HARPER GENERAL CONTRACTORS
K-12 EDUCATION EXPERIENCE
#288 ENR TOP 400 CONTRACTORS
0.59 2024 EMR RANKING
400+ HARPER GC EMPLOYEES
LARGEST GC HEADQUARTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA
FIRM OVERVIEW
Harper is a full-service general contracting and construction management firm headquartered in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. An award-winning company, Harper consistently receives recognition in the areas of quality, safety, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.
Throughout our seven decade history, we have had the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with clients across the Upstate. By bringing to life the vision of our clients, Harper leaves a lasting impression on members of the community. The core of our company is geared toward collaborating with owners and design professionals in an open and transparent manner, enabling the owner to know how every project dollar is being invested.
In addition to the impact we have had in the Upstate of South Carolina, we’re bringing that same talent, innovation, and expertise to other cities throughout the Southeast. That doesn’t happen without dedicated, hard-working, experienced, effective, and honorable people. For us at Harper, our reputation, the way we conduct our business, and the way we treat you and each other is paramount. And that same level of respect, care and honor that goes into our relationships goes into every single project we’re awarded, as well.
MARKETS
OUR PEOPLE
At Harper, our people are our greatest resources. We employ some of the most talented, trustworthy, and dedicated professionals across the Southeast,
DAVID WISE PRESIDENT & CEO DWISE@HARPERGC.COM
David began his career at Harper in 1990 and currently serves as Harper’s President & CEO. His work as President & CEO is focused on building up our clients and teammates with an investment of time, detail, passion for leadership development, and integrity. As President & CEO, he feels a profound sense of responsibility to provide for the health and overall well-being of his Harper teammates. His objective is to always have a culture where Harper people and their ideas can flourish so they enjoy a sense of dignity and satisfaction as they perform their work, and flourish at home with their families and in our community.
MATT JOHNSON VP, OPERATIONS MJOHNSON@HARPERGC.COM
Serving as Harper’s Vice President of Operations, Matt provides oversight and direction to the Harper project management team. Matt is a gifted communicator and detail-oriented executive with a passion for leadership and building. He is active in both the coordination and execution of our project management team, ensuring our Harper project team delivers a great outcome for our clients, every time.
HOOTIE SOLESBEE VP, PRECONSTRUCTION SERVICES
JSOLESBEE@HARPERGC.COM
Hootie is Vice President of Preconstruction Services and brings more than 19 years of experience as a construction professional. His career began at Harper after graduating from Clemson University in 2006 with a BS in Construction Science. From Assistant Project Manager to Spartanburg Office Director to now Vice President and Shareholder, Hootie is invested in Harper. He has extensive experience in the healthcare, sports, commercial, and education market sectors, and is actively involved in the community, serving on multiple non-profit boards. Hootie looks to carry on the legacy of his grandfather who built his career and reputation in the construction industry in Spartanburg.
Southeast, ready to work with our clients to make their project vision come to life.
PEYTON HOWELL, LEED AP
SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
PHOWELL@HARPERGC.COM
As Senior Business Development Manager for Harper, Peyton brings over 26 years of comprehensive experience in the construction industry. Utilizing his experience from project management, preconstruction, and business development, Peyton represents Harper to identify, develop, and maintain lasting business relationships for our Business Development Team. Priority is placed on earning client trust and ensuring that Harper clients obtain a rewarding construction experience.
RIP MAJOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
RIP.MAJOR@HARPERGC.COM
Rip Major brings extensive industry knowledge and experience to the Business Development team. With over 15 years of experience in construction material sales and commercial real estate, he is exceptionally knowledgeable and committed to sourcing quality, long-lasting relationships with clients and diversifying our markets. He excels in identifying new opportunities for our team through strategic research, analysis, and networking. A graduate of Clemson University, Rip is known for his passion for the Upstate area, friendly demeanor, and team-focused mindset, always seeking opportunities to build trust within our company and community.
MATTHEW HANCOCK
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MATTHEW.HANCOCK@HARPERGC.COM
A Clemson University alumni and a native of the Upstate, Matthew Hancock offers a fresh perspective and local values to our Business Development team. His role involves discovering new opportunities, nurturing existing relationships, and supporting the Business Development team as a bridge between Harper, design partners, and clients. Matthew has a natural ability to form connections with his peers, an eagerness to engage within the marketplace, and a keen eye for business procurement.
Matthew is a member of the Clemson Friday Lunch Club and is an active participant in the Greenville community.
