Byrnes Hall welcomes students home after renovation

After more than 13 months of intense renovation, Byrnes Hall roared back to life lastweek when 443 first-year students moved into the sparkling high-rise to begin their Clemson experience.

Byrnes, the first residence hall to be renovated as part of the Bryan Mall High Rise Renovation Project, underwent significant structural and aesthetic upgrades to align with Clemson Elevate's "No. 1 Student Experience" pillar. Roomy social and big-screen study spaces anchor the interior of each floor with new common areas throughout the building, reflecting a focus on accessibility and togetherness. Modern "wet core" bathrooms feature a shower, sink and toilet in each "pod" with a locking door, and the building's original mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems were upgraded or replaced as well.

Current and former Clemson staff toured Byrnes on August 8 before students moved in.

"This project really is an opportunity to strengthen Clemson's unique student experience for generations to come," said Kathy Bush Hobgood, associate vice president of auxiliary enterprises. "Housing & Dining's master planning process has included a mix of new construction, like Douthit Hills and the 2016 Core Campus project and renovations of Calhoun Courts and Lightsey Bridge that have maintained existing spaces for student life. As Clemson continues to evolve its long-range facilities planning as part of Clemson Elevate, environments where students live, eat and learn remain in the forefront of consideration."

A new glass-enclosed corner staircase allows all residents to take in breathtaking views of central campus. A shared kitchen area on the ground floor provides a communal hangout space, and resident groups can take advantage of the meeting room down the hall.

Clemson Home welcomed current and retired staff to check out the renovations on August 8. Groups toured the renovated rooms and reminisced with old colleagues. Byrnes, opened in 1970, owes much to the hardworking employees who kept the space clean and functional over the last 54 years.

"I'm proud of the work it took to keep the building going," said Hobgood. "We're fortunate to have dedicated employees who have cared so very much about the students and the space."

Work has already begun on Manning Hall, the next Bryan Mall high-rise to undergo renovation. The Manning renovation will operate on an a similarly aggressive timeline, using the mobilization and lessons learned from Byrnes to complete work by Fall 2025, with Lever to follow in Fall 2026.

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