Thompson Turner Construction, in partnership with Collins & Almers Architecture, served as CM At-Risk for the historic renovation and adaptive reuse of the McClenaghan School in downtown Florence, SC Originally constructed in 1921, the facility was transformed into Florence One School District’s new home for adult education and administrative offices.
The project involved the comprehensive interior renovation of 42,000 SF within the 60,000 SF structure. All interior partitions were removed, while the existing building shell and roof were preserved. Extensive upgrades included the installation of new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with new energy-efficient windows and interior finishes throughout all three floors. Exterior restoration efforts focused on repairing the building’s historic brick and terracotta masonry.
Located on a constrained downtown site and bordered by occupied buildings on three sides, the project required detailed logistical planning to safely coordinate deliveries, demolition, and construction activities. Thompson Turner self-performed miscellaneous demolition and work required to tie the renovated structure into the adjacent connected building.
This sensitive and complex project preserved the architectural integrity of a century-old school while delivering a modernized, technology-rich facility to support Florence One’s administrative and adult learning functions.