Aiken, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Aiken, South Carolina, are encouraged to participate in upcoming sessions to discuss the renovations of the historic Hotel Aiken on September 29 and 30. These sessions will allow community members to provide feedback on preliminary design plans, a crucial step in revitalizing this cherished landmark, which has been a fixture in the city for 125 years. The renovations are managed by the Oliver Group, with plans that aim to preserve the hotel’s unique charm.
Aiken, South Carolina – Community members are invited to participate in input sessions regarding the planned renovations of the historic Hotel Aiken, scheduled for September 29 and 30. These sessions will focus on preliminary and conceptual design plans for the hotel and the surrounding areas, allowing residents to contribute their feedback in a drop-in style format. This means that anyone can attend at their convenience during the designated times.
The Hotel Aiken holds a significant place in the city’s history and has been a cherished landmark for 125 years. Although it cannot be demolished, it is set to undergo significant renovations. In June, the Aiken City Council began negotiations with the Oliver Group, a company with 15 years of experience in renovating historic properties across the Southeast, to spearhead this revitalization project. Ethan Orley from Oliver Hospitality expressed a commitment to preserving the hotel’s unique charm throughout the renovation process.
Community engagement has been promising, with an enthusiastic response during a recent city council meeting regarding the future of the hotel. Local leaders are optimistic that the Hotel Aiken renovation will serve as a catalyst for further revitalization efforts in downtown Aiken, paving the way for the redevelopment of other derelict buildings in the area.
In addition to the hotel renovations, businesses and nonprofits in South Carolina that were severely affected by flooding last November are nearing a deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance. This highlights the importance of enhancing local infrastructure and maintaining the vibrancy of downtown Aiken.
Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh provided updates on the ongoing efforts to find a buyer for Hotel Aiken and nearby properties. Currently, six proposals have been submitted for the Hotel Aiken and five other downtown properties, attracting interest from various hoteliers and developers. The proposals were submitted by December 23, with a focus on maintaining confidentiality for the developers involved. An eight-person committee will evaluate these proposals and present recommendations to the city council. The city aims to expedite the sale to avoid ongoing maintenance costs, as the hotel has been unoccupied for several years.
As the input sessions approach, community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on the future of Hotel Aiken and its surrounding areas to help inform the renovation plans.
Key Details
- Event Dates: September 29-30
- Location: Hotel Aiken
- Purpose: Public input on renovation plans
- Renovation Management: The Oliver Group
- History of the Hotel: 125 years
- Proposal Submission Deadline: December 23
- City Manager: Stuart Bedenbaugh
- Evaluation Committee Members: Eight-person committee
Impact of Renovations
The renovation of Hotel Aiken is viewed as a critical step in revitalizing the downtown area of Aiken. With the city’s leaders expressing optimism, the project is likely to stimulate additional redevelopment projects that can enhance the community’s overall landscape.
FAQ
When are the input sessions for Hotel Aiken renovations?
The input sessions for Hotel Aiken renovations are scheduled for September 29 and 30.
What is the focus of the input sessions?
The input sessions will focus on preliminary and conceptual design plans for the hotel and surrounding areas.
Who is managing the Hotel Aiken renovation?
The Oliver Group is managing the Hotel Aiken renovation.
What is the history of Hotel Aiken?
Hotel Aiken has a 125-year history in the city and is considered a cherished landmark.
What proposals have been submitted for Hotel Aiken?
Six proposals have been submitted for Hotel Aiken and five other downtown properties.
Key Features of Hotel Aiken Renovation Plan
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Input Sessions Dates | September 29-30 |
| Focus Areas | Preliminary design plans for Hotel Aiken |
| Renovation Group | The Oliver Group |
| Hotel History | 125 years of heritage |
| Proposal Deadline | December 23 |
| Evaluation Committee | Eight-person committee to review proposals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Hotel Aiken Renovations Input Sessions
- WFXG: Beloved Hotel Aiken to be Restored
- Post and Courier: Hotel Aiken Bids Developers
- WJBF: Hotel Aiken Set to Undergo $11M Renovations
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
