BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
The long-vacant Hotel Hinton is about to transform, significantly breathing new life into the historic building. This ambitious restoration project is a joint effort between SAGA Realty and Construction and local historic renovation specialist Down East Preservation.
According to signage displayed at the site during an informational event held Friday, May 30, the redevelopment will include a complete rehabilitation of the historic hotel on East King Street in downtown Edenton. The team plans to bring the structure back to life as early as 2026. The plans call for a mixed-use hotel with short- and long-term rentals that honor its architectural heritage while incorporating modern updates.
According to savethehinton.com, the hotel was deeded to SAGA Corporation by Preservation North Carolina in 2015. The property sat vacant since 2015 — abandoned, and run-down until Down East began work on the interior earlier this year.
According to SAGA and Down East representatives, the two groups have been discussing hotel plans for the past year. Within the past few months, work began on the property.
Dawson Tyler, co-owner of Down East, noted that work has taken a long time to start at the Hotel Hinton.
“I’d like to thank the Town of Edenton in general — the people of the town of Edenton,” he told an overflowing crowd in the building’s first-floor lobby. “You have have wanted this to happen for several years.”
Tyler also appreciated the town’s officials and their relentless efforts. “One of the things that often goes unnoticed is the dedication of everybody in the town council. Their hard work has been crucial in bringing us to this moment.”
Tyler also thanked SAGA for listening to Down East and being willing to collaborate.
“That collaboration and that listening is how we got to where we are,” Tyler said. “I want this to be a fresh sort when we think about uh the ownership of the hotel and we think about this project in general, that’s what it is.”
Debbie Gabbert, director of sales at SAGA Construction and Development, outlined the vision for the Hotel Hinton. The revised proposal includes a mix of short-term rental hotel suites, long-term residences, and two commercial spaces, all designed to serve the community’s diverse needs.
“Our focus now is to continue planning thoughtfully so this building can meet multiple needs for Edenton,” Gabbert said. “There is great energy and excitement around this development and we’re working diligently to finalize plans and begin construction with that goal starting in 2026.”
Edenton Mayor Hackney High noted that in 2015, the building was empty. At that time, no one wanted to buy the Hotel Hinton. Then SAGA purchased it.
He thanked the community for its patience during the process.
“Thank you so much for your patience during this process. I know it’s not been easy. In fact, it’s been far from easy. It’s been tough. It’s been a rough road for us to get here tonight,” he said.
“I thank you for your trust, not only in me, but also town council and trust in the process that one day we would get to this point. So thank you so much for your persistence, and thank you so much for your patience.”
He also thanked Tyler and SAGA for their work on this project.
“I cannot wait to come here in a year or two and celebrate the transformation,” High said. “I cannot wait to come and see what I know will be the crown jewel of downtown Edenton.”
About the Decor
Someone asked Tyler about the plans to use Art Deco style in the hotel. He noted that the building really dictated the decor’s style.
“One fun thing about being in this preservation work is you don’t really get to make those choices. The building makes that choice,” Tyler said of the style. “It was built in 1926; that’s what (the decor) was. So it kind of leaning into that that way.”
The plans call for the use of exotic woods, bold mosiacs, luxurious fabrics and ornamental light fixtures.
Fabrics, such as silk, velvet and leather will be used in upholstery and bedding.
The colors will be rich and vibrant, such as deep reds, greens, blues and yellow to create a striking ambiance. The furniture and decor will be arranged in a symmetrical and balanced manner to create a sense of harmony.
Fabrics and wallpaper will feature geometrical elements.
Ornamental light fixtures will include gilded bronze, chrome, brass and frosted glass to add visual dimensions and warm light.
The hotel will feature mosaic tiles in decorative pieces or as a wall fixture, creating a intricate visual details.
The project, which was presented to town council at a meeting earlier this year, includes the possible incorporation of the woodwork from the Cupola House that was installed to replace the original woodwork. The plans call for the woodwork to be installed in the bar area to the right of the main lobby, the side closest to the courthouse.
“We’ve been in discussions with Cupola House Board about potentially reutilizing the woodwork, as a bar in the room beside us,” Tyler said. “What we’re trying to do is not only honor that woodwork and create a really beautiful space for people to dine and drink, but to tell the story of the preservation miracle that is happening 200 yards down the street. And have this place be a jumping off point for our visitors to stay in and to go out into this incredible place that we’ve all worked so hard to preserve, and enjoy it and really get their first understanding of what Edenton’s all about in this hotel.”
What’s Next
To complete the project, SAGA will reapply for tax credits, Tyler said. There has been no public announcement of the cost of the SAGA/Down East project.
Town Manager Corey Goodwin noted that the project will have to have several building permits reviewed and approved as it moves along.
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