Couple Transforms Historic Aiken Church into Family Home

News Summary

Scott and Kimberly Gudith are breathing new life into a historic church in Aiken, transforming it into their dream family home. Their plans involve significant renovations, including changes to the roof, windows, and porches, which will be reviewed by the Aiken Design Review Board on January 7. The couple’s vision for the property reflects their commitment to preserving the building’s history while making it a cozy residence. This project could mark a bright new chapter for both the Gudiths and the Aiken community.

Aiken Sees New Life for Old Church: Couple Turns Vision into Reality

In the picturesque town of Aiken, something exciting is brewing! An enterprising couple from Augusta, Scott and Kimberly Gudith, have big dreams for a 1.01-acre property they recently purchased at 433 Whiskey Road. This space has quite the history, having once served as a church, but now the Gudiths envision it as a cozy single-family home.

The couple made a significant investment, buying the property for $425,000 on May 24, as noted by the Aiken County property tax records. With their plans in motion, they are taking the necessary steps to transform this unique building into a stunning residence. Their aspirations will be put to the test at an upcoming meeting on January 7, where the Aiken Design Review Board will take a close look at their plans for any alterations.

A Historical Canvas

The structure the Gudiths are aiming to renovate was once a reading room for the First Church of Christ, Scientist. These services have since moved to Aiken Senior Life Services, opening up a world of possibilities for Scott and Kimberly. However, renovating a property in Historic District II comes with its own challenges—any exterior changes need the green light from the review board.

From Church to Charming Home

After an initial rejection of their first proposal in November, the Gudiths returned to the drawing board and submitted a revised application on December 9. So, what kind of changes are they planning? Ready for a list? Here it goes!

Altering the roof pitch using onyx black Owens Corning Tru-Definition Duration Shingles.
Relocating the front door to the center, featuring a stunning new six-foot by eight-foot mahogany Tiffany diamond seven light double door.
Expanding the front porch with a sleek concrete design, complete with a red brick border and inviting steps.
Replacing the existing windows with Sierra Pacific H3 windows, giving the place a modern touch.
Adding black solid wood board and batten shutters that promise to be both stylish and functional.
Painting the exterior trim in the delightful Sherwin-Williams SW 7008 “alabaster.” You can already picture how fresh that looks.
Create two new porches at the back of the property, featuring chic black doors adorned with a two-by-three window pattern.
Constructing a 24-foot by 44-foot, eight-inch three-car garage topped with an apartment, which stands tall at 24 feet, six inches.
Installing five-inch black aluminum “K” style gutters to complete the exterior look.
Building a wood panel fence accentuated with stucco columns and sleek black metal gates along the nearby roads.

It’s clear the Gudiths are pouring their hearts into this project! Their second application also saw some tweaks that include a metal standing seam for the porch roof and garage door eyebrows, a revised size for the garage, and the addition of that sleek fence proposal.

What’s Next?

The review board’s decision will hinge on whether they find enough substantial changes in the latest proposal compared to the initial application. At the January 7 meeting, the board will also be electing its officers—so there’s plenty of business to be taken care of!

The gathering is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building, with an earlier work session at 5:30 p.m. in a different room. Don’t worry about where to park—there are designated areas nearby!

This project is shaping up to be a lovely addition to Aiken. For Scott and Kimberly Gudith, transforming a former church into their dream home is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives.