Hood Construction, McMillan Pazdan Smith breaks ground on Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s Conservation Learning Center
December 1, 2025
The teams of Hood Construction & McMillan Pazdan Smith have kicked off construction of the Jane B. Friedman Conservation Learning Center at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Located adjacent to the Saluda Skyride, the almost 9,000 SF facility will further expand educational programs at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, providing more indoor and outdoor classroom space for visitors.
The new Conservation Learning Center will provide an additional environment for innovative educational experiences offered through camps, school field trips, and conferences. Guests will learn more about wildlife and Riverbanks Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts.
Situated alongside the Saluda River, the facility will be an open concept learning area with acoustic walls, a reception area, and floor-to-ceiling bird-friendly glass windows to encourage safety, natural light, and views of the Saluda River.
“Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is committed to nurturing curiosity and inspiring a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and wild places,” said Tommy Stringfellow, president and CEO at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “The Jane B. Friedman Conservation Learning Center will expand Riverbanks’ ability to offer on-site programs such as camps, classroom lessons, and overnight experiences that give future generations hands-on opportunities to explore, learn, and grow as conservation leaders.”
The project team of Riverbanks Zoo, McMillan Pazdan Smith, and Hood Construction have already hit the ground running as the building foundations and slab are complete, and steel erection has begun on site.
“I am very grateful to be working on my second project for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. As a proud member, the incredible work they do each and every day in wildlife care, conservation efforts, education, and awareness is an important service to our community, to our state, and to our planet,” said Chris Sinclair, Hood Construction Project Manager. “This facility will be another tool to assist in those efforts and enhance the already outstanding guest experience and family fun atmosphere Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is known for, which continues to attract visitors from all over the world”.
“It is a great honor to continue our design partnership with the leadership team at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. RBZ’s team offers an incredible service, providing lifelong learning experiences to our young people,” said Todd Sease, Principal, Architect, McMillan Pazdan Smith. “This facility will enhance the work of the Riverbanks Zoo Education Team and encourage curiosity, creativity, and a heightened awareness of sustainability and conservation among all users.”
The Jane B. Friedman Conservation Learning Center plans to open in the fall of 2026.
To watch this project live, click here.
About Hood Construction
Hood Construction Company was founded in 1986 as a full-service Construction Management firm, currently licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Now in its 39th year, Hood specializes in CM-R and Design-Assist Delivery, Pre-construction Consulting, Site Analysis, Project Management, and General Contracting for a broad spectrum of commercial and industrial clients. For more information, please visit us online at www.hoodconstruction.com.
About McMillan Pazdan Smith
McMillan Pazdan Smith is an architecture, advisory services, planning, and interior design firm with 11 studios throughout the Southeast. As a community-based firm, MPS is driven by a collaborative culture, creative client solutions, and design excellence. With over 100 AIA awards since 2000, the firm’s purpose is to reimagine what’s possible and create meaningful and lasting impact for the good of all. www.mcmillanpazdansmith.com
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.
