Projects | Thompson Construction

Tyger River Elementary School

Written by Thompson Construction | Jun 10, 2025 7:43:33 PM

Thompson Turner Construction served as the CM At-Risk for the new Tyger River Elementary School, a 125,000 SF single-story facility purpose-built to serve 900 students in grades K4 through 5. The project sits on a 40+ acre greenfield site in Duncan, South Carolina, and was delivered as part of Spartanburg School District Five’s bond referendum program, designed to meet the demands of the region’s accelerating growth.

Site development included extensive grading, underground utility installation, stormwater management systems, and roadway infrastructure to support long-term campus operations. A key feature of the civil scope was the construction of a 0.85-mile parent loop road designed to stage large volumes of vehicle traffic without disruption to local public roads. Separate entry points for staff, buses, and parents improve safety and traffic flow.

The school’s layout includes six classroom wings, two art rooms, a full-size gymnasium, and a cafeteria with integrated performance stage. Exterior amenities include multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, secure outdoor learning spaces, and a comprehensive hardscape design to support circulation and gathering areas. Building systems were coordinated for energy efficiency and durability, with modern MEP and low-voltage infrastructure to support current and future instructional technology.

Architecturally, the building references the region’s agricultural heritage with a modern interpretation, blending brick and metal panels with exposed structural elements to balance traditional character and industrial growth. Construction was phased alongside the simultaneous delivery of Wellford Academy, requiring detailed coordination of subcontractor labor and material flow across two active campuses.