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University Response on Newry Development

Clemson flag, South Carolina state flag and United States of America flag outside of the Watt Center

Providing Transparency, Clarity and Accountability

Clemson University is committed to transparency and accountability. This site serves as the official source of information regarding Clemson’s involvement in the Newry Development project. Here, you’ll find comprehensive documentation, timelines and clarifications that outline Clemson’s role, governance disclosures and property context.

The University’s involvement was limited to exploring the proposed multidisciplinary research and innovation park as part of the development concept. The University had no involvement in the proposed residential housing component of the project.

Clemson University values its longstanding relationship with Oconee  County. Together, we have achieved meaningful progress – from expanding rural health care to creating pathways for teacher education. Our commitment to South Carolina – and to Oconee County – remains steadfast. We are here to serve the people of this state, and we will continue to advance our land-grant mission of education, research and public service.

Key Facts

Letter sent to Oconee County Council on 12/22 (PDF)
FAQs

Project Timeline

Project timeline - Nov 2023 to date (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Clemson University’s Involvement in the Newry Project

  • What is the Newry Project?

    The Newry Project is a proposed 600-acre multi-use development in Oconee County. It includes residential and commercial components. Clemson University’s sole interest was limited to exploring the possibility of an interdisciplinary research and innovation complex.

  • How was Clemson University involved in the Newry Project?

    Clemson was approached by East Shore South LLC in November 2023 to evaluate the potential for a research park similar to Purdue University’s Discovery Park. The University conducted standard due diligence, including:

    • Initial discussions and email exchanges
    • A benchmarking trip to Purdue in January 2024
    • A site visit in May 2024

    Ultimately, Clemson concluded not to proceed with the research park concept. Conversations regarding the project ended in November 2024.

  • Did Clemson provide funding or endorse the residential development?

    No. Clemson did not provide funding, endorse or participate in any residential development associated with the Newry Project. The University’s interest was strictly in a research park concept.

  • Who is developing the Newry Project?

    The project is held by East Shore South LLC, and the developer is Mark Hart.  

  • What steps did Clemson take during due diligence?
    • November 2023: Initial outreach from Chandler Coggeshall  
    • December 2023–January 2024: Email and Zoom discussions
    • January 18, 2024: Visit to Purdue’s Discovery Park
    • May 2024: Site visit to proposed research park location
    • June–July 2024: Briefings to University committees and Board of Trustees
    • November 2024: Final meeting with developer; no further action taken
  • Did Clemson proceed with the project?

    Though Clemson never received a formal proposal from the Newry team related to the research park, Clemson concluded not to proceed with the research park concept. The University remains committed to its mission as a public land-grant institution to advance projects that benefit South Carolinians.

  • Has Clemson been transparent about its involvement?

    Yes. Clemson has provided requested communications to Oconee County Council and state officials, including a full briefing packet to Senator Thomas Alexander. Those materials are shared on this site.

  • Did President Jim Clements and Trustee Nikki Haley serve on the United Homes Group board?

    Yes, President Clements and Trustee Haley served on the board of directors for United Homes Group. However, UHG was not involved in the Newry Development. Both Clements and Haley resigned from the UHG board in late 2025.

  • Did the Clemson University Foundation (CUF) sell land to alumnus Michael Nieri?

    Back in 2000, the Clemson University Foundation (CUF) purchased around 11 acres of land, including a house, next to the South Carolina Botanical Gardens. The idea was to create a discovery center for the University, but those plans never materialized. In 2012, the house was demolished.

    Several years later in 2016-17, alumnus Michael Nieri expressed an interest in buying the property. Before moving forward, CUF had the land appraised at $25,000 per acre. Ultimately, CUF agreed to sell 8.5 acres to Nieri for $235,000 – above the appraised value of $212,500 – and kept a 2.5-acre buffer next to the Botanical Gardens. Since then, the 8.5-acre has been sold twice, but neither the University nor the Foundation had any involvement in those later transactions. 

Documents

FOIA

If you would like to receive the documents we have shared via FOIA on October 31 and December 22, please email FOIA@clemson.edu and we will forward them to you.

Evaluation of Concept

These are documents that were sent to Clemson from the Newry Development team.

Materials shared with Senator Alexander

These documents are the communications we had with Senator Alexander. He requested information on our communications regarding the Newry Development, enrollment growth, the University’s Long-Range Framework Plan, the University’s Housing and Dining Master Plan and affiliations with United Homes Group or Great Southern Homes.

Public Statements

These are the public statements issued by Clemson, United Homes Group and Developer Mark Hart.

SC Ethics Commission 

Public reporting of disclosure statements can be found on the South Carolina Ethics Commission website. Below are links to the reports of President Jim Clements and Trustee Nikki Haley.

CUF Property

These are documents relating to the sale of the property previously owned by the Clemson University Foundation.