You'll notice a few changes around campus this fall. Throughout the summer, teams across the University of South Carolina's Facilities management organizations continued making progress on major projects across campus.
From new residence halls and renovated academic spaces to expanded research facilities, these projects — most of them tied to the campus master plan USC Next — represent important investments in the university's future.
Here's a look at some of the buildings and spaces taking shape ahead of the Fall 2026 semester.
Major projects gain momentum
This summer, two initiatives reached key milestones with the Board of Trustees' Phase I approval.
Planning is now underway for the future renovation and expansion of Russell House. Current plans include replacing the Thomson Building and the aging west wing with new additions that would expand the student union, create a larger ballroom, provide additional space for student organizations, modernize gathering spaces and address long-term infrastructure needs.
The university's new Civil Rights Center also received approval to move forward. Located east of the historic Booker T. Washington Building, the center will serve as a hub for scholarship, teaching, exhibitions, archives and community engagement while complementing the renovated Booker T. Washington Auditorium.
A new residential community takes shape
Construction continues on the university's newest residential community along Sumter Street.
Demolition is well underway, with two McBryde buildings now removed, paving the way for a new state-of-the-art residence hall, The Commons at Carolina. The residence hall, paired with the construction of a new wing of the Honors College residence, will ultimately add over 1,000 beds the heart of campus when both open in Fall 2028.
Utility installation is also progressing and Sumter Street remains closed between Blossom and Greene streets during construction.
Academic buildings begin their next chapter
Several campus landmarks are preparing for renovations that will modernize infrastructure and create more welcoming spaces for learning, research and collaboration.
A significant renovation is coming to Thomas Cooper Library. Beginning during Spring Break 2027, the multi-phase project will create modern, student-centered spaces while upgrading HVAC systems to improve comfort, air quality and building performance. Construction will take place in phases over three to four years.
McKissick Museum is also preparing for a major transformation. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and will modernize the historic building while adding classrooms, student study areas, a café and a reimagined Welcome Center.
Barnwell College is set for a considerable renovation that will modernize building systems and create updated learning environments for students and faculty. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with improvements including restored natural light, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced building performance.
Enhancing the campus experience
In addition to major construction projects, Facilities completed several improvements this summer to make campus more accessible, sustainable and welcoming.
Accessibility upgrades included the completion of elevator replacements at the College of Nursing, while work is now underway to replace elevators at the School of Music. Restroom renovations are also in progress in Sloan College and the Jones Physical Science Building to improve usability.
Campus landscaping also saw significant enhancements. A new Oak Garden has been established between Preston College and Pinckney-Legare Hall, with additional plantings planned for this fall. Nearby, Facilities has begun a major rejuvenation of the gardens surrounding the Berringer House in collaboration with the Anne Frank Center, with the project expected to be completed later this fall.
To support sustainability and convenience, additional outdoor water bottle filling stations have also been installed near Russell House.
Investing in research and innovation
The university continues to invest in research facilities that will support future discovery and collaboration.
Construction on the Health Sciences Campus remains on schedule for completion before the Fall 2027 semester. Interior framing is complete, the monumental staircase has been installed and work continues on mechanical systems, masonry and exterior glazing.
Planning is also advancing for the future STEM Building, which will feature flexible innovation spaces, wet, damp and dry laboratories, idea-pitch areas, a potential research greenhouse, a café and a district energy plant. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027.
The future is taking shape at USC
These projects represent long-term investments in the places where students live and learn, faculty teach and researchers make new discoveries. As construction continues and additional phases move forward, each project helps shape a campus that better supports the university community.
To learn more about campus construction projects and capital improvements, visit the USC Facilities website.