Raines, a prominent organization specializing in hospitality management, development, and investment, is excited to announce the groundbreaking of The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista in Columbia, SC. Developed and managed by Raines, this hotel will be the second in South Carolina under the Shepherd brand. With design and architectural expertise from Garvin Design Group and construction managed by Mashburn Construction, the hotel is expected to be completed by fall 2025. The first Shepherd Hotel debuted in downtown Clemson, SC, in September 2022. The brand was co-founded by Rick Hayduk, a seasoned hotel visionary; Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer; and Dabo Swinney, Head Football Coach at Clemson University. Rick’s vision for the hotel was inspired by his two children with Down Syndrome; he aimed to create a workplace that embraces individuals with disabilities. The Shepherd Hotel Downtown Clemson was launched in collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, a program at Clemson University designed to empower students with intellectual disabilities in pursuing their career goals and enjoying a college experience. Similarly, the Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will collaborate with the University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program, providing comparable opportunities through the School of Hospitality and Tourism. “The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista embodies our dedication to the hospitality sector and our commitment to the communities we serve,” stated David Tart, managing partner at Raines. “We eagerly anticipate providing essential skills and career pathways for students and young adults with intellectual disabilities, especially in college towns.” “This hotel represents a significant step for us, reinforcing our mission to deliver outstanding hospitality experiences while creating sustainable employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities in the industry,” Hayduk remarked. “We are excited to collaborate with Raines Co in bringing this second Shepherd Hotel to fruition.”
The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista will transform the historic Columbia Central Fire Station into a 59-key boutique hotel located at 1001 Senate St., Columbia, SC. Nestled in the vibrant Vista area, the hotel is near the University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Statehouse, Colonial Life Arena, and the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Its prime location allows easy access to various restaurants and recreational activities. This adaptive reuse project will honor the historic significance of the Columbia Central Fire Station, one of the city’s oldest fire stations, while incorporating modern amenities, including a fitness center, board room, lounge, and valet parking. Kevin Johnson, a James Beard Nominee and South Carolina alumni, will oversee the hotel’s food and beverage offerings, featuring an on-site restaurant that will serve local patrons and hotel guests with an array of small plates, craft cocktails, and an extensive beer and wine selection. “We’re proud to contribute to this project, merging our passion for historic preservation with our commitment to providing outstanding hospitality spaces,” said Lee Mashburn, president of Mashburn Construction. “Partnering with the Raines team presents an exciting opportunity, and we are honored to play a role in revitalizing this iconic building while constructing the second Shepherd Hotel in South Carolina, just blocks from Mashburn’s headquarters.”
The year 2024 has been a milestone for Raines, as the company has added over 20 properties to its management portfolio since January, including 16 hotels in a landmark partnership with Atlantic Hotels Group. Raines is committed to holistic and sustainable growth, particularly in the lifestyle sector, exemplified by the ongoing expansion of its lifestyle division, Woven by Raines. In 2023, the company celebrated 35 years in the hospitality industry and expanded its reach by acquiring third-party management firm HP Hotels, among other notable achievements.
Hotel Website
The Shepherd Hotel Columbia Vista
1001 Senate St
Columbia, SC 29201
United States
