South Carolina State University is making significant strides to address its housing crisis with the nearing completion of three remodeled buildings in the Queens Village student apartment complex. This project marks the beginning of broader initiatives to accommodate the university’s unprecedented enrollment growth.
A Renovated Queens Village
“Reopening Queens Village is just the first of many developments underway at SC State to allow us to house more students and keep up with the university’s phenomenal enrollment growth,” SC State President Alexander Conyers stated. “Interest in the excellence SC State has to offer is at an all-time high, so we must respond to the demand with additional housing.”
The current renovations include roof updates, utility infrastructure, and interior finishes. Four two-bedroom suites, each accommodating eight students, are increasing the housing capacity of these units by 24 beds. Students have been provided temporary accommodations until the units are ready for occupancy.
In addition to the Queens Village remodel SC State is advancing two other housing projects.
New 500-Bed Residence Hall
The university has received initial approval to build a 500-bed residence hall. Financing will come through the federal HBCU Capital Financing Program, which offers low-cost capital to enhance HBCU infrastructure. Administrators expect to begin interviews for design services at the end of January, with plans to construct the facility next to Mitchell Hall, aiming for completion by 2026.
Sojourner Truth Hall Renovation
Funded by the State of South Carolina, the $15 million renovation of the 14-story Truth Hall is scheduled to kick off in May. The lower floors will remain open during the Spring 2025 Semester to preserve necessary bed space. Renovations will include adding a fire suppression system, allowing the reopening of upper floors for additional residential space by Spring 2026.
The Queens Village initiative and these additional projects form a more significant investment exceeding $200 million for SC State, reflecting state and federal support for the university’s infrastructure improvements. Conyers expressed gratitude for this backing, emphasizing the transformative nature of these developments. “To say this is a transformational period in SC State history is an understatement. Our students deserve the same level of amenities they see at other institutions, and our lawmakers have made great strides in bringing that vision to reality,” he said.
… And More
Alongside housing enhancements, SC State is also undertaking exciting academic and student service projects. These include renovating the Kirkland W. Green Student Center and constructing a new 94,000-square-foot academic building and university library. State funding is also fueling the development of a new health and wellness center, with a planned footprint of 45,000 square feet, and the James E. Clyburn Transportation Center.
With an extensive list of renovations and new constructions in the pipeline, SC State University is clearly committed to providing its students with modern facilities that meet their needs and uphold a vibrant campus life.
This article sources information from SC State University.