Aiken, South Carolina, October 1, 2025

News Summary

Aiken, South Carolina, is set to undergo a major transformation with the proposed redevelopment of Hotel Aiken. Following a design charette attended by the community, Oliver Hospitality revealed plans to preserve the historic hotel while adding a new ballroom, residential apartments, and a pedestrian-friendly corridor. Feedback from attendees will influence the project’s ongoing design phases, signifying a collaborative effort between developers and the community to revitalize downtown Aiken.

Aiken, South Carolina is set to undergo a significant transformation following a recent design charette, where Oliver Hospitality unveiled preliminary plans for the redevelopment of Hotel Aiken and the surrounding area. The event, held on September 29 at Newberry Hall, was attended by over 100 members of the community who reviewed design concepts and provided valuable feedback on the proposed changes.

Scott Garvin, owner of Garvin Design Group, along with architect Brittany Lapple, presented the initial designs to the attendees. Craig Bradford, senior vice president of development for Oliver Hospitality, shared his enthusiasm for the project’s early design stages, indicating a strong commitment to revitalizing this historic site.

Originally built in 1898, Hotel Aiken is listed on the national register of historic places and is slated for preservation as part of the redevelopment. The proposed plans include an addition located between Hotel Aiken and Bee Lane. This addition will feature a 2,285-square-foot ballroom and three additional floors of hotel space designed to harmonize with the existing hotel structure using bricks that match the hotel’s current stucco.

Additionally, a public courtyard will be created between the hotel addition and three existing retail spaces, which will include a rooftop bar that provides scenic views of Laurens Street. In a significant change, the Holley House motel is expected to be demolished, paving the way for five new retail spaces and up to 25 luxury residential apartments.

The plans also envision Bee Lane being transformed into a pedestrian-friendly corridor complete with seating areas shaded by porticoes. The historic Johnson-McGhee buildings, also registered as historic places, will be preserved as part of the project.

In conjunction with the renovations, a new five-story, 170-space parking structure is planned to replace the Warneke Cleaners building. This structure will be designed to complement the existing architecture in the area. Aiken City Council members who attended the charette expressed their support for the project, particularly appreciating the proactive approach to community engagement and historic preservation.

Further opportunities for public involvement are available with upcoming design sessions scheduled for September 30. These sessions will allow community members to continue providing feedback on the redevelopment plans.

Oliver Hospitality has initiated negotiations to acquire Hotel Aiken and the adjacent properties from the city for $2.5 million, contingent upon city council approval. This redevelopment is viewed as a promising catalyst for ongoing revitalization in downtown Aiken, aiming to attract new visitors and residents to the area.

Key Features of the Hotel Aiken Redevelopment

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Community Events and Local Weather in Aiken
Plans for Hotel Aiken Redevelopment to be Unveiled
Community Invited to Share Input on Hotel Aiken Renovations
Aiken City Council to Vote on Sale of Historical Properties
OTO Development Acquires Hyatt House Dallas/Uptown
Aiken’s Commercial Real Estate Market Thrives
Mayor Teddy Milner Enhances Community Engagement in Aiken
Aiken City Council Chooses Oliver Hospitality for Hotel Aiken Redevelopment
Aiken City Council Approves Revitalization of Hotel Aiken
Aiken City Council Begins Negotiations for Hotel Development

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Hotel Aiken Design Charette Plans Revealed
• WRDW: Give Your Input – Hotel Aiken Renovations
• Post and Courier: Hotel Aiken Design Charette
• Google Search: Hotel Aiken
• WJBF: Full Speed Ahead for New Hotel & Restaurant in Aiken
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

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