In early Spring 2022, Furman University began its largest construction project to date — a comprehensive renovation of South Housing that will include building a new residence hall and updating four others in the complex devoted to first-year students.
The project will replace Blackwell Hall, relocate the Center for Inclusive Communities into the new hall, and introduce a host of modern amenities in the new and existing halls to support student success, and enhance the first-year experience for Furman students.
Demolition of Blackwell Hall will begin in May 2024 and last through September. The building is named after Furman’s Gordon Williams Blackwell ’32, who became Furman’s eighth president in 1965. The university is discussing ways to continue to honor the former president.
“By reimagining the first-year residence hall from the ground up, we are creating a vibrant student hub, one with new personal and social spaces for students to gather and connect for years to come, setting their trajectory for success at Furman and beyond,” says Furman President Elizabeth Davis. “This project enhances the safety, accessibility, security and privacy components of all the residence halls in South Housing, while also advancing the university’s sustainability goals.”
