City of Laurens Confirms Feasibility Study and Issues RFP for Boutique Hotel in Laurens
September 7, 2022
Officials of the City of Laurens, South Carolina were pleased to announce that the firm commissioned to complete a Hotel Market Feasibility Study for Laurens, Core Distinction Group, LLC, is now complete. The study indicated the greatest need for a hotel in the area is in downtown Laurens, a rapidly growing city less than 30 minutes from Greenville, South Carolina.
The City took the initiative to make the investment in a Hotel Feasibility Study in the May of 2022. In the coming months, Laurens welcomed Jessica Junker, a representative of Core Distinction Group, into their community for a tour and to assess the City’s assets and sit down with local demand generators and community leaders.
The City of Laurens owns 201 W Main Street Laurens, SC 29360, a 23,600 sq ft facility with an upscale exterior façade and an internal layout that is well-suited for conversion into a hotel. Thie building is currently the home of Truist Bank and the City fo Laurens Police Department.
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Laurens, adjacent to the city’s historic Public Square, this property overlooks an area undergoing development which is central to the city’s downtown master plan. This area currently includes the new splash pad and public green space, and will include a clock tower, farmers market, and gated amphitheater for large public events.
To incentivize development, the city is willing to negotiate a competitive long-term lease of the property.
“We knew anecdotally that Laurens has a strong need for a hotel, but we knew that we needed to quantify that need in order to attract the best possible developer or hotelier,” said Laurens Mayor Nathan Senn. “With the clear results of this study, we can confidently say to prospective investors that our community can support a hotel, and we look forward to working together to welcome a new hotel to our city.”
“We are excited by prospect of a new hotel in Laurens and the impact it will have on this rapidly growing area,” said Junker, Managing Partner of Core Distinction Group. “The City of Laurens is not only a beautiful community, it offers the opportunity for a great return on investment.”
The Hotel Market Feasibility Study completed by Core Distinction Group in July 2022 indicated a need for an upper midscale hotel with 65-75 rooms located immediately adjacent to downtown Laurens. They also indicated the property should offer amenities like wi-fi, breakfast, a business center/meeting rooms, and fitness facilities.
With confirmation of the feasibility study, The City of Laurens, South Carolina is seeking proposals from qualified hotel development, management, and general contractor firms to develop a scale hotel within the city’s thriving downtown area. In addition to noted industry experience and knowledge, the chosen company/companies must be proficient in community facilitation and positive public engagement.
Proposals from qualified entities should be submitted by November 1, 2022. In-Person/Phone interviews of top three proposals are scheduled for November 15 with selection of winning firm and issuing of contract on November 18.
