Aiken Unveils Plans for New Boutique Hotel Downtown

News Summary

Aiken’s Design Review Board has approved plans for a new boutique hotel in downtown, set to feature 80 rooms and blend with the historic surroundings. Located at Park Avenue, the hotel promises to enhance local hospitality, incorporate the old bank building, and provide convenient parking. This locally managed project aims to transform the area and contribute to Aiken’s appeal for both residents and visitors.

Aiken Welcomes a New Boutique Hotel to Downtown

In an exciting turn of events for Aiken, the Design Review Board has given the green light for a brand new boutique hotel to grace our downtown streets. The board voted unanimously—6-0—on January 7, 2025, for plans that promise to bring a dash of charm and hospitality to the heart of our city.

What to Expect from the New Hotel

The planned hotel will stand tall at four stories and feature a cozy 80 rooms, designed to meet the tastes of both locals and visitors. Nestled conveniently between the well-known Farmers and Merchants Bank building and the ACTS building on Park Avenue, this boutique hotel aims to seamlessly blend with its surroundings.

Now, this isn’t just any ordinary hotel project. The hotel will incorporate the existing bank building, which has historical significance dating back to around 1910 when it served as a Bank of America branch until its closure in 2023. Changes include the demolition of the bank’s drive-thru to make room for this exciting venture.

Location, Location, Location

The hotel will rise on properties located at 316 and 326 Park Ave. S.W. as well as 167 Laurens St. S.W.. These properties were recently snagged by Park Place Ventures LLC—a collaboration between Chad Ingram and Rob Johnston—after being acquired on November 10, 2023. Previously, they were under the ownership of C.G. Ingram Real Estate LLC, who initially purchased them back in 2014 for $650,000.

The design plans ensure the hotel maintains the city’s downtown height limit, towering at a maximum height of 54 feet. And don’t worry about mismatched aesthetics—the second-floor windows of the hotel will align beautifully with the ones in the existing bank building.

All About Convenience

Having enough parking for guests has been taken into careful consideration. A total of around 60 parking spaces will be conveniently located behind the hotel, making it easy for visitors to explore all the charms Aiken has to offer.

The hotel’s lobby will be situated in the Chatfield building, featuring some attractive upgrades such as new windows, a sleek mahogany door, and an inviting canopied entrance. Moreover, the Farmers and Merchants Bank building will undergo a transformation into a delightful restaurant showcasing eye-catching views of Laurens Street, complemented by a bar perfectly positioned between the lobby and restaurant.

Designed with Aiken in Mind

This new hotel project is much more than a series of blueprints; it aims to be locally managed and embodies the spirit of an “all-Aiken project for an All-American City.” The design features varying ceiling heights that create a warm and open atmosphere—10 to 11 feet on the first floor and around nine-and-a-half feet on the second and third floors. Keeping the aesthetic fresh, balconies will be included along the building’s ends and midsection, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views overlooking the parkway.

Next Steps in the Process

The project isn’t quite complete in terms of approvals. A thorough review will follow so that details like brick color, signage, and window designs can be meticulously considered. Public commentary has largely been supportive—especially in regards to Ingram’s investment in revitalizing the downtown area.

However, some concerns were raised about the potential impact on parking and stormwater management as construction gets underway. It looks like Aiken is gearing up for some exciting changes, and the community is ready to embrace this new chapter.