Kline Property receives commercial development incentive approval
February 20, 2020
Hotels, retail, office and structured parking planned for key downtown intersection
With final approval granted by Richland County Council during their February 18th meeting, the former Kline Iron & Steel Company location is now positioned to take advantage of the Commercial Development Incentive Program and move forward with a mixed use project at the key intersection of Huger and Gervais Streets.
Founded in 1923, Kline operated on the corner of Huger and Gervais and became an internationally known powerhouse in steel fabrication and tower construction and continued to operate there for over 80 years. Since its closing in 2004, the property has been eyed as a tremendous opportunity for a development project, and a cornerstone for helping expand the Vista westward and connect to Columbia’s river front.
Windsor/Aughtry Company of Greenville, SC will be redeveloping 4.2 of the 7-acre site into a mixed-use development which includes two hotels, retail space, an office building, and structured parking. The first hotel will be a 7 story, 146 room AC Hotel by Marriott which will include a 10,000 square foot rooftop bar. At completion of the entire development, over $92M will be invested into the site, leading to the creation of 250 full time equivalent jobs. The magnitude of this development will open additional investment opportunities and economic activity on nearby properties.
Besides the AC Hotel and rooftop bar, the project is comprised of 35,000 SF of commercial/retail development, a second hotel with 114 rooms, 75,000 SF of office space, and is supported by 350 parking spaces and other necessary infrastructure. The scope and nature of the project will integrate seamlessly into the Vista Entertainment District, an area already widely recognized for its attractive blend of work, stay, play, and entertainment amenities.
“Windsor Aughtry is proud to be a part of the opportunity in connecting the Vista to the incredible potential of the Congaree Riverfront property, through a site as prominent and storied as the Kline property. We believe that there is no greater investment opportunity in the region that will facilitate Columbia becoming recognized as one of the “really cool” river cities in the country,” said Paul C. Aughtry, III; Chairman of Windsor Aughtry Company.
The innovative joint city-county initiative, which was approved by both councils earlier this year, was created to spark major developments that tax-challenges previously stifled, by offering reimbursements to developers who invest in public infrastructure. Two other projects, at Bull Street and the Capital City Stadium, have already received approval through the program as well.
About AC Hotels
AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates the importance of purposeful design with its unwavering attention to the small but impactful details of a guest’s stay. Founded in 1999 in Madrid, Spain by renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, the brand has both Spanish roots and a European soul. In 2011, AC Hotels and Marriott International formed a joint venture with AC Hotels by Marriott, leveraging the unique style and design of these upscale urban inspired hotels with the portfolio and distribution power of Marriott International.
About Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group
Based in Greenville, SC, Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group develops premium hotels in top markets throughout the Southeast and Midwest. With more than 33 years of experience, Windsor Aughtry has built numerous urban hotels in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Virginia as well as mixed-use projects in the Southeast. For more information, visit www.windsoraughtry.com.
