ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The historic Stewart House will once again become a place for Winthrop alumni to gather on campus. The Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center, currently located on the third floor of Tillman Hall, will move to the Stewart House this summer.
Located on the bustling corner of Eden Terrace and Oakland Avenue across from Winthrop’s main entrance, the stately white Stewart House is an example of the Classical Revival style of architecture. The notable former residence was built in 1895 by Captain W.H. Stewart of Rock Hill. Stewart moved into the new home soon after he donated his prior residence, now the President's House, as part of the city's bid to move Winthrop to Rock Hill.
Members of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees voted Dec. 1, 2022, in favor of the move, noting the unique property is a major and highly visible campus asset.
After some renovations to the Stewart House, the Alumni Association and the Winthrop Foundation will move into the space. An open house will be held at a later date for alumni and community members to experience the revitalized space.
President Edward Serna ’02 said that choosing the Stewart House for the Morgan-Holcombe Alumni Center is a concept that donors Betty Morgan Holcombe ’56 and her husband, Milton, supported years ago and recently endorsed once again.
“The Stewart House is a notable, historic property, and it will provide ample parking and easier access for some alumni and donors than the current location on the third floor of Tillman Hall,” added Serna. “The move is positive on many levels, and we’re happy to be able to fulfill the vision of our generous donors who made it possible.”
The university purchased the home from the Stewart family in 1912 for $10,000. Known in those days as the Home Management House, the structure was used by Winthrop seniors to practice the details of housekeeping, including purchasing, cooking, serving, cleaning, accounting and caring for the home.
Over the years, the building has been home to several different offices. The Alumni Association was based there from 1972-85 before the association returned to Tillman, the main administration building. Stewart House then became home to the International Center until 1989. It served as Winthrop's Office of Admissions and Visitors Center from 1989 through 2002. Since then, Winthrop has leased the facility to the S.C. Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. CERRA has recently moved to the Withers/W.T.S. Building, which is the hub of education-related offices and centers on campus as the primary home of the Richard W. Riley College of Education.
For more information, contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at longshawj@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2404.
