Lexington County has plans to replace school for $50M. Here’s what we know
A Midlands school district may soon build a new elementary school.
The Lexington School District 2 board approved a first reading of a long range facilities plan Thursday.
Among projects like painting, road paving and HVAC improvement are plans for the demolition and replacement of Congaree Elementary School. Congaree Elementary School, located on Ramblin Road, is located just south of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Built in 1959, it has the smallest capacity among Lexington 2 elementary schools, accommodating about 450 students.
The school would be demolished, according to the facilities plan. A new campus built to serve about 800 students, would be erected in its place. It is projected to have a 110,000 square footage. At $450 per square foot, the new school may cost $49.5 million. Fees and inspections are projected at $4 million. Fixtures, furniture and equipment may be about $1.5 million.
Demolition of the existing Congaree Elementary School building could cost about $600,000.
District officials also mentioned at Thursday’s school board meeting that the site may require road improvements by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
An initial timeline calls for project designing to begin this month. Bidding for the project is slated for March 2027, with completion planned for June 2029. However, the plan is not finalized, as it requires additional readings.
Replacing Congaree Elementary has been in the district’s plans since the 2020. With more than 2,000 new residential units expected in South Congaree and Pine Ridge over the next 10 years, district officials said greater capacity is needed.
This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
