If you think there is a lot of construction going on around campus, you are right. Numerous projects are currently underway to improve infrastructure and increase overall student experience.
McMillan Road, which runs from Cherry Road to Perimeter Road, is scheduled to open prior to the start of the Fall 2021 semester, according to John McEntire, Director of Project Management. McMillan Road has been under construction for the past year.
May 2021 saw the creation of a partnership between Clemson and Duke Energy. Duke contractors began installing 17 solar canopies in the R-6 parking lot, located off Clemson Boulevard, in an effort to reduce Clemson’s carbon footprint. Tony Putnam, Director of the Solar Canopy Project stated, “the Solar Canopy Project will be substantially complete with construction work, and is scheduled to be fully commissioned and on-line producing power for Clemson in September.” This is a learning opportunity for Clemson and with its success may bring the installment of more canopies across campus.
The Samuel J. Cadden Chapel, built in memory of Sam Cadden, is nearing completion. Cadden, 21 years old, was killed in an automobile accident in 2015 while a student at Clemson. The project website includes a quote from Cadden’s father, “Sam’s life was a reflection of his strong faith and his love for friends and family. We could think of no better way to honor his legacy at Clemson.” This project is to design an all-inclusive, non-denominational chapel. The 5,100 square foot building will consist of two levels with the upper floor serving as the main level. The main level of the chapel will have a capacity of approximately 132 and the lower level will include an open gallery for events, two meditation rooms, preparation space and restrooms. Project Manager, Jennifer Wood said, “The site grading and new sidewalks will be complete by the end of September [2021].” Landscaping is expected to be completed during the appropriate plating season of Spring 2022.
Samuel J. Cadden Construction Webcam: http://www.clemson.edu/webcams/?q=cadden
Perimeter Road, the “mother road” to thousands of Clemson students, alumni and Tiger fans, is scheduled to receive major improvements in the coming years. To improve the primary vehicular roadway accessing the University, Clemson’s Board of Trustees approved a 21million dollar$21 million project to extend Perimeter Road’s four lanes an additional 1.2 miles between Cherry Road and Clemson Boulevard. Project manager, John Gambrell said, “we are currently waiting for approval from the State to proceed.” Once that approval is made more information about the project can be released. Gambrell went on to say, “the current schedule is for construction to take place between January 2022 and July 2023.” The installation of safety lighting, pedestrian and bike paths and improved signals are among the changes slated for Perimeter Road.
The growth of Clemson football has led to the need for additional seating, a larger videoboard and an improved fan experience in the famed Death Valley, Memorial Stadium. Originally the project was scheduled to be completed by the opening of the 2021 season but has been pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are anxiously awaiting Phase 2 approval this month [July 2021] which will allow us to move forward with the project,” said Tommi Jones, project manager. Jones added, “the scope of work [and] schedule has been modified to span over 2 seasons instead of completing all the work after the close of this football season.” The first phase of enhancements for the 2022 season will include upgrades to the videoboard and sound system, improvements to the east end pedestrian pathway and construction of a new WestZone concourse club. The second phase for the 2023 season will include Lot 5 enhancements, located between the West endzone and Perimeter Road, and football locker room renovations expanding the area from 6,400 to 14,000 square feet.
The heart of campus has been stuck in the 1960s for quite some time, but that will soon change as Daniel Hall is scheduled to receive a major facelift. This project will be completed in two phases. The construction of a new 60,000 square foot addition to Daniel Hall will include new classrooms, a 220-seat auditorium, collaborative learning spaces, and offices for faculty. The addition is scheduled to be completed by Summer 2022 in time for fall courses. With the expansion complete, work can begin on revitalizing one of Clemson’s most used buildings. The renovation will include the HVAC and fire protection systems, improved accessibility, replacement of exterior doors, improvement of Daniel Hall’s existing auditorium and repainting of the building’s colorful walls. The project should be entirely complete by Fall 2023.
Will there ever come a day when Clemson’s construction ends? Probably not, but Clemson should be commended for its efforts to take the Tigers into the future, while at the same time working to preserve and revitalize iconic buildings. Several more projects are in the planning phases, and more information will be available at a later date.
