US-based hospitality management and development company Raines has opened The Lantern Columbia, a 59-room hotel located in the Vista area of Columbia, South Carolina, US.
The project involved the conversion of the historic Columbia Central Fire Station.
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The hotel’s operations include collaboration with the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management and the CarolinaLIFE programme to provide employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Raines Development led the building’s renovation, with Garvin Design Group handling architecture and Mashburn Construction overseeing construction.
The property sits close to the State Capitol and the University of South Carolina. Its design preserves elements of the original firehouse while introducing modern features across three buildings.
Raines managing partner Grey Raines said: “Seeing the historic Central Fire Station revitalised is incredible, but seeing our team — comprised of seasoned professionals and eager students from the HRSM and CarolinaLIFE programmes — working side-by-side is the true achievement.”
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By GlobalDataRick Hayduk serves as general manager at The Lantern Columbia. Hayduk brings over three decades of experience in hospitality management and previously worked with ClemsonLIFE at The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson, South Carolina.
Hayduk said: “The Lantern Columbia’s guest experience is defined by the unique culture we are building within these historic walls. Having our team made up of local hospitality professionals, local individuals with disabilities, USC’s Hotel, Retail, and Sports Management students, and CarolinaLIFE students is a first, anywhere.”
The Lantern Columbia is part of Raines’ Woven portfolio of lifestyle hotels.
Company representatives state that this opening represents a new approach focused on inclusive employment rather than only expanding their property listings.
Raines managing partner David Tart said: “The Lantern Columbia represents the future of what we call ‘intentional hospitality. We’ve taken a cherished local landmark and transformed it into a space that serves both guests and the community in truly remarkable ways.”
