McCORMICK, S.C. – The centerpiece building at the oldest secondary educational institution in South Carolina is undergoing a breathtaking restoration. Work has begun on an $8.7-million project to restore historic De la Howe Hall.

The 21,000-square-foot, two-story brick building was built in 1938 but has been vacant since the mission of the former John de la Howe State School was re-imagined in 2019 to become the nation’s only residential high school devoted to agriculture.

A groundbreaking ceremony at De La Howe Hall was held Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m., just prior to commencement exercises for the third graduating class of the Governor’s School for Agriculture.

The John de la Howe campus traces its roots to 1797, when the last will and testament of French physician Dr. John de la Howe provided for the establishment of an agricultural school for boys and girls in the South Carolina backcountry. Through the final years of the former John de la Howe School mission, De la Howe Hall served as the institution’s administration building.

Under the current renovation, De la Howe Hall will be modernized with 21st century educational technology and other modern amenities while retaining its historic character. The newly revitalized building will feature state-of-the-art classroom space and the largest auditorium in McCormick County, offering this rural community and all of western South Carolina a much-needed cultural resource as well as providing seating for school activities.

Kuhlke Construction & Associates Inc. in Augusta, Ga., will serve as general contractor for the De la Howe Hall renovation. Founded in 1947, Kuhlke Construction & Associates has a long history of completing educational and community building projects in the Central Savannah River Area, including the A.R. Johnson Magnet School and T.W. Josey High School in Augusta, as well as the Edgar W. Hagler Boys & Girls Club in Augusta.

The De la Howe Hall project was designed by DP3 Architects of Greenville, S.C. Their success stories in the educational sector include the stunning University Facilities Center at Clemson University, the Simpsonville (S.C.) Arts Center, and the Bailey Hall and Spring Hall renovations at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.