News Summary
Columbia’s Vista district will welcome The Lantern Hotel by Fall 2025, integrating the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into its design. Spearheaded by Raines Development, the boutique hotel will feature 59 guest rooms and a signature restaurant, Ladder 13, led by James Beard Award nominee Kevin Johnson. Collaborations with USC’s College of Hospitality and CarolinaLIFE aim to provide career training and employment opportunities for the community. The project highlights a commitment to local heritage while enhancing Columbia’s hospitality landscape with future expansion plans in the pipeline.
Columbia – A new boutique hotel, The Lantern Hotel, is set to transform Columbia’s Vista district by Fall 2025, offering a unique hospitality focus that incorporates the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into its design. The hotel will be located at 1001 Senate St. and will feature 59 guest rooms, designed by the Garvin Design Group, which has recently released renderings showcasing the hotel’s interior and exterior.
The project is spearheaded by Raines Development, a Florence, South Carolina-based firm recognized for its expertise in the hospitality sector. With experience managing over 55 properties across the Southeast, Raines Development has previously collaborated with major brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. Mashburn Construction has been appointed as the builder for this innovative project.
In a unique collaboration with the University of South Carolina’s (USC) College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, The Lantern Hotel aims to provide practical career training for students. Additionally, the hotel is set to partner with CarolinaLIFE, a program dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to secure meaningful employment opportunities. This initiative seeks to address the barriers to employment faced by many people in the community and is expected to have a significant social impact.
The Lantern Hotel will also boast a food and beverage program that is being developed by James Beard Award nominee Kevin Johnson, a USC alumnus. The hotel’s signature restaurant, named Ladder 13, will further enhance the dining experience for guests and local patrons alike.
One of the key figures behind Raines Development, David Tart, emphasizes the team’s strong connections to the Columbia community, particularly through the numerous USC alumni involved in the project. This local involvement not only demonstrates a commitment to the community but also positions The Lantern Hotel as a place that resonates with the culture and heritage of Columbia.
Looking ahead, Raines Development has already set its sights on expansion, with plans for another property named The Lantern Rock Hill anticipated to open in Fall 2026. This continued growth illustrates the firm’s dedication to enhancing the hospitality landscape across South Carolina.
As The Lantern Hotel prepares for its opening, it promises to deliver not only a blend of history and modernity but also a focus on community engagement and employment opportunities. This initiative exemplifies a holistic approach to hospitality that values both guests and local residents.
For potential visitors and residents of Columbia, The Lantern Hotel stands to become a vibrant addition to the Vista district, blending historical significance with contemporary comforts, all while fostering community connections. As the project progresses, further details and developments are anticipated as the opening date approaches.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: New Boutique Hotel in Columbia
- Cola Daily: New Boutique Hotel in Downtown Columbia
- Hotel Business: Raines Introduces Lantern Columbia
- Cola Today: Unique Places to Stay in Columbia
- Kentucky Lantern: Influence on School Funding Amendment
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google Search: Columbia Vista Hotel
- Google Scholar: Boutique Hotels Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia Hotel Development
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