University of South Carolina Unveils Campus Master Plan for Expansion and Renovation

The University of South Carolina is on the move, with plans to expand, renovate, and rebuild dorms and academic buildings as part of its new campus master plan. This exciting vision for the future of the Columbia campus comes at a time of consistent growth for the university, with new dorm complexes and development projects already underway.

One of the key projects in the master plan is the rebuild of the McBryde residence hall, a historic dorm on Blossom Street that is in need of a facelift. University leaders are looking to double the dorm’s capacity to accommodate more students in the core campus area. Additionally, plans are in place to add a 150-student wing to the Honors College dorm to keep up with projected growth.

But it’s not just dorms that are getting a makeover. The Rutledge Building and several historic homes near Gambrell Hall are being considered for conversion into residential spaces, offering unique opportunities for student housing and hands-on experience in hospitality programs.

Academic buildings are also on the list for updates, with renovations planned for Thomas Cooper Library and the Science and Technology Building. These improvements will provide students with more study spaces, classrooms, and labs to enhance their academic experience.

Beyond the core campus, the university has ambitious plans for a $300 million medical school campus at the BullStreet District and development along the Congaree River. Trustees have also approved laboratory renovations and upgrades to the Benson building, a former Black school with a rich history.

Overall, the USC Next master plan is a roadmap for the university’s future growth and development. While not every project may come to fruition, the plan sets the stage for a vibrant and dynamic campus that will better serve the needs of students and the community for years to come. President Michael Amiridis summed it up best, saying, “USC Next honors the university’s rich history, while presenting new opportunities to better serve our community in the future.”