Aiken County Council Moves Forward with Potential Sale of Old Hospital

Aiken County Council Meeting: A Step Closer to Sale of Old Hospital

Welcome to a beautiful day in Aiken, where the skies are mostly cloudy with a pleasant high of 83°F and light winds from the north-northeast. On this lovely September 19, the local buzz is centered around an important meeting that took place just two days ago on September 17 at the Aiken County Government Center.

The Old Aiken County Hospital: A Property in Transition

At the center of this gathering was the old Aiken County Hospital, a building that has quite a history. After serving its purpose as a medical facility and then as the county government headquarters, it’s now looking for new life and a new owner. The County Council convened to discuss an ordinance that would grant their chairman, Gary Bunker, the authority to execute a purchase and sale agreement with a potential buyer, Camden Management Partners.

However, not everything is moving swiftly in this transaction. Bunker noted that the third and final reading of the ordinance was not on the agenda due to ongoing discussions among attorneys regarding various terms and conditions, particularly in relation to a lawsuit raised by Tracey Turner, the CEO of Turner Development Company. Turner had previously attempted to purchase the property for $950,000 but claimed the county breached their agreement.

The Potential Sale: Who’s Interested?

So, who exactly is interested in this old building? Camden Management Partners is aiming to buy the property for $900,000. Their president, John Gumpert, expressed optimism about securing the necessary financing for the deal. During the public hearing, one concerned citizen, Don Moniak, voiced his thoughts, suggesting that the county should maintain the property better while it remains in their hands.

Another council member, Kelley Mobley, raised a crucial question about Camden Management Partners’ financial capability. The assurance came back clear: “We received a letter from their bank saying they are capable,” Bunker confirmed, providing some reassurance about the financial backing of this prospective buyer.

A Long Road to This Point

This isn’t the first time the old hospital has been up for sale. In the past few years, several deals have fallen through, including a more ambitious $2.094 million offer from Aiken Lofts Manager LLC. That deal fizzled out after the deadline passed, along with an additional grace period that didn’t yield results. The council is therefore cautious but hopeful with Camden Management Partners at the helm.

Future Plans for the Hospital Site

While we await more details on how Camden Management Partners plans to transform the old hospital, Gumpert hinted at their vision, stating, “I prefer to wait another, say, 60 days before we do anything.” He emphasized a careful approach, wanting to ensure that the plans are solid before any announcements are made. His company has a track record of successful redevelopments, such as their projects at the Warren Mill and Vaucluse Mill sites nearby.

A Community Effort

The county’s involvement with the old hospital isn’t just a simple real estate transaction. This is a blend of history and community impact as well. After all, this 66,072-square-foot brick structure built before World War II is not just a building; it carries the stories of countless lives passed through its hallways.

The Council’s meeting was attended by eight of its nine members, with one member, Danny Feagin, on holiday. As discussions progress, it’s worth remembering that this decision isn’t just about finding a buyer; it’s about finding the right buyer who will honor the history and potential of the old hospital.

Join Us in the Journey

As we look towards the future of the old Aiken County Hospital, marking this pivotal moment reflects our town’s ongoing narrative. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for developments on the sale, as this could significantly impact our community’s landscape. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a deal that brings new life to this cherished structure!