FAIR PLAY, S.C. – South Carolina tourism and state leaders gathered Friday for a ceremonial groundbreaking marking the start of construction on the new South Carolina Welcome Center along Interstate 85. The project, valued at $7.4 million, will replace the aging facility on Highway 11 and serve as a major gateway for motorists traveling from Georgia into the Palmetto State.

The new center will be built by a Gaffney-based construction company and is designed to create a more inviting, modern experience for the millions of visitors who pass through annually.

Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, said the updated location will provide travelers with a first impression that truly reflects the state’s beauty and diversity.

“The new facility will be situated closer to Lake Hartwell than the current welcome center on Highway 11 and will give visitors a taste of all that South Carolina has to offer,” Parrish said.

Showcasing Oconee County’s Natural Beauty

A signature feature of the new Welcome Center will be a water display celebrating Oconee County’s rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.

State Senator Thomas Alexander highlighted the importance of these natural elements, saying they “define Oconee County” and are a key part of what makes the region unique for both residents and visitors.

From 1969 to the Future

The existing Welcome Center was originally built in 1969 and has only undergone one major upgrade — in 1996, ahead of the Atlanta Olympic Games. Officials say the current building no longer meets modern visitor expectations or accessibility standards.

Kevin Kibler, the project manager, described the upcoming transformation:

“The new Welcome Center will be completely different from the current Center, with new upgrades and a new, more inviting design.”

The building will incorporate energy-efficient systems, expanded visitor amenities, updated restroom facilities, and improved parking and accessibility for cars, RVs, and buses.

Timeline and Next Steps

Construction is expected to take just over a year. Once the new Welcome Center is complete, the 56-year-old building will be demolished to create additional parking space for visitors.

Officials hope the upgraded center will not only serve as an information hub but also as an economic driver—encouraging travelers to explore nearby towns, stay longer, and spend more in local communities.

With the project now officially underway, South Carolina leaders believe the I-85 gateway will soon reflect the state’s modern, welcoming image while honoring the natural and cultural heritage that makes it a premier destination.

Originally reported by Dick Mangrum in WNEG Radio.