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Harper General Contractors during the construction of the new Fountain Inn High School and am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation based on our experience working together. During the eighteen-month construction period, Harper served as the General Contractor while I led the design team as the Project Manager and Principal in Charge. In my 23 years of experience as a design professional, Harper’s passion for project success, construction oversight skills, and field experience stand out as exemplary.”
CHARLES GUNNING, ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP BD+C PRINCIPAL for CRAIG GAULDEN DAVIS
SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ADDITION
SIMPSONVILLE, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk to construct a 63,324 SF addition to the east side of Southside Christian School. The addition includes classroom neighborhoods for kindergarten through 5th grade, an art room, music room, multi-purpose rooms, and a band room. Each classroom neighborhood includes four classrooms, a common area, and therapy room. Harper constructed a new interior stair well to connect to the existing school as well as an exterior stairwell for emergency egress. Construction included new car line lanes, access roads, parking spaces, and storm water management.
CAMPERDOWN ACADEMY
GREENVILLE, SC | DESIGN-BUILD
Harper was selected by Camperdown Academy to serve as the Design-Build contractor to build a new school for their growing needs. Camperdown Academy provides a tailored education for dyslexic children from first through eighth grade, creating a learning environment conducive to their alternative learning style and preparing them for a lifetime of education.
The project consisted of a 32,000 SF new school on an 8-acre site. The scope included full site work and utilities, new roadways, asphalt paving, and playing fields. The school is designed around learning ages and specialties, including first and second grade wings, along with focal spaces for math and sciences. Beyond 21 classrooms, the school features 21 individual tutor rooms, teacher work spaces, nurse and administration areas, a library, multi-purpose art/music/ drama room, and a full gymnasium. The exterior is composed of brick and precast concrete and is accented with a beautiful timber canopy that wraps two sides of the building.
DR. PHINNIZE J. FISHER MIDDLE SCHOOL
GREENVILLE, SC | DESIGN-BID-BUILD
Fisher is a 179,000 SF three-story middle school with the first-ever STEAM designation for Greenville County Schools. STEAM represents a curriculum focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. This has led to the intentional incorporation of systems and facilities like a net zero greenhouse facility, a wind harvest system for power, solar panels for hot water, and a low impact storm water collection system.
As a Design-Bid-Build project, Harper was not brought to the project until construction documents were completed. Due to budget constraints, significant value engineering was performed. The Harper team worked with Greenville County and the design team to perform MEP systems and materials analysis and offer value engineering opportunities of $1.05MM to bring the project within budget.
With approximately six weeks of weather delays, Harper worked extra hours and utilized a phased construction approach by constructing multiple parts of the project at the same time. This allowed students to be in the building by August for the start of the school year. The project was on schedule and was delivered within the updated GMP.
PONTIAC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDITION
ELGIN, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk for the addition and renovation project of Pontiac Elementary School. The addition consisted of a new, dual use 8,400 SF Media Center and Art Room. Renovations to the school included improvements to the Upper and Lower Montessori Classrooms, transforming the existing Media Center into a new Multi-Purpose Gym, and replacement of the existing HVAC equipment throughout the existing school. Sitework performed consisted of extending the existing drop off/ pick up car loop and adding an additional pickup lane. The staff parking lot received improvements, and the school’s courtyard surrounding the new Media Center and Art Room was updated and improved accordingly.
FOUNTAIN INN HIGH SCHOOL
FOUNTAIN INN, SC | DESIGN-BID-BUILD
Harper was selected as the prime contractor to construct the new Fountain Inn High School, which accommodates 1,000 high school students, with the added benefit of being able to expand to hold 2,000 as the City of Fountain Inn grows. The 230,000 SF space features specialized labs and project-based learning facilities to integrate the STEAMbased advanced manufacturing education curriculum. The high school also includes a gym, classrooms, art space, administration offices, theatre, and kitchen. These academic studios border central common areas to encourage collaboration while allowing teachers to maintain visual control. This area features roll up doors and moveable walls enabling expanded classroom space. The site includes paved circular traffic areas for student drop off along with teacher (88 spaces) and student (381 spaces) parking lots and areas where additional parking can grow with future students. Includes a fire loop paved road around the entire campus for fire truck access. The school also offers two practice fields, a baseball field, a softball field, a football stadium with track and field, and four tennis courts.
WREN MIDDLE SCHOOL
ANDERSON, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk to complete Wren Middle School’s new 155,600 SF replacement facility built on the existing site. Phase I included two separate two-story facilities for 6th and 7th grade with classrooms, collaborative spaces, science labs, guidance counselors’ offices, and administrative offices for each grade level. The design involved a new collaborative learning stair, media center, and administrative offices. Phase I included renovating an existing 8th grade wing and was completed in June 2020.
