Aiken Set for Exciting Development at Jackson Petroleum Property
Hey there, Aiken! It looks like our lovely city is gearing up for some big changes right in the heart of town. Get ready for what could be an exciting transformation at the old Jackson Petroleum property, located at the bustling intersection of Richland Avenue and Williamsburg Street, just east of our beloved farmers market.
City Council’s Vote Paves the Way
On August 12, during a city council meeting, a crucial vote was cast with a resounding outcome of 5-1. The council approved a request for proposals aimed at finding developers who could breathe new life into the four parcels of land comprising the Jackson Petroleum property. As luck would have it, it seems the wheels are already in motion, with the council likely to kick off the sale process during the upcoming meeting on November 12. The plans are exciting, to say the least!
Enter Marketside Villages
So, who’s interested in this prime location? That would be Marketside Villages, a limited-liability company co-owned by the dynamic duo of Christian Hersacher and Hillary Head. Hersacher isn’t just any business person—he’s the senior vice president at Evans General Contractors, while Head brings her design expertise from Bespoke Fine Interiors. Together, they plan to create something special.
A Vision for Community-Centric Living
Marketside Villages is set on transforming the 2.02-acre property into a lively, community-focused setting that complements the existing farmers market. According to the plans submitted to the city council, this new area would feature ten buildings, some newly constructed and others being renovated. A main road will cut through the development, connecting Williamsburg and Marlboro streets, making it super accessible for everyone.
The centerpiece of this beautiful transformation will be a vibrant Village Square that promises to host a variety of businesses, including a cozy coffee shop, a bistro, and even a barber shop! But wait, there’s more! One of the buildings will be dedicated to creative pursuits, and several others will offer residential units on the second floors. That’s right, residents will be able to live just steps away from all the action—how cool is that?
Pocket Gardens and Artistic Installations
But this isn’t just about commerce; it’s about community. Marketside plans to include pocket gardens, inspiring walkways, public plazas, artistic installations, and plenty of outdoor seating for everyone to enjoy fresh air while soaking in the atmosphere. It sounds like the perfect spot for neighbors to catch up or families to hang out!
Upcoming City Council Meeting Details
Now, before we dive deeper into this exciting project, don’t forget the important meetings coming up! The Aiken City Council’s meeting at 7 p.m. on November 12 is a must-attend if you want to keep tabs on the ordinance readings. This meeting will be especially crucial, as they’ll also discuss new developments related to other city-owned properties and provide updates on recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Helene.
The Future Looks Bright!
The Jackson Petroleum property might be shifting gears, but it seems like it’s heading toward an incredibly bright and vibrant future! This development could enhance community interactions and events, not to mention offer new places to dine and gather with friends and family. So, Aiken, keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming city council meeting and the exciting changes on the horizon!
As always, let’s support our local journalism to stay updated on all the happenings in our charming city. Together, we can look forward to an even more connected and engaging Aiken!
