Piedmont Construction Group Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for South Georgia State College’s Historic Peterson Hall Renovation
MACON, Ga. - Piedmont Construction Group joined South Georgia State College (SGSC), community leaders, alumni, students, and special guests on Monday, May 18, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Peterson Hall — one of the College’s original campus buildings dating back to 1907–1908.
As the Construction Manager at-Risk for the project, Piedmont Construction Group worked alongside SGSC and Gladwin Vaughn Architecture to thoughtfully restore and modernize the historic facility while preserving the character and legacy that have made Peterson Hall a cornerstone of the Douglas, Georgia, campus for more than a century.
The ceremony welcomed notable guests, including University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. It highlighted the College’s rich history, rooted in community investment and educational opportunity since the founding of the Eleventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School in 1906.
“This project represents far more than a building renovation,” said Adam Berkstresser, VP of Operations for Piedmont Construction. “Peterson Hall is deeply connected to the identity and history of South Georgia State College. It was an honor for our team to help preserve that legacy while delivering a modern learning environment that will serve students for generations to come.”
The renovation transformed the historic facility into a state-of-the-art educational space featuring modern nursing skills and simulation labs, updated instructional spaces, and a dedicated computer lab designed to support online testing and NCLEX-RN preparation. The historic auditorium also remains a centerpiece for student activities, performances, guest speakers, and community events.
Peterson Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout construction, Piedmont Construction Group focused on preserving the building’s historic integrity by replicating original crown molding, refinishing existing hardwood flooring, carefully patching and matching historic brick and mortar, and installing custom windows designed to preserve the original plaster window returns concealed within the walls.
In addition to restoring historic architectural elements, the project included comprehensive infrastructure upgrades such as new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, renovated restrooms, updated lighting and finishes, accessibility improvements, and landscaping enhancements consistent with the aesthetic of SGSC’s campus.
The Peterson Hall renovation also holds historic significance as the final major renovation among the College’s three legacy “Sweetheart Circle” buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“This renovation successfully bridges SGSC’s past and future,” added Berkstresser. “Peterson Hall now stands as a place where history is honored while new opportunities for learning and achievement are created every day.”
The approximately 34,644-square-foot renovation was completed on SGSC’s occupied campus and officially delivered in the spring of 2025.
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ABOUT PIEDMONT CONSTRUCTION GROUP
Piedmont Construction Group fosters the well-being of the entire project team while delivering exceptional construction services that surpass client expectations in time, value, and quality. Headquartered in Macon, Georgia, Piedmont provides construction management, design/build, general contracting, task order, and feasibility services throughout the Southeast. With a strong reputation built on relationships, teamwork, and integrity, Piedmont Construction Group serves educational, governmental, healthcare, commercial, and community-focused clients across the region.