Aspen One has announced plans to open Limelight Charleston in 2028, marking the brand’s first East Coast property and its seventh overall. The mixed-use project will include a 50-room hotel and 16 private residences in the heart of Charleston’s historic district at 306 King Street and 86 Society Street, near the College of Charleston.
The property is being developed in partnership with Category Company. Limelight Charleston will feature a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool and dining, meeting space, and a parking garage. It will also include the brand’s signature “living room,” designed as a gathering place for both locals and visitors.
“Expanding the Limelight brand to Charleston is a milestone moment for us, and the Limelight brand brings a differentiated experience to this historic, ever-growing, and dynamic community,” said Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality. “The continued growth of Limelight Hotels in a thoughtful, intentional way brings authentic connections to the country’s most interesting and exciting destinations. Embarking on this development in such a great location within Charleston is a moment worth celebrating, especially as we continue to build a portfolio that pairs beautiful design with a sense of adventure.”
The new hotel joins the existing Limelight Hotels portfolio, which includes properties in Aspen, Snowmass, Denver, and Ketchum. Two additional hotels, Limelight Boulder and Limelight Mammoth, are also scheduled to open later this year. The brand has expanded from three open hotels in early 2023 to seven open or in development, with a focus on top leisure destinations.
Limelight Hotels is part of Aspen One, which also owns Aspen Snowmass, The Little Nell, and the Aspen Collection. The company has taken what it describes as a measured approach to growth, targeting high-barrier-to-entry markets with strong leisure demand.
“Aspen Hospitality and Category complement each other perfectly,” said Daniel Pourbaba, founder & chief executive of Category Company. “Our partnership represents a shared desire to create a first-class property in Charleston—one that honors the city’s character and storied architecture, and that can become a genuine part of the community’s fabric for generations to come.”
With its location in a historic urban center and focus on local integration, Limelight Charleston is expected to reflect both the brand’s modern design ethos and the character of its setting. As with other Limelight properties, the hotel will aim to serve as a hub for community activity as well as a base for exploration.
