ACADEMY HALL OPENS
Gymnasium built in 1939 open as city event space for public use
Simpsonville, S.C. — Simpsonville officials and community leaders gathered on Oct. 10 to celebrate the official opening of Academy Hall with a ribbon cutting.
Built as a gymnasium in 1939 for Simpsonville high and elementary schools, Academy Hall was renovated in 2024 with hotel and accommodations taxes. Renovations include new HVAC, lighting and electrical systems, refinishing of preserved original hardwood floors, original bleachers, locker rooms converted into a catering kitchen and ADA accessible bathroom and new doors and paint.
Academy Hall is open for public use for various occasions, including weddings and receptions, family reunions, galas, parties and more. For information about renting Academy Hall, please call the Simpsonville Arts Center at 864-399-6635.
Councilwoman of Ward IV and Mayor pro tem Sherry Roche gave brief remarks at the event on Thursday.
"In a time where it is often the practice of tearing down historic buildings to make way for modern uses, our City made this concerted and successful effort to repurpose this historic property and, in the process, created something truly special for our community," Roche said. "While it took some time and great efforts by many, the City remained steadfast in its commitment to bringing this 1939 building back to life and back to our citizens."
