrical upgrades to create a more festival-type street atmosphere.
Construction of the new building began in May 2025, along with Phase 1a of the streetscape project. The building is expected to be completed by the end of this year.