Augusta Couple Faces Setback in Church-to-Home Transformation Plans in Aiken

An Augusta Couple’s Ambitious Plans for a Church-to-Home Transformation in Aiken

Aiken, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement after news broke that an Augusta couple, Scott and Kimberly Gudith, purchased a unique 1.01-acre property at 433 Whiskey Road for a whopping $425,000. The couple has big plans to turn the property, previously a church, into a lovely family residence. But, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Scott and Kimberly as they recently faced a bit of a hiccup with the Aiken Design Review Board during their proposal on November 14.

Dreams of Homeownership and a New Beginning

Scott, speaking passionately to the Design Review Board, shared their journey of searching for a place to call home for several years before settling on this property. “We first saw the property back in March and immediately recognized the potential to transform the church into a beautiful home,” he said. The church, known as the Christian Science Society of Aiken, used to hold services at this venue before moving to Aiken Senior Life Services.

The Gudiths are excited about their move for many reasons, including its proximity to downtown Aiken and the horse district, not to mention the convenience it brings to Kimberly’s daily commute to McEntire Joint National Guard Air Base.

A Unique Transformation Ahead

The transformation plans include significant renovations such as raising the pitch of the roof, resizing and replacing all windows, relocating the front door, painting the brick, and building a three-car garage adjacent to the main structure. However, these plans require the nod of approval from the vigilant Aiken Design Review Board, especially since the building is situated in Historic District II.

Scott acknowledged the complexities of the project due to the historic guidelines, stating, “We knew it would be challenging in keeping with the guidelines of the Historical Overlay District. It would require the right team who understands the community to ensure the design is cohesive.” As part of the design process, the couple sought out local professionals who share their vision.

A Meeting of Minds and Design Challenges

During the board meeting, the couple presented their design plans, which did face a few critiques. Board member McDonald Law, who also happens to be an architect, recused himself from the conversation but has seen many designs in his 20 years of service on the board. Vice Chairman Ben Lott pointed out that the proposed front door design might not fit the neighborhood, prompting Scott to explain how the unique diamond pattern aligns with Aiken’s horse culture.

Chairwoman Faith Hawks appreciated the arch of the door, viewing it as contextual, but concerns arose about other design elements. Hawks pointed out the height of the proposed middle portion of the house, which was taller than its ends, while board member Pat Corey expressed worries about the garage being larger than the house, calling it “out of scale.” This led to a back-and-forth discussion between Scott and Corey as they defended their viewpoints.

Public Opinions and the Final Vote

Public comment was welcomed, with local resident Mike Morgan, who lives across Chesterfield Street, suggesting that the church should be torn down entirely in favor of a new build that fits the established historic character of the area.

Despite commendable parts of the design, the board’s final vote resulted in a 3-3 split, thus denying the proposal. While some board members like Lott and Ahmad Mickell supported the garage size, Hawks, Corey, and another board member were not convinced, leading to an unexpected stalemate.

Scott made it clear that he wasn’t interested in modifying the design further, firmly stating, “Absolutely not.” He felt the existing plans were just fine and didn’t want to incur more costs for revisions. As a result, the approval won’t return to the board for a year unless significant changes are made to the design.

With offers reportedly coming in for the property, the Gudiths might have their work cut out for them as they navigate these challenges in bringing their dream home to life. Aiken’s historic charm and community spirit remain strong, and everyone is keeping an eye on this ongoing saga of transformation!