North Carolina Construction News staff writer
South Piedmont Community College has broken ground on its new Center for Entrepreneurship, a 49,000-sq. ft. structure designed to support small business development and innovation in Union County and the surrounding region.
The two-story building is being constructed at the front corner of the college’s Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe. It is designed to serve as a resource hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners at various stages of growth.
James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co. Inc. is the general contractor for the project. Construction began June 25 and is scheduled for completion in December 2026.
The center will include:
- Coworking spaces with private offices, suites, and hotdesks
- A 508-seat auditorium for conferences and presentations
- A podcast and videography studio
- A café with a catering kitchen
- An outdoor patio with space for up to 100 people
- A distinctive barrel roof design
Erik Dagenhart, South Piedmont’s construction manager, is overseeing the build. Dagenhart has more than 20 years of construction experience and has worked with the college for three years. He said the site has a dedicated entrance and parking area to minimize disruption to campus activity.
Once complete, the building will be led by Renee Hode, South Piedmont’s director of small business and entrepreneurship. The facility will focus on providing public access to resources, meeting spaces, and programming for small business owners and startups.