The Lodge House by Old Edwards announced at Lake Keowee, bringing major economic investment to Pickens County

74-Room Luxury Lodge and Spa Poised to Become One of the Southeast’s Premier Hospitality Destinations

PICKENS COUNTY, SC – Plans are underway for The Lodge House by Old Edwards, a new 74-room luxury lodge and spa at The Old Edwards Reserve at Lake Keowee that represents a significant hospitality investment in Pickens County and is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs, generate millions of dollars in recurring tax revenue and bring new tourism and economic activity to the region.

Bringing the renowned Old Edwards hospitality experience to Lake Keowee, The Lodge House by Old Edwards is envisioned as an intimate, thoughtfully designed destination that complements the natural character of the lake while offering a hospitality experience unlike anything else in the region.

Plans for The Lodge House include 74 guest rooms, a library, reception area, lobby lounge and restaurant, private dining room and boardroom, ballroom and prefunction space, conservatory, spa and other carefully considered gathering spaces.

While modest in size, the project is designed to have a significant and lasting impact on Pickens County. An economic impact analysis found that the broader planned investment is expected to support 530 permanent jobs, in addition to construction-related jobs and economic activity associated with bringing the project to life.

The investment is also expected to generate approximately $3.3 million in new annual property tax revenue, providing a recurring source of revenue for Pickens County. Beyond the direct tax impact, The Lodge House would attract new visitors to the area whose spending would benefit local restaurants, retailers, recreation providers and other businesses throughout the county.

New resident spending associated with the broader investment is expected to generate additional local sales and restaurant food tax revenue, including approximately $2.2 million in annual spending on dining, entertainment and recreation. The Lodge House would further expand the area’s tourism economy by introducing visitors from across the Southeast and beyond to Lake Keowee, Pickens County and the surrounding Upstate.

Behind the investment is James Whitley, owner of The Old Edwards Reserve at Lake Keowee, whose relationship with Lake Keowee spans 16 years. Whitley is raising his children on the lake and has approached the project with a deep sense of place, a faith-centered commitment to stewardship and a desire to create a lasting legacy for both his family and Pickens County.

“For 16 years, I have had a deep appreciation for Lake Keowee and what makes this part of South Carolina so special,” said Whitley. “This is where we’re raising our family, and that gives me an even greater responsibility to be thoughtful about what we leave behind. The Lodge House is intentionally modest in size, but we believe it can be exceptional in both its execution and its impact. This investment has the opportunity to create hundreds of permanent jobs, generate millions of dollars in recurring economic benefit and introduce more people to everything Pickens County has to offer. There will be nothing else like it in the Southeastern United States.”

Proposed Overlay Could Put Investment at Risk

Despite the significant economic opportunity associated with The Lodge House by Old Edwards, the project’s future is now at risk as Pickens County Council considers the proposed Lake Keowee & Lake Jocassee Overlay Ordinance.

The proposed ordinance would place new restrictions on properties within the overlay area that could effectively prevent The Lodge House from moving forward as currently planned, putting the jobs, tax revenue, tourism and broader economic activity associated with the investment at risk.

“This is about much more than one project,” said Whitley. “The Lodge House represents a significant long-term investment in Pickens County and an opportunity to create hundreds of jobs, generate millions of dollars in recurring revenue and bring new visitors and economic activity to this community for years to come. We hope County Council will fully consider what Pickens County stands to gain, and what it stands to lose, before moving forward with an ordinance that could prevent this investment from becoming a reality.”

The ordinance was initially proposed for the Lake Keowee area, where The Lodge House is planned. Lake Jocassee was later added to the proposed overlay, expanding restrictions initially tied to concerns surrounding a specific project across two lake communities.

For Pickens County, the decision now extends well beyond a single development. At stake is an opportunity to create hundreds of permanent jobs, support additional construction jobs, strengthen the county’s tax base, increase tourism and visitor spending, support existing local businesses and establish Pickens County as home to one of the Southeast’s premier hospitality destinations.

Residents have also raised questions about the basis for the proposed restrictions and whether the economic consequences of the ordinance have been fully considered. A member of County Council has acknowledged that a requested comprehensive scientific analysis was not conducted because of time and scope limitations.

Residents maintain that protecting Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee is a shared priority and that economic investment and responsible stewardship do not have to be competing goals. They are asking County Council to consider policies based on transparent science, sound public policy and a full understanding of both the environmental and economic consequences for the community.

As County Council continues considering the proposed overlay, residents are urging Council members to recognize what Pickens County stands to gain from The Lodge House by Old Edwards and what could be lost if the project is prevented from moving forward: 530 permanent jobs, additional construction-related employment, approximately $3.3 million in new annual property tax revenue, increased tourism and local spending, and a long-term investment designed to bring lasting economic value to Pickens County.

Contact the County Council Representatives:

If you have questions or concerns about the proposed ordinance, contact your County Council representative and ask them to carefully consider the impact this proposal could have on thousands of Pickens County property owners.

District 1 – Claiborne Linvill
County Cell: (864) 765-1496
Email: [email protected]

District 2 – Vice Chairman Chris Lollis
County Cell: (864) 549-6503
Email: [email protected]

District 3 – Chairman Alex Saitta
County Cell: (864) 997-4265
Personal Cell: (864) 637-8985
Email: [email protected]

District 4 – Scott Lang
County Cell: (864) 997-8900
Email: [email protected]

District 5 – Chris Bowers
County Cell: (864) 293-0700
Email: [email protected]

District 6 – Dr. A.D. (“Dale”) Holloway
County Cell: (864) 997-8665
Email: [email protected]

Jessica Varney, Clerk to Council
Phone: (864) 898-5856
Email: [email protected]