News Summary
The Aiken City Council has voted 6-1 to enter into negotiations with Oliver Hospitality Group for the redevelopment of Hotel Aiken and surrounding properties. Mayor Teddy Milner expressed optimism about the deal, which aims to transform Hotel Aiken into a boutique hotel, while retaining its historic character. The decision follows the formation of a committee that evaluated multiple proposals. The successful conclusion of negotiations could significantly affect Aiken’s economic landscape and urban development, enhancing local tourism and businesses.
Aiken – The Aiken City Council has voted to begin final negotiations with Oliver Hospitality Group of Nashville for the development of Hotel Aiken and several adjacent properties. The decision was made during a council meeting on June 9, where the vote stood at 6-1 in favor of moving forward with the negotiations.
If successful, the agreement will allow Oliver Hospitality Group to acquire multiple key properties within the city, including the historic Hotel Aiken, Holley House/Motor Court, Beckman Building, Taj Aiken building, C.C. Johnson building, and Warneke Cleaners building. The development plan aims to transform Hotel Aiken into a boutique hotel, drawing on the group’s expertise in hotel redevelopment, having successfully revitalized properties in cities like Nashville, Knoxville, TN, and Oxford, MS.
Aiken’s Mayor Teddy Milner expressed optimism about the negotiations and expressed satisfaction with the direction of the deal. Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Girardeau initiated the motion to enter negotiations, which Councilwoman Gail Diggs supported. However, Councilwoman Andrea Gregory cast the only dissenting vote without providing reasons for her stance against the proposal.
The council’s decision followed a lengthy executive session that lasted over an hour and a half, where members presumably discussed the implications and logistics of the negotiation process. Before deciding on Oliver Hospitality Group, the city had formed an eight-member committee—comprised of city officials and local architects—to evaluate bids for the development. This committee reduced the initial six proposals down to two finalists, before selecting the Oliver Group for the project’s development.
The properties in question were acquired by the city when the Aiken Municipal Development Commission (AMDC) was dissolved earlier this year. In 2021, the AMDC purchased seven properties and Newberry Hall for $9.6 million, as part of a broader initiative to improve the local landscape and stimulate economic growth. Following the municipal dissolution, Newberry Hall was sold to Patrick and Natalie Carlisle, who are the owners of the business that bears the same name.
As development plans progress, the Historic Aiken Foundation, represented by President Linda Johnson, has praised Oliver Hospitality Group’s commitment to preserving the historic character of Hotel Aiken and enhancing the surrounding streetscape. This aspect of the plan aligns with the community’s interests in maintaining the city’s historical integrity while fostering new economic opportunities through tourism and local business development.
Should negotiations with Oliver Hospitality Group conclude successfully, the outcome is expected to have a significant impact on Aiken’s economic landscape and urban development. City officials have indicated that the project will not only provide renovated accommodations for visitors but also aim to attract new businesses and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area. As details emerge from the negotiations, residents and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments surrounding the revitalization of Hotel Aiken and its adjoining properties.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hotel Aiken Set for Major Redevelopment
Four Seasons Hotel to Open in Downtown Charleston
Four Seasons to Open Luxury Hotel in Downtown Charleston
Frasers Property Makes Second Bid for Frasers Hospitality Trust
Aiken City Council Seeks Public Input on New Zoning Ordinance
City of Aiken Design Review Board Meeting Announcement
Frasers Property Makes Second Attempt to Take Frasers Hospitality Trust Private
Frasers Property Revives Privatization Bid for Hospitality REIT
Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright Resigns
Frasers Property Makes Second Bid for Frasers Hospitality Trust
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Deadly Storm Leaves Path Damage Through CSRA
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- WFXG: Historic Church in Aiken Burned Down
- Google Search: Aiken SC
- Post and Courier: Aiken Family Searching for Answers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Fox Weather: Thunderstorms Benefit
- Google News: Aiken Hotel Revitalization
