Clemson City Council has approved funding for Phase 1 of a proposed multi-state-of-the-art facility at Nettles Park.
Parks and Recreation Director Jay Bennett showed the art center site and floor plan at the December 10 city council meeting.
“The project will be executed in two phases,” Bennett explained.
The initial phase focuses on establishing the core arts center facilities and an amphitheater area as a hub for community events and performances.
“It will also include art studios, clay studios, a glaze lab, and an art gallery,” he said.
At an estimated cost of $15 million, the project aims to enhance community cultural services and provide cutting-edge amenities for residents.
The project’s first phase has a budget of $7,139,420, according to Clemson City Council meeting documents.
“Phase 2 of the project, which is currently unfunded, will focus on recreational programming and events,” according to Deputy City of Clemson Administrator Allison Gantte.
The project documents for the facility indicate that spaces will be available for recreation, education, and social gatherings.
Speaking on behalf of the City Council, Gantte said the need for an expanded Art Center and more museum space had been discussed since 2018.
“Unfortunately, the initial expansion proposal did not receive the necessary support and funding to move forward,” she said.
However, renewed interest and revised plans have paved the way for the current approval.
Where will the art facility be housed?
“We plan to construct the state-of-the-art facility on the 32-acre Nettles Park, situated on the northeastern border of Pickens County, extending into Anderson County,” Gantte said.
Nettles Park is a popular recreational area with sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas.
The addition of the art center and museum is expected to complement the existing amenities and attract more visitors.
Mayor Robert Halfacre expressed his enthusiasm for the approved project. “This project represents a significant investment in our community’s cultural future,” he said.
“The upcoming Arts Center will provide expanded opportunities for artistic expression and education for all ages,” Halfacre said. “The planned expansion of the Clemson Area African American Museum will ensure our city’s rich history is preserved and celebrated.”
“This project aligns with our values of inclusivity, cultural enrichment, and engaged living, creating a vibrant and enriching environment for all residents,” he said.
What to know about the expansion construction phase
Clemson Art Center will move into the newly constructed facility shortly after the project’s first phase is completed, according to Gantte.
15,250 square feet will be added in the second phase of the expansion, Bennett said.
“Additionally, the second phase also includes an event center that connects to the arts center and additional parking for sporting events,” he added.
“This phased approach allows for future expansion while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations,” Bennett said.
What to know about the Arts Center schematic design
Lisa Lanni from McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture presented the schematic design of the Arts Center’s expanded facility at the December 10 city council meeting.
The 3D art renderings of the planned state-of-the-art facility showcase a modern and innovative design with sleek lines and open spaces.
The exterior features large wooden panels with glass windows that allow natural light to flood the interior.
Additionally, the renderings highlight versatile performance areas and flexible gallery spaces.
The project plans include an amphitheater to host outdoor performances and community events. It will also benefit the Clemson Area African American Museum.
Clemson Area African American Museum
Gantte said the Clemson Area African American Museum will significantly benefit from the new facility.
“It will have more dedicated space to showcase its exhibits and host cultural events,” Gantte said.
“Currently, the museum shares space with the Arts Center in the Calhoun Bridge Center, which limits its ability to expand its programming and exhibitions,” she said.
“The expanded facility will provide the museum with the resources it needs to enhance its offerings and better serve the community,” Gantte said.
Clemson brought the African American Museum and Art Center
“The City of Clemson brought the Art Center and the Clemson Area African American Museum (CAAAM), which operate as 501 C3 nonprofits, into its fold in 2020,” Gantte said. “Both the Arts Center and the Clemson Area African American Museum are huge assets and play a vital role in enriching our community’s cultural life.”
“Since becoming part of the City, the Arts Center has flourished, with class offerings increasing from 80 in 2021 to 182 in 2024, and registrations soaring from 442 to 1,123,” Gantte said. “This surge in demand necessitates a larger, more modern facility to accommodate expanded programming and better serve the community.”
History of Clemson Area African American Museum
The Clemson Area African American Museum was formerly known as the Morrison Annex, a historically significant building in the community.
Initially serving as an educational facility, it has been transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing African Americans’ rich cultural heritage and contributions to the region.
“This historic building served as Clemson’s only all-Black elementary school during segregation and holds significant cultural importance,” Gantte said. “Recognizing the rich history of the building and the importance of the Museum staying in this building, the city plans to renovate the space after the Arts Center relocates.”
“This will create an estimated 7,800 square feet of dedicated space for the Museum,” she said. “The expansion will allow the museum, currently operating within 400 square feet, to showcase its collections better and host larger exhibits.”
Upcoming exhibits at the Clemson Area African American Museum
“Sincerely, Daniel” is an upcoming exhibit celebrating 50 years of Black student athletic achievements at D.W. Daniel High School.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].
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