Claflin University recently announced its plans to build a new facility that will be consistent with Claflin’s elevation and transformation of the campus community and while improving the lives of residents throughout Orangeburg County.
The corner of Magnolia Street and Goff Avenue’s current landscape offers a view of two homes surrounded by trees, bushes, and other plants. However, in 2023, the area will be the site of Claflin’s new Student and Community Center.
Claflin Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Tijuana Hudson said the new facility is another example of why this an exciting time in Claflin's history.
“When we see construction, that always means progress; when we’re building, that always means progress,” Hudson said during a virtual meeting held to announce the new project.
According to Hudson, groundbreaking for the facility will take place this year. Claflin hopes the construction will be completed and that the facility will be ready for operations in early 2023.
“You’ll start to notice activity in the area," she said. "The demolition of the properties we purchased for the site of new Student and Community Center will begin next month.”
She cited several features of the facility that reaffirm Claflin’s commitment to playing a prominent role in Orangeburg’s economic development.
“The estimated $23 million project will have three levels, each offering spaces for students and the community,” Hudson said. “On the first floor and through the doors of the covered drop-off, you’ll enter into the food court. We could have four different eateries in this area who will be accessible to students and the community.”
Hudson described the facility as a student center/community center because many of the amenities are open to the community, as well. She added that one of the primary purposes of the center from the University’s perspective is to centralize student services in one location. This includes the campus bookstore, university pantry, and a hair care center. Indoor and outdoor lounge areas are planned for the first floor. The first floor also will provide a form of entertainment that residents and visitors to Orangeburg have done without for far too long.
“One of the major components of the new center be the auditorium/movie theater,” Hudson said. We are very excited about this because presently,there are no movie theaters in Orangeburg. We envision “Movie Night” for the students, but the auditorium/movie theater will be available to the local community. They will be able to rent the space to show movies or host other events.”
The second floor will be the site for more student services such as the offices for career services, student activities, residential life, student government, online student resource center, and the Paw Print Center. Residents of the community will be able pay for the printing and copying services provided by the Paw Print Center. Community organizations will also be able to rent space in a media room. The presidential dining room will be another feature of the second floor.
On the third floor will be a large ballroom, arcade, and, E-sports room. The ballroom will have a seating capacity of 800 guests.
"There’s no other venue in Orangeburg that can seat that many people," Hudson said. The ballroom will be open to community organizations to host events. There will no longer be a need to leave Orangeburg to hold large event. This will fill a big void in the Orangeburg community.”
Hudson said the arcade and E-sports room will provide activities and entertainment for Claflin students.However, these areas will be accessible to students and youth who participate in summer camps and other community outreach programs held on the campus.
Hudson said feedback regarding the project has been positive.
Orangeburg City Councilwoman Dr. Liz Zimmerman Keitt attended the virtual meeting. She expressed excitement for the new project.
“I just would like to really commend Dr. Warmack, the trustees and all the officers who had a part in this, and the alumni. We really appreciate the vision of just knowing that we will have something so attractive,” said Keitt, a 1970 Claflin graduate.[Bradley Harris/Times and Democrat]