Hotel Aiken Is Finally Getting a Facelift

After years of delays and failed attempts, Hotel Aiken and downtown Aiken are finally getting the long-awaited facelift they deserve.

Following numerous efforts to restore the historic hotel and surrounding block, the Oliver Group out of Tennessee, in collaboration with the Aiken City Council, appears ready to move forward with a new and improved vision to revitalize the heart of downtown Aiken.

A Look Back: The Old Project Pascalis

The previous Project Pascalis plan called for the complete demolition and rebuilding of the hotel and adjacent buildings. That proposal met strong opposition from residents who wanted to preserve Aiken’s history, ultimately causing the project to stall.

This new plan, however, focuses on preservation and restoration — maintaining Aiken’s charm while adding modern touches that will attract both locals and visitors.

What’s Planned for the New Hotel Aiken

The revived Hotel Aiken will feature:

• 🏨 75 upscale rooms

• 💃 Ballroom and restaurant

• 🌆 Potential rooftop bar

• 🐾 Pet-friendly accommodations

• 🪞 Restored original front desk and lobby moldings to preserve the building’s historic character

Room rates are expected to be comparable to The Willcox, keeping the property in line with other boutique options in the area.

Downtown Aiken Revamp

The development isn’t stopping with the hotel itself. Downtown Aiken will also see several exciting updates:

• 🚶 Bee Lane will become a pedestrian-only walkway, creating a vibrant connection through the heart of downtown.

• 🏗️ A new hotel wing will extend toward Bee Lane, replacing the current fire escape section.

• 🏘️ The old motel will be replaced with 25 apartments or extended-stay suites built above new retail spaces.

• 🏬 The Aiken Standard building and McGhee Block will be preserved and reimagined for future retail opportunities.
  
  

To support the influx of new visitors and residents, a five-story, 170-space parking garage is planned for the Warneke location, with convenient access from Newberry Street. This will provide parking for hotel guests, shoppers, and downtown residents alike.

A New Chapter for Downtown Aiken

This project represents a major step toward revitalizing downtown Aiken while honoring its historic roots.

✨ Do you think the new Hotel Aiken will make downtown more attractive — or could it change the small-town charm we love?