News Summary
Augusta is planning a new hotel development on Broad Street aimed at revitalizing the downtown area and generating job opportunities. The project includes 200 guest rooms and modern amenities, with construction expected to begin soon after community approval is granted on September 25. This initiative aligns with a new arena set to open by 2027, further enhancing the city’s urban landscape and economy. In addition, a redevelopment of the historic Olde Federal Building into a boutique hotel has also been approved, anticipating new jobs and economic growth.
Augusta is poised for a significant transformation in its downtown landscape with plans for a new hotel development on Broad Street, right next to popular local establishments. This proposed hotel aims to revitalize the area and bolster the economy by generating numerous job opportunities.
The Augusta Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the hotel project on September 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the Augusta Municipal Building. The development will be situated adjacent to Augusta Candle Co. and directly across from the Garden City Social Nightclub. If approved, construction will begin on the site currently occupied by the former Ramada Plaza Hotel.
City officials have indicated that the new hotel development, projected to be a four-star full-service hotel, is a strategic move that aligns with the construction of a new arena in downtown Augusta. This new arena, which will replace the now-demolished James Brown Arena, is expected to open in 2027 and will accommodate over 10,000 attendees, located just two blocks away from the proposed hotel.
The development project, managed by South Carolina-based Breakwater Development, will enhance the hotel market in downtown Augusta. Plans for the new hotel include 200 guest rooms, long-term stay suites, meeting spaces, and modern amenities. Completion is estimated to occur within 18 to 24 months, with the specific hotel brand and name to be confirmed shortly.
Alongside the new hotel, the city is also witnessing additional revitalization efforts that include various other developments. A microenterprise center and market-rate apartments are part of a broader initiative to boost growth along lower Broad Street.
In another significant project, the Augusta City Council has approved a tax incentive of $2.6 million over a 20-year period for the redevelopment of the historic Olde Federal Building into a boutique hotel. The Olde Federal Building is anticipated to include a spa, café, public meeting areas, and a rooftop bar. This project is expected to generate approximately 30 full-time and 20 part-time jobs. Construction for the Olde Federal Building is projected to commence in the spring of 2026 with an expected timeline of 12 to 18 months for completion thereafter.
Furthermore, financial strategies such as tax increment financing (TIF) agreements have been established to support these development projects, allowing the city to use a portion of the property taxes generated for future initiatives aimed at further enhancing downtown Augusta.
The proposed hotel development and other associated projects highlight Augusta’s commitment to urban renewal and economic growth. As the planning process moves forward, the upcoming HPC hearing is anticipated to gather community support and insights that will play a critical role in shaping the downtown area’s future.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Vacant Ramada Plaza Hotel to Become Four-Star Hotel
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- Central Maine: Augusta Councilors Approve Tax Break for Boutique Hotel
- Google Search: Augusta downtown development
- The Augusta Press: New Partnership for Downtown Ramada
- Google Scholar: Augusta hotel development
- Hotel News Resource: Development Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta, Georgia
- Spectrum Local News: Revitalizing Downtown Augusta
- Google News: Augusta hotel projects
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
