First look: Plans unveiled for SC State’s new 500-bed residence hall

The university recently received the state’s approval to borrow money for the facility’s construction and Truth Hall’s renovation.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University is moving ahead with plans for a new 500-bed residence hall, the next
step in the university’s sweeping campus renewal.

“This residence hall will be a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports both living and learning,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “The design incorporates the amenities students expect for modern campus residency.

“Most importantly, the building also will incorporate modern safety elements, including advanced access controls, integrated camera coverage and secure entry points for residents and guests,” Conyers said.

This week, the university received the state’s permission to use federal bonds to finance the $50 million complex. The 88,700-square-foot building will include a fitness room, computer lab, study area and a small canteen and refreshment area.

Designed by Little Diversified Architectural Consultants, the residence hall tentatively will sit at the corner of Buckley and Naylor Streets across from Oliver C. Dawson Stadium and adjacent to Mitchell Hall. Construction is expected to start in spring 2026 with an estimated opening date in fall 2027. AJAX Construction will build the facility.

“The new residence hall will go a long way toward alleviating the housing crunch at SC State,” Conyers said. “Over the last four years, we have seen tremendous enrollment growth, reaching approximately 3,600 students this fall. Most of our students prefer to live in SC State housing, so the demand exceeds our current capacity.”

SC State has roughly 1,660 beds on the campus and 800 beds in off-campus spaces leased by the SC State Housing Foundation. “By adding 500 beds in the new residence hall in 2027 and restoring Sojourner Truth Hall with 400 beds in 2026, SC State will gain roughly 900 beds.”

Sojourner Truth Hall renovation 

This week, the state also authorized SC State to borrow $10 million to complete the budget for Truth’s renovation. With $10 million in state funding and $5 million in federal funding already in place, the project’s overall budget is $25 million.

Constructed in 1972, the 14-story tower encompasses 135,851 square feet. The existing elevator and fire alarm system are original to the building. The renovation will include new fire suppression and alarm systems, an elevator upgrade, HVAC improvements, a new roof, paint, flooring, and code updates. The building’s lobby, bathrooms and bedrooms will all be improved.

Out of an abundance of caution, SC State stopped using upper floors in 2015 because of limited firetruck access, limiting occupancy to 132 students. This fall, the university took the entire building offline to begin the renovation.

With all 14 floors in use and fire suppression systems in place, the project will ensure the safety of all students housed in Truth. After renovations, the administration expects to house 400 first-year students in the residence hall, helping SC State meet housing demand and support continued enrollment growth.

New privately owned student apartment projects also are in the works near the SC State campus, which will offer upperclassmen more options for off-campus residency.

A campus transformation

• The housing projects are among more than $200 million in major campus construction projects in various phases of development at SC State:
• Construction is underway at the center of campus on a new 94,000-square-foot academic building funded by a $54.7 million state appropriation. The facility was designed by Evoke Studios, the firm behind SC State’s Engineering and Computer Science Complex. Harper General Contractors is managing construction.
• Paragon Builders have commenced construction behind Oliver C. Dawson Stadium on the $1.7 million first phase of SC State’s wellness center initiative. SC State expects completion by the year’s end.
• With $30.3 million in state funding, SC State will replace the Miller F. Whittaker Library with a new library near Leroy Davis Hall. Evoke Studios is providing design services. Thompson Turner Construction will manage construction.
• A $20 million expansion will add 40,000 square feet, including and a new cafeteria, to the recently renovated Kirkland W. Green Student Center. The project is in the design phase with Coast Architects. Thompson Turner will manage construction. SC State expects work to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and to open the expanded facility in fall 2027.
• SC State has been awarded $13 million in state funding to renovate Nance Hall, which will become the home of the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences. Compass 5 Partners, a Labella Company, is providing architectural services. SC State expects work to begin in fall 2026 and to open the remodeled building in fall 2027.
• With $13 million in federal funds and a $2.6 million state match, SC State expects to start construction on the University Transportation Center in 2026.

In addition to the developments on the main campus, SC State’s Public Service and Agriculture Division (PSA) is also expanding its statewide footprint. At Camp Harry E. Daniels in Elloree, the university is developing a new limnology research center focused on freshwater science, aquatic ecosystems and environmental stewardship. Additional facilities are also in the works to support research, demonstration and community outreach.

PSA is also enhancing facilities at its research and demonstration farm in Olar, which plays a key role in agricultural innovation, student training and support for South Carolina’s farmers.