Groundbreaking set for hotel near Lexington Medical Center

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A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 17 for a hotel planned near Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia.

Solara Hospitality is building a TownePlace Suites by Marriott at 2915 Sunset Blvd., across the street from Lexington Medical Center. Solara built The Residence Inn by Marriott nearby on Mathias Road, and the company partners saw a need for more hotel accommodations in the area.

Solara Hospitality developers Andy Briggs and Clancy Cipkala told Columbia Regional Business Report in November that the $14 million TownePlace Suites by Marriott fills a need for extended stay accommodations serving both hospital personnel and visitors as well as the greater Columbia area. Solara Hospitality also is negotiating to purchase several nearby outparcel lots for potential retail development.

“When we saw that Lexington Medical Center was growing as rapidly as they are, as well as the growth of the corporate businesses in the greater Lexington-West Columbia area — and our proximity to downtown — we felt that it was another opportunity to add an additional hotel,” Cipkala said.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Sunset Boulevard site.