Columbia, S.C. — Clemson University Trustees have approved concept plans to build a $123.5 million student housing, retail and activity hub on the east entrance to campus. The facility will house upperclassmen and graduate students and will also host a living community for students enrolled in the Bridge to Clemson transfer collaboration with Tri-County Technical College. The project will be financed by bonds.

“The site is the front door of Clemson,” James F. Barker, university president, said in a released statement. “It will be the first impression of Clemson for many people, so it’s essential we do it right.” Construction will begin in 2013 with a fall 2015 opening date.