Phase II included the construction of a new cafeteria/kitchen, gymnasium, and Gateway to Technology classrooms.
Phase III included state-of-the-art music and art rooms and elective classrooms. Throughout all the spaces and phases, flexibility is a high priority with mobile chairs and tables creating adaptable spaces.
DRAYTON MILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SPARTANBURG, SC | CM AT-RISK
Spartanburg School District 7 employed the use of the CM At-Risk approach for the first time when setting out to build a new 130,000 SF elementary school to allow for future growth up to 800 students. District 7 selected Harper to serve as CM At-Risk for the project and guide them through this new procurement method. Harper provided preconstruction, site preparation, and construction services for the new state-of-the-art Drayton Mills Elementary School, in the Upstate of South Carolina. Built on approximately 17 acres in the Drayton community, replacing Houston and Chapman elementary schools, the new school includes a fine arts area, media center, playgrounds, multi-purpose field, cafeteria, and student support spaces. The two-story steel framed structure contains light gauge metal framing, dry wall, storefront, and brick veneer. Notably, the school was constructed with an eye toward energy efficiency and sustainability meeting the Green Globe standards.
RUDOLPH GORDON SCHOOL K-8 ADDITION & RENOVATION
SIMPSONVILLE, SC | DESIGN-BID-BUILD
Harper was selected by Greenville County Schools to construct the Rudolph Gordon K-8 facility, a STEAM focused school. As a qualified bid project, Harper was not brought on to the project until construction documents were completed. However, a short value engineering process was completed before construction started.
The construction includes a 12,000 SF new kindergarten and first grade wing to the existing elementary school and a new 140,000 SF building to host the addition of fifth through eighth grade classrooms. The scope also includes various site improvements and three new athletic fields. The new addition includes a commercial kitchen, a state-of-the-art gym, and two major labs filled with equipment similar to advanced manufacturing businesses. Due to unexpected growth in the district, Harper and the Greenville County School District created a plan to accelerate the completion of the kindergarten wing by one year.
PALMETTO MIDDLE SCHOOL
ANDERSON, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk for Palmetto Middle School’s new 161,900 SF replacement facility built on the existing school campus. Phase I included a two-story facility for 6th and 7th grades with classrooms, collaborative spaces, science labs, guidance counselors’ offices, and administrative offices for each grade level. The new addition also included a new media center, cafetorium, and kitchen to support the transition for the remaining phases. Phase I was completed in July 2020.
Phase II included construction of a gymnasium with a theatrical performance stage and lighting, music and art rooms, Gateway to Technology classroom, and elective classrooms. This phase also included a new classroom addition to connect the Phase I classroom additions and the existing 8th grade classroom wing. In the existing 8th grade wing, renovations included updated classrooms, collaboration space, guidance counselor office, and administrative suite.
Phase III consists of sitework modifications, including adding a parking lot, a new bus loop, and a football practice field.
PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION & RENOVATION
WILLIAMSTON, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk to complete renovations and additions to Palmetto High School. Renovations included changing out VAVs, UVs, RTUs, and ceiling tiles in multiple rooms. The 110,284 SF project also included renovations to the science labs, exteriors doors, interior doors, light fixtures, and other architectural modifications to the administration offices and classrooms. A new art room addition and administration addition were also included in the scope.
Upon completion of this project, Harper returned about $250,000 to the owner due to value engineering, unused allowances, and contingencies.
ABNER CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL
DUNCAN, SC | CM AT-RISK
Situated on a 36-acre greenfield site, Abner Creek Middle School is a newly constructed educational facility that serves students in grades 6 to 8. The school boasts a modern learning environment, equipped with spacious classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, a media center, and many more amenities. The school’s design blends indoor and outdoor learning spaces, providing ample opportunities for teachers and students to collaborate and work together. The site features vehicular and bus access, parking lots, and playing fields that can accommodate various outdoor activities. With a total area spanning approximately 152,000 SF, the school has the capacity to accommodate up to 700 students with a core capacity of 900 students. The school’s construction was thoughtfully planned to cater to the growing needs of Spartanburg’s community and provide a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment for students.
JOSEPH KEELS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDITION
COLUMBIA, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk for the addition and renovation project of Joseph Keels Elementary School. The addition consisted of a new cafeteria, multi-purpose room, gym, restrooms, kitchen, and storage areas. Renovations to the school included improvements to the computer lab, classrooms, media center, and administration offices. The sitework involved extending the existing drop-off and pick-up car loop.
