Boutique Hotel Offers Work Opportunities For Those With IDD by Alexa Jurado, The State/TNS | March 12, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new hotel in Columbia is partnering with the University of South Carolina to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the workforce. The Lantern, a boutique hotel housed in what was once the historic Columbia Central Fire Station, opened earlier this year. Located at 1001 Senate Streetwith hopes of being “Columbia’s living room,” The Lantern Hotel has nearly 60 rooms between three interconnected buildings, complete with an upscale restaurant and bar. The Raines Company, is partnering with the University of South Carolina’s CarolinaLIFE program and the university’s college of hospitality for career development initiatives.
CarolinaLIFE is an individualized program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at USC. Students live on campus independently and participate in university academic instruction based on their interests and needs. They also receive career education and training, which offers opportunities for part-time employment and support.
Concepts for the partnership have…
