Historic Hotel Aiken Property for Sale in Downtown Aiken
The city of Aiken, South Carolina, is taking significant steps to revitalize its downtown area by putting the historic Hotel Aiken up for sale. The property, along with nearby parcels, is being marketed through a public request for proposals by the city in partnership with Colliers, a national real estate firm.
A Vision for Revitalization
In a recent news release, Aiken officials stated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet the community’s evolving needs. The city has enlisted the expertise of Tommy Tapp and Alia Bostaji of Colliers South Carolina, as well as Mark Owens from Colliers’ U.S. Hospitality Practice Group. Together, they aim to attract developers who can help revitalize this essential part of downtown Aiken.
Aiken Mayor Teddy Milner expressed the city’s excitement about the project, saying, “The availability of the Hotel Aiken and neighboring parcels offers an exciting opportunity for developers to contribute to Aiken’s ongoing growth and prosperity.” He emphasized that it is crucial to strike a balance between modern needs and preserving the city’s local identity.
Hotel Aiken: A Longstanding Landmark
For an impressive 125 years, the Hotel Aiken has stood as a key feature in downtown Aiken, situated on Laurens Street between Park Avenue and Richland Avenue. Despite its rich history, the hotel has not been operating as a hotel for some time, creating opportunities for creative redevelopment.
The property available for sale includes a 28,406-square-foot historical hotel site and an additional 34,313 square feet of retail space, totaling 1.36 acres. These parcels are strategically located on Richland Avenue, nestled between the bustling main streets of Newberry and Laurens. They are also conveniently located approximately four miles away from the USC Aiken campus, making it easily accessible for students, faculty, and visitors.
Supporting Local Growth and Tourism
The city has purchased the Hotel Aiken and adjacent properties back in 2021 to help achieve several strategic goals. These include restoring underutilized historical sites, enhancing their appeal, and addressing the growing population and tourist influx. Aiken City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh stated, “We are confident that Colliers will help the city identify the right buyer for these properties.” He underscored the importance of preserving the historic value of the hotel while modernizing it with amenities that would benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Additionally, the property’s location offers opportunities for tourism-related development, particularly due to its proximity to the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club, where the renowned Masters Tournament is held, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
An Opportunity for Developers
This sale signifies a pivotal opportunity for developers interested in contributing to the growth of Aiken’s vibrant downtown. By reimagining the Hotel Aiken and its surrounding parcels, they could play a crucial role in addressing local demands for housing and hospitality. The city hopes to see creative proposals that align with the community’s needs while enhancing the cultural landscape of Aiken.
As Aiken moves forward with this initiative, residents and stakeholders are keen to see how the future unfolds for this historic property. The development plans hold promise, not just for the hotel’s transformation, but for the overall prosperity of downtown Aiken.
