Thompson Turner Construction served as CM At-Risk for the adaptive reuse of the historic 1908 Poynor School in Florence, SC, transforming the 58,600 SF Neoclassical building into the School of Innovation in Healthcare. This is a state-of-the-art learning environment offering career-focused healthcare education in partnership with McLeod Health, MUSC Florence, and HopeHealth.
The adaptive renovation of the historic Poynor School, a 58,600 SF, three-story Neoclassical Georgian Revival building constructed in 1908, transformed this National Register–listed landmark into the School of Innovation in Healthcare, supporting career-focused instruction in partnership with McLeod Health, MUSC Florence, and HopeHealth.
The renovation included the creation of 18 instructional spaces, two conference rooms, and a 400-seat auditorium. Additional scope included building system upgrades, replacing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm and suppression systems. Envelope improvements involved full roof replacement and historic window restoration. The team, including design partner Collins & Almers Architecture, also reconfigured interior spaces to create medical instruction labs, updated administrative offices, and ADA-compliant restrooms and egress routes.
Exterior enhancements included upgraded hardscaping, fencing, and landscaping. Thompson Turner demolished the defunct Florence 1 Schools district office next door to provide parking for the new school.
Designed to support high school students pursuing healthcare careers, the new school offers project-based learning and certifications aligned with partner clinical facilities. The facility now provides foundational training for roles in clinical support, nursing, phlebotomy, and beyond, allowing students to enter the workforce or pursue postsecondary education upon graduation.
