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The long-planned Montford Hotel at 245 Huger St. earned the first of the three greenlights it needs from the city's Board of Architectural Review . The project, which will be just south of the Meeting Street onramp to the Ravenel Bridge , was given conceptual approval April 9.
The renderings for the 150-room lodging with heights ranging from four to eight stories show public and guest amenities that include a lobby with 25-foot ceilings, first-floor and rooftop restaurants, bars, ballrooms and a pickleball deck. Developer Sunju Patel has previously said the Montford is expected to be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection . Architect Steve Ramos said he designed the corner façade, which will house the ballroom and meeting space, to "have its own identity" distinct from the rest of the building.
Several BAR members commented that the building seemed almost like two standalone structures, blended in a cohesive way. Representatives of the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Preservation Society of Charleston spoke during the public comment period, saying the design is starting in a strong place. They also offered suggestions on matters to restudy before the project comes back for preliminary approval.
TMGOC Ventures , a partnership between The Montford Group of Charleston and Florida-based Opterra Capital , has a few other hotels in the works — including the triangular 191-room Thompson by Hyatt proposed where Morrison Drive and Meeting Street meet. The increase in air service connectivity from Charleston International is reshaping the region's visitor mix. So says Helen Hill , CEO of Explore Charleston tourism marketing agency and chairwoman of the Charleston County Aviation Authority.
Speaking to a group of more than 200 business professionals April 9 at the monthly " Business and Brews " meetup, she noted more visitors now hail from New York than from North Carolina because of the numerous new flight options. Hill also said Charleston's best 10 years are ahead of us and listed the ways the opportunities could slip away. The region's top tourism-industry promoter said between the region's diverse economy, growth in air service and its unique location, the area has everything going for it.
The easiest ways to backpedal is by not investing in critical infrastructure, protecting natural resources or focusing on sustainability. Charleston International Airport saw more than 6.1 million passengers last year.
The CHS chair also urged residents to support the airport's carriers, especially Air Canada , after its pullback on some U.S. flights, and the upcoming weekly service to Bermuda from BermudAir .
She also hinted at the potential for more international flights from the Lowcountry if low-cost providers like Breeze continue to be successful. When questioned about the possible return of British Airways , Hill said talks are ongoing. She's previously said it's a matter of when, not if the carrier will resume service to London.
"We're trying," she replied. "We were the smallest community airport British Airways serviced that wasn't an island at the time. We're flying more people to London every day (via connecting flights) than we did when we had a flight.
And that's important to them." Travelers heading through Charleston International have been without their Cinnabon fix this month. The airport location has been temporarily closed and is expected to reopen within the next week.
"We recently made changes to our operating structure, which caused a brief interruption in service," Michael Blake , director of operations at Delaware North , said in a statement. The privately held hospitality company serves airports worldwide and operates several concessions for CHS . The Cinnabon kiosk opened in 2021 in Concourse B, behind the federal security checkpoint.
The concession originally was awarded to Atlanta-based franchisee Shawnalea Garvin as part of an airport minority business program and under a joint venture with Delaware North. CHS officials referred questions to Buffalo, N.Y.
-based Delaware North. Garvin did not respond to request for comment. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is honoring the legacy of its destroyer as the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa nears.
During a Japanese raid on April 16, 1945, the then- USS Laffey was attacked by 22 bombers and kamikaze aircraft, killing 32 men and wounding 71 of the 336 sailors onboard. The crew fought back, downed numerous planes and saved the damaged destroyer, earning it the nickname, “The Ship That Would Not Die.” Starting April 15 , Patriots Point will hold events centered around the vessel, including Life Aboard the Laffey Day , where visitors can meet ship veterans and watch reenactors.
There will also be a Lego replica-building contest in partnership with Bricks & Minifigs Charleston . On April 16 , the anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa, the museum will hold a memorial ceremony, lectures and guided tours..
