Richland County officials are moving forward with plans to reconfigure campus properties, focusing on the demolition of several buildings and the potential for redevelopment. During a recent Campus Reconfiguration Committee meeting, discussions centered on the removal of the library and classroom buildings, with recommendations from SEH, a consulting firm, to also consider the Science Building for demolition.

The committee aims to initiate the demolition process before winter to mitigate costs associated with heating and maintenance. Members emphasized the importance of cutting utilities to the targeted buildings as a preliminary step. The estimated costs for demolition are projected to be between $200,000 and $300,000, and the committee plans to seek bids for the work, potentially bundling the library and classroom demolitions for efficiency.

In addition to demolition, the committee is exploring the future use of the campus land. There is a strong desire to ensure that some areas remain available for future expansion, particularly for Simons, a local entity. The committee discussed the need for clear boundaries and a vision for the property, which may include recreational trails and facilities.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the update on a redevelopment grant application, with hopes to submit it by the end of the week. The committee is keen to utilize the full $2 million available, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively for both demolition and potential redevelopment projects.

As the committee continues to navigate these changes, they are also considering community input and the long-term vision for the campus, aiming to enhance the area while addressing immediate needs. The next steps include finalizing the demolition plans and engaging with SEH to clarify property boundaries and future development possibilities.