Categories: Business NewsConstructionNewsReal Estate & Properties

New Hotel and Residential Conversions Approved in Aiken

Concept design for the new boutique hotel and restaurant in Aiken, bringing modern elegance to a historic building.

News Summary

Aiken’s Design Review Board has approved plans to convert the old Farmers and Merchants Bank Building into a boutique hotel and restaurant, enhancing downtown’s appeal with 80 rooms and a restaurant offering excellent views. Additionally, a historic church will be transformed into a single-family home. However, discussions about the fate of Hitchcock Stables loom as the community debates historic preservation versus development.

New Hotel and Residential Conversions Approved in Aiken

Exciting developments are on the horizon for the lovely city of Aiken, where the Design Review Board has given the green light for fresh projects aimed at rejuvenating the area. On January 7, 2025, the board approved a creative vision that will transform the old Farmers and Merchants Bank Building into an eye-catching boutique hotel and restaurant. This change is sure to breathe new life into the downtown scene.

A Fresh Face for an Historic Building

The new hotel will boast an impressive 80 rooms, a delightful addition to the city’s hospitality offerings. Owned by Park Place Ventures LLC—which includes partners Chad Ingram and Rob Johnston—the new hotel is set to reach four stories in height, strictly adhering to Aiken’s legal limits of 55 feet. A previous proposal for a smaller, 56-room hotel fell flat the first time around due to financial concerns, prompting a rethink that resulted in this more extensive plan.

Aside from focusing on room quantity, the design has been tweaked to ensure that the second-floor windows align beautifully with those of the existing bank building. This thoughtful design choice honors the character of the original structure while adding a modern touch. Also, no guest will have to worry about parking woes, as plans include an extra 60 parking spaces at the back of the hotel, making the convenience factor top-notch.

The restaurant, which will be located inside the renovated bank building, promises to provide a fantastic dining experience with spectacular views overlooking Laurens Street, along with a lively bar atmosphere for socializing.

Historic Transformations Ahead

In addition to the hotel project, the Gudiths, Scott and Kimberly, have received unanimous support from the Design Review Board for their endeavor to convert a church located at 433 Whiskey Road into a charming single-family home. They acquired the property in May 2024 for $425,000, and while they have ambitious plans to alter the exterior significantly—updating the roof, porch, and windows—they are also sensitive to the building’s historic roots since it lies in a designated historic district.

Despite having faced a bit of a deadlock initially, the couple’s dedication to addressing concerns about the property’s historic status seems to have swayed the board in their favor.

Historic Designation Debates Loom

While the community celebrates these new projects, the ongoing debates around historic designations will soon be center stage again. The Aiken City Planning Commission is set to discuss the fate of Hitchcock Stables on January 14, 2025. This contentious issue pits developers Charlie and Tara Bostwick against community advocates who urge for the landmark’s preservation.

The developers are pushing for certain portions of the stables to be demolished, but local residents are rallying to protect this piece of Aiken’s past. The stables have not historically received the recognition they deserve, having been overlooked in prior surveys conducted from 1984 to 2010.

Community members have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the substantial contributions made by the Hitchcock family who played a significant role in establishing the equestrian community that Aiken is known for today. The battles over the stables highlight the delicate balance between historic preservation and the development of modern conveniences that meet community needs.

As Aiken moves forward with its plans, residents can expect a vibrant mix of historic charm and contemporary living spaces that could very well enhance the city’s property values while embracing its rich heritage. It’s an ongoing evolution that many locals are eagerly watching unfold.