Name: HERE Aiken
Address: Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, United States
Price range: $$

News Summary

Hotel Aiken will undergo significant redevelopment following a 6-1 vote by the Aiken City Council to partner with Oliver Hospitality. The project aims to modernize the historic hotel while preserving its rich history, which has been a part of the community for 125 years. With plans to retain its charm and upgrade amenities, community members view this redevelopment as a crucial step towards revitalizing downtown Aiken. The hotel’s ongoing operations during renovations will ensure it remains a community hub.

Aiken – Hotel Aiken is set to undergo a significant redevelopment after the Aiken City Council voted 6-1 to enter into negotiations with Nashville-based Oliver Hospitality. The only dissenting vote came from Council member Gregory. The decision marks a pivotal moment for the hotel, which has faced an uncertain future for several years.

The redevelopment will focus on preserving the hotel’s rich history while also modernizing its facilities for future use. Hotel Aiken has been part of the Aiken community for 125 years, making it a historic landmark. As a contributing historic property, any plans for demolition were prohibited, but renovations are permitted, paving the way for its rejuvenation.

Linda Johnson, president of the Historic Aiken Foundation, noted that the new plans signal a positive shift in the city’s approach to development. For many residents, the past few years have been fraught with uncertainty regarding the hotel’s fate, especially considering the previous proposals that included demolition as part of Project Pascalis. The new plan with Oliver Hospitality promises to address these concerns, as the developers are well-known for specializing in the redevelopment of historic properties and focusing on boutique, independent hotels.

Community Response and Potential Impact

Community members have expressed enthusiasm about the redevelopment, viewing it as a catalyst for revitalizing the surrounding downtown area. As part of the hotel’s renovation, efforts will be made to retain its historic charm while upgrading the amenities to meet modern standards. This approach is expected to attract more visitors to the area and contribute to the overall growth of downtown Aiken.

The Quest for a New Identity

The hotel will remain operational after the renovations, ensuring that it continues to be a venue for both locals and travelers. The vision behind the redevelopment is to preserve cherished memories while creating new experiences for visitors, thereby strengthening the hotel’s role in the Aiken community.

Revitalization of Aiken’s Historic Properties

The City of Aiken aims to extend its revitalization efforts beyond Hotel Aiken, with plans in place to revive additional historic buildings within the area. The redevelopment of the hotel could serve as a model for future projects, showcasing the balance between modern needs and historical preservation.

Timeline and Next Steps

As plans move forward, the timeline for the completion of renovations has yet to be announced. Further developments will be crucial in maintaining momentum and engaging community stakeholders in the process.

The contract with Oliver Hospitality positions Hotel Aiken not only as a significant historical entity but as an essential part of the community’s future development strategy. The city council’s decision reflects a commitment to preserving Aiken’s unique heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and modernization.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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
South Carolina Sees Remarkable Growth in Tourism Sector

Hotel Aiken Set for Major Redevelopment