Courtyard by Marriott hotel breaks ground in Lexington

Work has begun on a new hotel in the Midlands.

Mashburn Construction will bring a new hotel to Main Street in Lexington, with project leaders and community members recently breaking ground on the new four-story, premium select hotel.

The Courtyard by Marriott hotel will be located at 116 E. Main St. in downtown Lexington, according to a news release. With 111 guest rooms, a defining feature of the new building is a second-floor terrace overlooking the bustling Main Street. The hotel will also include a state-of-the-art fitness center, flexible meeting and event spaces, and The Bistro offering fresh meals, Starbucks coffee and cocktails.

Guided by Craig A. Otto Architects, the design blends welcoming public spaces with elements inspired by Lexington’s character, all while delivering the quality of Marriott, the release stated.

This project is led by Lexington Hospitality, under brothers Ajay and Raj Champaneri, who have spent over 25 years shaping hotels and restaurants across South Carolina, according to the release.

“Lexington has always been home for our family. Bringing Courtyard by Marriott here is a natural next step that honors our hospitality journey while creating a space that reflects the town’s welcoming spirit and commitment to quality,” said Raj Champaneri, chief operations officer.

The project features a wood-framed structure with an Arriscraft limestone veneer, complemented by a second-floor terrace with a glass railing and gas fireplace, the release stated. The lobby will showcase a large stairwell with three-inch maple floating treads leading to the second-floor balcony, along with media pods for modern functionality.

The main entry faces Main Street, and the site includes a fully revamped underground stormwater retention system connected to the newly installed town of Lexington stormwater infrastructure, the release stated. A brick veneer in the “Old Lexington” style will honor and align with the character of downtown’s historic buildings.

“We’re proud to partner once again with the Champaneri family on this exciting hotel project,” Lee Mashburn, president of Mashburn Construction said in the release. “It’s an honor to support their vision by delivering a high-quality build that will serve both guests and the Lexington community. As a family-owned business ourselves, we share their values and look forward to bringing this project to life together.

“Mashburn Construction is committed to creating spaces that enrich communities across South Carolina, delivering projects that leave a lasting, positive impact.”