University of South Carolina’s Campus Village Ribbon Cutting

The University of South Carolina (USC) hosted a grand opening for its new Campus Village development, which is the largest construction project in the university’s 222-year history. Campus Village is comprised of four state-of-the-art buildings housing a total of 1,800 student residents and also includes dining, retail and learning facilities.

Construction on the $240 million Campus Village development began in May 2019. Located in the south region of campus near the former site of Cliff Apartments, the final design incorporates input from residents, neighborhood groups and the City of Columbia Planning Department.

“This is a great year for USC, a year of growth and potential as we welcome a historic freshman class, by far the largest in our history,” said USC President Michael Amiridis. “This growth proves that our reputation gets even stronger every year, and the reason is because we are committed to sustaining excellence and innovation.”

The four six-story red brick masonry buildings are set among ample greenspace and courtyards, anchored by pedestrian promenades and a clocktower. Each building features innovative study and classroom spaces, community kitchens and suite/pod-style room options.

A new 14,000-square-foot dining hall called The Pavilion is housed inside one of the Campus Village buildings. The Pavilion seats 650 and is open to all USC students. Dining options include customizable pizza, Asian cuisine, vegan, and allergen-free options. The Gamecock General Store is also located in Campus Village, which includes a convenience store, a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop and a Starbucks accessible to the entire community. Campus Village has several living-learning communities, where students can expand their learning in the comfort of their residence halls.

“For several years, USC has been ranked #1 in first-year experience, and therefore the students who live here can be certain that they will have the opportunity to generate wonderful life-long memories while also enhancing their educational experience,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Thad Westbrook. “It is fitting that our largest construction project today will be one that further enhances the student life experience here at USC.”

Transportation is available for students traveling to/from Campus Village to the central campus. Enhanced shuttle service and easy pedestrian access were important factors in the project, as well as additional campus parking.

SC partnered with Charleston, South Carolina-based Greystar to develop the project. Greystar is one of the nation’s largest developers of collegiate properties and will assist with property management. Columbia-based Contract Construction and Atlanta-based Juneau Construction Company oversaw project construction, which was completed on time and budget despite challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. BOUDREAUX, based in Columbia, partnered with WDG, a national leader in student housing, to lead the architectural design, interior design and planning for Campus Village.

“We are excited to celebrate the opening of Campus Village with our long-term partner, the University of South Carolina,” said Bob Faith, founder, chairman and CEO of Greystar. “This best-in-class, live-learn community supporting USC’s growing student body is a result of successful collaboration with university leadership, local residents, students and our design and construction partners.”