First four-star hotel coming to Columbia
August 13, 2019
Boutique Hotel to Open in the Vista
Plans for Hotel Anthem, Columbia’s newest hotel that will be constructed in the entertainment district, were approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
This project, sponsored by the Arnold Family Corporation, will be unlike anything Columbia has seen to date. The design intent will be musically inspired, thematic and will enhance the overall lifestyle and energy in the Downtown Vista district.
The Vista has seen a lot of change since the late 1980s, when it was dubiously featured on the pages of National Geographic for its distinction as one of the worst urban environments in the nation. Now, 30+ years later it is a growing hub for a variety of entertainment options in the heart of Columbia. The Vista is adjacent to the State Capitol building, minutes from the University of South Carolina’s campus and resides on the shore of the Congaree River. This area is now known as the heartbeat of downtown Columbia and its’ growth in popularity is helping shape the future of the Midlands.
The addition of Hotel Anthem will certainly enhance the existing ambience within the Vista. The 11-story “Boutique Inspired” Hilton Tapestry Hotel will boast rooms that will be among the largest in overall square footage in the city.
As the first four-star hotel in Columbia, Hotel Anthem will be designed as a full-service upscale hotel and feature 150 spacious high-tech rooms in conjunction with a rooftop bar and a terrace, a lobby level restaurant and bar along with an underground speakeasy featuring a variety of cuisines and a unique top-shelf drink menu.
In addition to contributing to the quality of life in the Columbia area, the $40 million investment in the hotel will create construction jobs in the short-term and service-related jobs and occupancy taxes in the long-term for the community. Hotel Anthem will create approximately 300 jobs during the construction of the hotel. Upon completion of the project, there will be approximately 125 permanent jobs for the residents of the Midlands. Based on the current tax structure it is anticipated that the hotel will pay $500,000 a year over the next 30 years in property taxes.
“I’m excited about bringing this project of this quality and scope to my hometown. Columbia will always be my home, a special place with fond memories of my childhood. The city and its’ residents have been very good to me and my family over the years. I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to re-invest here, to work with Hilton to bring this to fruition and to support a growing Columbia,” said Ben Arnold, CEO of Arnold Companies. “I know this project, which is situated in an underdeveloped area in the heart of the Vista, will contribute to the economy, the tax base and the overall quality of life in downtown Columbia,” Arnold added. “It will help make the Vista an even more vibrant destination for locals and travelers alike.”
The Vista Guild, Vista Commercial Property Owners Association and Vista Neighborhood Association all are in support of the project.
Construction on the hotel is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2020, with an anticipated completion scheduled near the end of December 2021.
The hotel will be built behind the existing Depot and will feature pedestrian plazas and walkways to enhance the experience and ease of access through the area.
