Historic campus renovations require construction teams to balance preservation requirements with upgrades to building performance, accessibility and modern technology. Harper General Contractors' renovation of the Tillman Hall Auditorium at Clemson University has received a 2026 South Carolina Historic Preservation Honor Award.
The 14,000-square-foot auditorium renovation was completed in 2024. The project retained the historic character of the Clemson University facility while introducing updated technology, accessibility improvements and modernized building systems.
Harper General Contractors delivered the renovation in coordination with Clemson University, Lord Aeck Sargent and participating trade partners. The work required the project team to integrate contemporary building improvements within an established historic structure.
Renovating older institutional facilities can require careful coordination between preservation objectives and current building requirements. Accessibility improvements and updated mechanical, electrical and other building systems must be incorporated without compromising significant architectural elements.
The Tillman Hall project provides an example of this approach in a higher-education setting, where preserving an existing campus landmark can be combined with improvements needed for continued building use.
Recognition for the Clemson project highlights the role of construction and design teams in extending the useful life of historic institutional buildings. For owners of universities and other older facilities, similar renovation programs can provide a path to improve accessibility, technology and building systems while retaining existing architectural character.
Source: Harper General Contractors.
