Aiken, South Carolina, October 17, 2025

News Summary

Hotel Aiken in South Carolina is set for revitalization through a $2.5 million agreement with Oliver Hospitality. Plans include a mixed-use development featuring a new hotel, retail spaces, restaurants, and multi-family housing. The Aiken City Council supports this development, which aims to preserve the hotel’s historic character while enhancing the downtown area. Community feedback has been largely positive following public design meetings, and the project is viewed as a catalyst for further improvements in Aiken.

Aiken, South Carolina – Hotel Aiken is set for revitalization under a new Purchase and Sale Agreement with Oliver Hospitality. The agreement, valued at $2.5 million, aims to secure the future of this historic hotel, which has been a prominent landmark in Aiken since its opening in 1898. The city of Aiken and Oliver Hospitality are currently working on a development agreement that will clarify responsibilities before the sale is finalized.

The vision for the Hotel Aiken property includes a mixed-use development, featuring a new hotel, retail spaces, restaurants, and multi-family housing. This plan has garnered support from the Aiken City Council, which voted 6-1 in favor of partnering with Oliver Hospitality; only Council Member Gregory opposed the decision.

This revitalization comes after a previous plan, known as Project Pascalis, which proposed the demolition of Hotel Aiken. This earlier initiative faced significant opposition and legal challenges from preservationists who aimed to protect the historic building. The new redevelopment plan by Oliver Hospitality, a firm recognized for its experience with historic hotels such as Hotel Clermont in Atlanta and the Oliver Hotel in Knoxville, presents a more community-focused approach.

Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner has expressed optimism about how this project will positively impact downtown Aiken. Community feedback has been actively solicited, and reactions gathered during the public design meetings have been largely positive. The redevelopment plan includes a parking structure and new retail spaces while also ensuring that the aesthetic of Hotel Aiken is preserved.

The revitalization of Hotel Aiken is seen as a potential catalyst for further improvements in the downtown area. Because of its historic status, the hotel is protected from demolition, allowing for renovations that will maintain its unique charm. The design concepts for the property include appealing features such as a rooftop bar, aligning with the goal of ensuring that the aesthetic reflects Aiken’s distinctive character.

As the city of Aiken moves forward with this significant development, stakeholders remain committed to balancing modern needs with the preservation of the city’s historical heritage. The outcome of this partnership with Oliver Hospitality will be closely watched by community members and preservationists alike.

Key Features of the Revitalization

• Purchase and Sale Agreement Value: $2.5 million
• Original Opening Year: 1898
• City Council Vote: 6-1 in favor
• Type of Development: Mixed-use with hotel, retail, restaurants, and housing
• Key Inclusion: Parking structure, retail spaces, rooftop bar