“The town of Waynesville’s been great. We were able to get right in, do our due diligence, do our homework, understand the permitting process,” said David Tart, managing partner of Raines. “I feel like we have a lot of support locally because people want to see this golf club get underway. Plus, it’s critical because of the timing of the growing season, so I will say we’ve probably put a little more effort into accelerating this.”

The iconic landmark was sold to development firm Raines for nearly $9 million in April, and plans for extensive rehabilitation were immediately announced  for the 111-room hotel and the 27-hole golf course. The course will remain open during the 24-month project. 

Raines’ portfolio currently includes several upstate South Carolina hotels under the Best Western, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott flags. The 87-room boutique Foundry Hotel in Asheville, and the Hotel Florence in Florence, South Carolina are also Raines properties and represent its more upscale “Woven” brand, which the Waynesville Inn will join as part of the Trademark by Wyndham family. 

— Cory Vaillancourt