L.W. CONDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDITION
COLUMBIA, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk for the addition and renovation project of L.W. Conder Elementary School. The addition consisted of a new cafeteria, multipurpose room, restrooms, kitchen, art room, collaboration area, and storage areas.
Renovations to the school included improvements to classrooms, band room, media center, and administration offices. Sitework performed consisted of extending the existing drop off/pick up car loop.
SUMMIT DRIVE ELEMENTARY ADDITION & RENOVATION
GREENVILLE, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected by Greenville County Schools to serve as the CM At-Risk for the Summit Drive Elementary School addition. The 32,000 SF addition includes 25 classrooms which serve over 250 students. The two-story building matches the existing structures designed with metal stud framing, structural steel, drywall, masonry, and brick veneer. It will be connected to the existing school by a bridge connector ramp.
This expansion of the site is made possible by erecting 1,000 SF of segmental retaining walls. The school addition also includes a new underground detention system, a parking lot expansion, and an additional entrance to the school from Chick Springs Road.
REIDVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
REIDVILLE, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected by Spartanburg School District 5 to serve as the CM At-Risk for Reidville Elementary School. Guiding the School District through their first CM At-Risk venture, Harper provided preconstruction, site preparation, and construction services. The new 88,000 SF elementary school serves 600 students from Pre-K to 4th grade. The one-story building consists of steel and masonry framed structures with light gauge metal framing, drywall, storefront, and brick veneer. This project also included a Geothermal Wells Field to feed the HVAC system. Harper successfully maintained both the schedule and budget for the project.
POWDERSVILLE SCHOOL CAMPUS
POWDERSVILLE, SC | CM AT-RISK
Elementary School: 11,000 SF addition to the existing school, featuring six new classrooms, special education center, and computer lab.
Middle School: 11,300 SF administration wing addition houses the principal, assistant principal, guidance counselors, school resource officer, and special education rooms. Renovations included enlarging the cafeteria, adding a new robotics lab, modifying the media center, adding new classrooms at the existing administration suite, and putting in a new sprinkler system throughout. Harper was selected to return to the middle school to construction a second story addition to this addition as well.
High School: 14,370 SF two story, steel substructure with a slab-on grade, a slab on-deck, a metal deck, and TPO roof. The classroom building involved the coordination of rough-in for gas, electrical, and plumbing for a science lab.
Field House: 16,830 SF, pre-engineered building was constructed using masonry walls with brick veneer and houses an indoor baseball practice room, lockers, showers, and offices.
THE FRANKLIN SCHOOL
SPARTANBURG, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected by the Northside Development Group to provide preconstruction services, site preparation, and construction services for a best-in-class early childhood learning facility. The 35,000 SF school offers full-day, full-year early learning services for approximately 200 children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years.
Harper constructed an early childhood learning center not only expand the minds of children through education, but also enhance their development with an environmentally influenced building. Harper harvested a variety of very large oak, pecan, and elm trees from the site. These trees were not disposed of off-site; the logs were stored on-site and then used to create natural wood architectural features and playground equipment. Incorporating these trees, not only reduced the negative environmental effect of clear cutting, but also provided learning opportunities not normally found in traditional learning settings.
CLIFDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL
SPARTANBURG, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk by Spartanburg County School District 3 (D3). Originally, D3 desired to build a new middle school, but decided on converting one of their existing elementary schools into a middle school. This resulted in a complete demolition and rebuild of the School’s parking lots, roads, and infrastructure.
Following the wing addition, D3 revisited their master plan which included a new science classroom addition and gym. The Harper team worked on this project as well, and additionally leveled out the area behind the gym, providing a sidewalk, fire lane, and playground area.
BETHEL-HANBERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BLYTHEWOOD, SC | CM AT-RISK
Harper was selected as the CM At-Risk to build the new 141,000 SF school on the existing active campus of the Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School in Blythewood, SC. Once the new campus was completed, Harper demolished the existing school. The expansive new school is able to occupy up to 750 students beginning with Pre-K through 5th grade.
Utilizing innovative BIM technology, our team “built the project twice.” Having the project model not only allowed us to coordinate better with stakeholders and the project team, but significantly increases our ability to avoid design issues when we go to construction. With being an active campus, this project has involved difficult site logistics. Our team developed an intricate phasing plan for the parent traffic loop to make sure there were not traffic delays and to avoid safety incidents. Additionally, our team coordinated different phases of the project with the County’s academic calendar. This involved extensive preplanning and attention to delay to make this project a smooth transition.
ASHEVILLE | CHARLOTTE | CHARLESTON
CONWAY | GREENVILLE | SPARTANBURG