Students in Clemson University’s Master of Real Estate Development program recently presented comprehensive development proposals for a Greenville site during the program’s annual practicum at Greenville ONE, home to Clemson’s graduate programs in real estate development.
The presentations showcased months of research, planning and analysis focused on a 45-acre site at the corner of Salters Road and Verdae Boulevard in Greenville. Working in teams alongside a practicing architect, students developed real-world solutions for the property, creating proposals that incorporated residential, commercial and mixed-use development opportunities.
The practicum serves as the signature capstone experience for students in Clemson’s MRED program and represents the most comprehensive project they complete during their graduate studies. Drawing on coursework in finance, planning, design, construction and market analysis, student teams develop full-scale proposals for active development opportunities while working through the same challenges faced by industry professionals.
“The practicum represents the culmination of the MRED experience,” said Todd Usher, Ph.D., professor and director of the Master of Real Estate Development program. “Students are challenged to integrate concepts from across the curriculum while working on an active site with real-world constraints and opportunities. It is an opportunity for them to demonstrate both the technical skills and professional judgment required in the development industry.”
Under the guidance of Usher, students applied classroom knowledge to a real development opportunity provided through a partnership with Verdae Development. Throughout the semester, teams evaluated market conditions, analyzed financial feasibility, developed site plans and created implementation strategies designed to balance economic opportunity, community needs and long-term viability.
The resulting proposals reflected the interdisciplinary nature of real estate development and the collaboration required to bring complex projects from concept to completion. Each team was tasked with creating a comprehensive development strategy supported by market research, financial modeling, construction timelines and site planning considerations.
Faculty members, industry professionals and project stakeholders attended the presentations, providing students with an opportunity to present their recommendations and receive feedback from experienced practitioners. The event highlighted the strong connections between Clemson’s MRED program and the real estate industry while helping students strengthen the professional skills required for successful careers in development.
Located in downtown Greenville, Greenville ONE serves as a hub for Clemson’s graduate programs and industry engagement efforts in the Upstate. For MRED students, the practicum exemplifies the program’s commitment to experiential learning, connecting academic theory with professional practice through projects that address real-world development challenges.
As Clemson continues to prepare future leaders in real estate development, the annual practicum remains a defining experience within the program, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge, engage with industry partners and contribute innovative ideas for communities across South Carolina and beyond.
