The Indigo Road Hospitality Group will operate the planned Haigler Hotel—a new boutique destination currently under construction in downtown Camden, S.C.—as well as its signature restaurant.
Attached to Camden’s historic clock tower building, the Haigler Hotel is slated to open in early 2027, marking a transformation of one of the city’s most iconic structures. Construction is now underway following a 2025 groundbreaking.
“The Haigler Hotel represents a beautiful intersection of history, hospitality and place,” Steve Palmer, founder and chief vision officer of Charleston, S.C.-based IRHG, said in a statement. “We’re honored to bring our passion for boutique hotels and restaurants to Camden and help shape a gathering place that reflects the city’s enduring spirit and equestrian legacy.”
The approximately 50-room boutique hotel will restore and repurpose the Clock Tower Complex with the goal of blending refined design with Camden’s equestrian heritage. The building includes the historic clock tower which is more than a century old, topped with an 1826 weathervane honoring King Haigler, the Catawba chief who protected early settlers and remains a lasting symbol of Camden’s history.
The project team includes architect Wentz Chesson and interior designer Daliana Shafner of Integrated Building Design, alongside CPI Construction. Development is led by Kershaw Hospitality, headed by Ben Zeigler and Philip Woollcott.
In addition to the hotel, the project will introduce a signature restaurant designed as a social hub for the community. The concept will blend Southern sophistication with Americana charm. The restaurant’s design will incorporate warm wood tones, leather seating, brass accents and subtle equestrian details. A coffee bar will complement the experience, offering a casual morning retreat for guests and locals alike.
Exterior restoration is already underway, including new brickwork that complements the original architecture of the Clock Tower. The property will also feature flexible event space for weddings, conferences and community gatherings.