An artistic rendering of The Lantern Hotel set to transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station.
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Raines Development, based in Florence, South Carolina, is a prominent hospitality development company recognized for creating lifestyle hotels and enriching regional hospitality landscapes. With extensive experience managing projects for major brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, Raines boasts a diverse portfolio of 55 properties across the Southeastern United States. Notable projects include Hotel Theo in New Orleans and The Foundry Hotel in Asheville. The company specializes in blending contemporary design with community-focused initiatives, exemplified by their development of The Lantern Hotel in Columbia, which integrates local heritage, inclusive employment programs, and unique guest experiences. Raines’ commitment to innovation and community impact positions it as a leader in regional boutique hotel development.
The historic Columbia Central Fire Station will be transformed into The Lantern Hotel, set to open in Fall 2025. This boutique hotel will feature 59 rooms and a partnership with the University of South Carolina to provide employment opportunities through the CarolinaLIFE program. Designed by Garvin Design Group and managed by Raines Development, the hotel will include a signature restaurant, Ladder 13, helmed by James Beard Award nominee Kevin Johnson. The project aims to enhance local tourism while fostering community ties and inclusivity.
Columbia is set to welcome a new boutique hotel that will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a modern hospitality destination, named The Lantern Hotel. Located at 1001 Senate Street in Columbia’s Vista district, the hotel aims to open its doors in Fall 2025.
The Lantern Hotel will feature 59 rooms and promises to highlight the best of Columbia for guests and visitors. The interior and exterior design will be crafted by Garvin Design Group, while Mashburn Construction will oversee the building process. This project comes from Raines Development, based in Florence, South Carolina, which specializes in creating lifestyle hotels.
A unique aspect of The Lantern Hotel is its collaboration with the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. This partnership will focus on providing training and employment opportunities to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the CarolinaLIFE program. This initiative aims to establish hospitality career paths for students and community members who face barriers to employment.
The managing partner of Raines Development, Grey Raines, has expressed enthusiasm about how the hotel could positively impact the community and the lives of those involved. The hotel will also feature a signature restaurant named Ladder 13, with its food and beverage program designed by Kevin Johnson, a James Beard Award nominee and USC alumnus.
In addition to the immediate community ties associated with The Lantern Hotel, many individuals involved in the project are USC alumni, which adds a deep sense of connection and significance to the mission of the hotel. The managing partner of Raines, David Tart, points to these connections as fundamental to the project’s aim of becoming a beacon of inclusion and pride for the Columbia community.
The Lantern Hotel will be part of Raines’ Woven portfolio, a collection of lifestyle hotels that emphasizes unique and immersive experiences for guests. The development company has a broad experience with major hospitality brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, boasting a portfolio of 55 properties throughout the Southeastern United States, which includes notable venues such as Hotel Theo in New Orleans and The Foundry Hotel in Asheville.
In addition to The Lantern Hotel in Columbia, Raines Development has announced plans to open The Lantern Rock Hill in Fall 2026. This further indicates Raines’ commitment to enriching the hospitality landscape of the region and providing quality accommodations that also serve the community at large.
The introduction of The Lantern Hotel marks a significant step in the revitalization of the Vista district while honoring its historical significance. By integrating contemporary design with a commitment to community service and development, The Lantern Hotel not only aims to enhance local tourism but also seeks to empower individuals through meaningful employment opportunities.
As construction proceeds and plans develop, The Lantern Hotel stands ready to make its mark as a transformative addition to Columbia, fostering inclusivity and aiming to shine a light on the vibrant heritage and community spirit of the area.
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