Oconee Hall
The renovation and expansion of Oconee Hall at Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) in Pendleton, SC, is a project designed to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff. The project increased the facility’s size by 44%, growing from 34,000 square feet to 49,000 square feet. The revitalized Oconee Hall, originally opened in 1980, is now ready to serve TCTC for another generation of learners.
Key features of the newly designed Oconee Hall include state-of-the-art classrooms, a faculty neighborhood, designated collaboration spaces, and a new rooftop terrace. The design intent was focused on creating a welcoming and collaborative environment that encourages students to spend more time on campus, fostering a sense of community and enhancing academic success. The building’s modern aesthetic complements the college’s brand refresh while maintaining harmony with the surrounding campus architecture.
The renovation involved significant demolition, including gutting the interior of the three-story building down to its structural steel. All exterior walls were removed, with the exception of the two existing stair towers. Parker Auditorium, attached to the building, also underwent a complete overhaul, with existing seating and flooring removed. A new connector between Oconee Hall and Parker Auditorium was added, along with a new east stair tower and expansion on the building’s north side.
Site improvements enhanced aesthetics and improved accessibility, featuring a new retaining wall, access lanes, stormwater management systems, and a new courtyard complete with site lighting, landscaping, and hardscaping. These enhancements improve the building’s overall functionality and helped integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding campus environment. TCTC’s welding students contributed to the project by fabricating the large “TCTC” letters that now stand at the plaza entrance.
The renovation and expansion of Oconee Hall achieved two Green Globe certifications, reflecting the College’s commitment to sustainability. By retaining 87% of the original structural steel and incorporating energy-efficient systems, the project prioritized environmental responsibility while delivering a modern, high-performing facility.
As the busiest building on the Pendleton campus, with approximately 80% of students taking at least one class there, Oconee Hall serves as a central hub for academic life. Creating a modern, flexible, and collaborative environment supports TCTC’s mission to build strong communities through education. The thoughtful design, innovative use of space, and emphasis on sustainability have resulted in a facility that focuses on the student experience and their success for generations to come.
