Clemson board approves phase two of Bryan Mall renovation and women's sports expansion

Alexis Hamilton, Greenville News
·2 min read

Editors Note: This story was updated to reflect the correct spelling of Byrnes Hall.

Phase two of the Bryan Mall Hall High Rise renovation was approved by the Board of Trustees during their quarterly meeting on July 22.

Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations Tony Wagner recommended that the university move forward with phase two with a few changes due to rising construction prices.

“Given this construction market, one of the things that we're recommending today is that we will move forward with this project with Byrnes Hall project,” Wagner said.

Wagner said that back in October, they expected the Byrnes Hall renovation to cost around $34 million, but it has since escalated significantly to approximately $52 million. He said that renovating Byrnes Hall will provide intelligence on existing buildings for other projects.

More Clemson news: Clemson joins Space Force in new university program to enhance research and recruitment

Recent reporting: Clemson freezes in-state tuition, increases cost for out-of-state students

Most of the budget will go towards mechanical improvements such as roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical replacement.

Graham Neff, Athletic Director, gives the Clemson Athletics Business Update during the Clemson University Board of Trustees meeting at the School of Business Friday, July 22, 2022.
Graham Neff, Athletic Director, gives the Clemson Athletics Business Update during the Clemson University Board of Trustees meeting at the School of Business Friday, July 22, 2022.

Construction and renovation for Byrnes Hall will begin in May 2023 and last until summer 2024  pending state approval in October 2022.

Women’s sports expansion plan

As the Finance and Facilities Committee wrapped up their presentation, the board approved phase two of the women’s sports program expansion and bond resolution.

This comes after the Board of Trustees approved an expansion plan for new and upgraded lakefront facilities for lacrosse, gymnastics and rowing earlier this year.

The plan includes a new lacrosse field, artificial turf, and a 9,000-square-foot operations complex, with coaches' offices, locker rooms and other amenities. The gymnastics team will compete at Littlejohn Coliseum, but continue day-to-day operations and practice in a 21,000-square-foot facility home

Graham Neff, middle, Athletic Director, leaves during executive session, after giving a the Clemson Athletics Business Update during the Clemson University Board of Trustees meeting at the School of Business Friday, July 22, 2022.
Graham Neff, middle, Athletic Director, leaves during executive session, after giving a the Clemson Athletics Business Update during the Clemson University Board of Trustees meeting at the School of Business Friday, July 22, 2022.

Director of Athletics Graham Neff also brought attention to the 10,000-square foot athlete recovery center. It will be utilized for both lacrosse and gymnastics programs in addition to the rowing program.

Last year Clemson announced the addition of women’s lacrosse and women’s gymnastics The lacrosse team begins their competition this upcoming year while the gymnastics program will be the year after.

The project is set to be completed in early 2024.

Alexis Hamilton is a Beaufort, SC native covering higher education in the Upstate. Reach her at 727-514-5734 or ahamilton@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Clemson approves phase two of Bryan Mall, women's sports expansion