The University's equestrian team is moving toward having a permanent home, but it likely won't have to saddle up its horses.

The athletics department is in the process of gathering appraisals and environmental studies on One Wood Farm, the Blythewood facility where the women's equestrian team has trained and competed for several years. The University Development Foundation purchased the 28-acre farm for about $700,000 and has leased it to the athletics department. Purchasing the facility from the foundation will end the lease payments and permanently establish the team's competition venue.

In addition to receiving that report, the University's Buildings and Grounds Committee approved a plan to use about $700,000 in Sodexho dining services funds to renovate the Top of Carolina facility at Capstone in summer 2008. The revolving restaurant atop the 18-story residence hall has been an icon in Columbia since it was built in 1967. The facility was used for 32 Sunday brunches and 44 catered University events in the past fiscal year.

"We're planning to replace carpet, window treatments, and the heating/cooling system along with making the facility ADA accessible," said Rick Kelly, vice president for business and finance.

After renovations are completed, Top of Carolina will be the venue for catered events throughout the academic year, said Michael Scheffres, general manager of University dining services. Sunday brunch at the facility is open to the public during the fall and spring semesters.

In other business, trustees approved training room renovations at Williams-Brice Stadium, using space in the former 7,000-square-foot weight room. The $495,000 project will be paid for with athletic funds and is part of the long-term planning for the stadium.

Also approved was a two-year plan by USC Upstate to acquire, construct, and renovate student housing. The campus plans to purchase from the Carolina Piedmont Foundation for $13.5 million the 348-bed Palmetto House, a three-year old freshman residence hall.

The campus also plans to build an identical housing facility to complement Palmetto House and extensively renovate Palmetto Villas, a residential complex for non-freshmen. The $2 million renovation will upgrade kitchens, bathrooms, and furniture. The total project will result in 1,100 beds for the campus.

"We're expecting 800 freshmen this fall and 700 transfer students," said John Stockwell, USC Upstate's chancellor. "We might begin requiring freshmen to live on campus if they live more than 50 miles away."

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