New Mixed-Use Development Set for Downtown Aiken

News Summary

A groundbreaking ceremony for a new mixed-use building in downtown Aiken is scheduled for January 27, 2025. The 36,000-square-foot development will house around 100 professionals, including Battelle Savannah River Alliance and USC Aiken. With an estimated cost of $19.15 million, construction is expected to take 15 months, aiming for a summer 2026 completion. This revitalization project is seen as a pivotal step towards boosting local businesses and enhancing community engagement in an area that has seen minimal activity for years.

Exciting New Mixed-Use Building Coming to Downtown Aiken!

Big news for Aiken residents! A groundbreaking ceremony is set for a brand-new mixed-use building that promises to bring a whole new vibe to our downtown area. Mark your calendars for 3:30 p.m. on January 27, 2025, because this event will kickstart something truly special for our community.

Where and What’s Happening

This shiny new building will sprout up at 133 and 141 Newberry St. N.W., right in the heart of downtown. With plans to accommodate about 100 professionals, the development aims to breathe life into what has been a quiet stretch of town for quite some time. The announcement came during the Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s First Friday breakfast, generating buzz and excitement among local businesses and residents alike.

What Will This Space Be Used For?

This isn’t just any old building. The Battelle Savannah River Alliance and USC Aiken are in line to lease space in the new development. Their plans include hosting visiting scientists, conferences, and doing computational and office work, providing a hub for innovation and collaboration right here in Aiken.

Construction is On the Way!

As for the construction side of things, the city is currently in the “permitting” stage, which is reportedly 90% complete. Project Manager Mark Chostner has confirmed that everything is moving smoothly, paving the way for a bright future. The design of this magnificent 36,000-square-foot building got the thumbs up from the city’s Design Review Board back on May 2, 2024. Plus, the Planning Commission gave the project the green light on March 12, 2024, confirming that it aligns perfectly with the city’s comprehensive plan.

Funding the Future

Now, let’s talk numbers. The estimated cost for the project is about $19.15 million, which is actually a smidge lower than the previous estimate of $19.25 million given in June 2024. This cost includes a significant sum of $752,230 that the city spent acquiring the properties for the new building. Thankfully, the city is getting a boost with $20 million from the state’s settlement with the Department of Energy dedicated to construction costs.

When Can We Expect to Move In?

For those of you counting down the days, construction is slated to take around 15 months, with a hopeful move-in date targeted for the summer of 2026. Following construction, the city plans to execute a long-term ground lease with another arm of the Aiken Corporation to ensure the continued success of the project.

Revitalizing Downtown Aiken

Beyond just this building, city leaders have also given the green light for another redevelopment project costing over $10 million located near the Aiken County Farmer’s Market. This area was once the site of Jackson Petroleum and has been vacant for over ten years. The fresh developments aim to enhance tax revenue for Aiken City, Aiken County, and the Aiken County Public School District through leasing agreements.

Community Feedback

The response from local residents has been a mix of excitement and concern, especially about the need for more commercial businesses in the area. This new mixed-use building is viewed as a revitalization effort for downtown Aiken, which has seen minimal activity for the past two decades.

On a Resilient Note

In addition to the upcoming construction, efforts have been ongoing to collect debris from Tropical Storm Helene, with the city managing to clear over 61,000 cubic yards. This is just another example of Aiken’s resilience and commitment to recovery, making our community stronger and more vibrant.

So get ready, Aiken! Big changes are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our downtown!