The Marriott International TownPlace Suites at 2915 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia is taking shape.

The new hotel is being built across from Lexington Medical Center. Ground was broken at the site in January.

Solara Hospitality is the company building the 111-room hotel, between Bojangles and Freddy’s Burgers.

West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. said there is a great need for quality hotels in the area, especially with the recent expansion of Lexington Medical Center.

Solara also owns the Residence Inn that site by the site where the

TownPlace Suites are going. Construction should be completed by the end of the year.

The TownPlace Suites is Solara’s fourth property in the area, according to Andy Briggs, Solara’s VP of development and operations.

In addition to the West Columbia Residence Inn, there is a TownPlace Suites and another Residence Inn in the vicinity of Columbiana Center. In all Solara said it has invested more than $70 million in its local projects.