News Summary

The Aiken City Council has selected Oliver Hospitality Group to redevelop the historic Hotel Aiken, following a controversial decision marked by concerns over transparency. Despite Councilwoman Andrea Gregory’s dissent regarding the developer selection process, the city council aims to breathe new life into the long-standing property while preserving its historical significance. The redevelopment is expected to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the area.

Aiken City Council has made a significant move toward the redevelopment of Hotel Aiken by selecting Oliver Hospitality Group for the project. The council voted on June 9, 2025, to enter into final negotiations with the developer, setting the stage for a potential revitalization of the historic property. However, the decision was not without controversy, as Councilwoman Andrea Gregory cast the lone dissenting vote, voicing her concerns regarding the transparency of the selection process.

The selection of Oliver Hospitality Group follows an extensive evaluation of proposals submitted by developers interested in renovating the Hotel Aiken. The process began when the city council unanimously approved a measure on March 13, 2024, to enlist Colliers for marketing various city properties, including the hotel. Colliers subsequently issued a request for proposals with a submission deadline of December 23, 2024. In total, six developers submitted bids; these ranged from hoteliers to those interested in townhome and apartment developments.

An eight-member committee, composed of city officials and Colliers representatives, assessed the submitted proposals. Following their evaluation, a shortlist was created featuring Oliver Hospitality Group and another unnamed developer. A secondary committee, consisting of selected city officials, ultimately recommended Oliver Hospitality Group for the project. This smaller group’s involvement was necessitated by South Carolina laws aimed at preventing quorum issues in public meetings.

Despite the majority support for Oliver Hospitality Group, Councilwoman Gregory raised pointed concerns about the process, emphasizing that some council members were excluded from crucial discussions related to the developer selection. Gregory stressed the significance of in-person dialogues for solid decision-making and flagged potential issues regarding costs to the city, particularly the prospect of needing to construct a parking garage to support the redevelopment.

In her opposition, Gregory also drew parallels to a previous controversial initiative, Project Pascalis, expressing worries about the lack of transparency in decisions made by the council. She argued that the community deserves more engagement in discussions surrounding major development projects.

Hotel Aiken, recognized for its historical value, is not slated for demolition but is intended for renovation instead. The redevelopment initiative aims to respect the building’s historic charm while integrating modern amenities to make it more attractive to visitors and residents alike. The hopeful outcome of this project includes economic growth, enhanced tourism, and an increase in job opportunities for the local workforce.

Linda Johnson, the President of the Historic Aiken Foundation, conveyed optimism about preserving the hotel’s storied past while revitalizing the surrounding area. This sentiment reflects the aspirations of many residents who have shown strong interest in the redevelopment project and are eager for updates regarding its progress and timelines.

City officials acknowledge the importance of keeping the community informed throughout the redevelopment process. As the project unfolds, residents can expect to see plans that not only aim to maintain the historical significance of the Hotel Aiken but also introduce contemporary facilities that cater to modern needs.

In summary, while Aiken City Council’s choice of Oliver Hospitality Group marks a crucial step forward for Hotel Aiken’s future, the dissent from Councilwoman Gregory points to ongoing concerns about governance and transparency in the city’s development processes. The redevelopment is anticipated to breathe new life into a vital part of Aiken’s heritage while offering practical benefits to the community.

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Additional Resources

• MSN: Aiken Leaders Choose Developer
• Wikipedia: Hotel Aiken
• Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Developer
• Google Search: Aiken Hotel revitalization
• WFXG: Beloved Hotel Aiken to be Restored
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken Hotel
• Travel and Tour World: Hotel Aiken Revival
• Google News: Aiken Hotel developer

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.