Columbia Celebrates Groundbreaking of Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista, Promoting Job Opportunities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Columbia’s Exciting New Shepherd Hotel Breaks Ground!

Columbia, get ready for some fabulous news! On November 14, the city celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista. Located at 1001 Senate Street, this new boutique hotel is set to bring a wave of hospitality and job opportunities, especially for those with intellectual disabilities. How amazing is that?

A Dream in the Making

This hotel isn’t just any ordinary building; it’s the brainchild of Rick Hayduk, who co-founded the Shepherd brand out of a deep desire to create more opportunities for his two children with Down syndrome. Talk about a father’s love! The first Shepherd Hotel opened in downtown Clemson in 2022, and now Columbia is next on the list.

The new hotel will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a welcoming 59-key haven for both visitors and locals. Aren’t we all excited to see how they will preserve the charm of the old fire station while incorporating modern amenities?

Partnership and Purpose

The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista aims to not just be a place to stay, but a space that empowers individuals. In partnership with the University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program, this hotel will provide valuable job opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. This initiative mirrors the success seen in Clemson, where the hotel partnered with a similar program to help students gain skills and experience in a college environment.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony

The atmosphere during the groundbreaking was buzzing with excitement. Members from the hotel management team, including Hayduk and partner Rich Davies, joined city and university leaders, such as USC Football Coach Shane Beamer and Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, for the ceremonial event. Students from USC even got their hands dirty in buckets of dirt during the groundbreaking that took place inside the historic firehouse!

Hayduk expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is a special milestone for us, as it builds on our mission to provide exceptional hospitality experiences through creating sustainable employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the industry.”

What to Expect

The hotel, which is planned to open its doors in the fall of 2025, will feature some delightful amenities. Guests can look forward to a cozy fitness center, a stylish lounge area, a boardroom for meetings, and even valet parking! The food and beverage program will be led by the James Beard Nominee and USC alumnus, Kevin Johnson, ensuring a top-notch dining experience with small plates, craft cocktails, and a fantastic selection of beer and wine.

A Step Towards Community Engagement

Raines, a prominent hospitality development company, is coordinating the project along with Mashburn Construction, who will manage the building process. Mashburn’s president, Lee Mashburn, shared his excitement about the project stating, “We’re proud to be a part of this project, which blends our passion for historic preservation and our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality spaces.”

With its rich history and promising future, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista is not just a hotel—it’s about creating connections, opportunities, and making a difference in the community. For the residents of Columbia, it’s also an invitation to welcome a beautiful blend of the past and future in their city.

So, keep your eyes peeled for updates, Columbia! This vibrant addition is just around the corner, and it promises to be an exciting journey for everyone involved!