Preserving, Protecting, and Planning for Aiken’s Most Valuable Assets Since 1974
“It is essential that the qualities, areas, sites, structures, and natural and man-made objects relating to the history of the City of Aiken…be preserved…”
City of Aiken Zoning Ordinance, Article 6, 2.6.1
In 1990, after a 5-year effort that included city government, businesses, and citizens, the Aiken City Council adopted a zoning ordinance that established two overlay districts, the Historic Preservation Overlay District (Article 6, Section 2.6.1) and the Old Aiken Overlay District (Section 2.6.2.). In doing so, the council recognized that preservation was essential to:
A common belief is that historic preservation is just for gray-haired old ladies living in the past – it is not. Preservation is vital to the future. It not only retains the charm that defines the City of Aiken, but it is necessary for economic stability and growth. This charm attracts tourists, industry, and new residents. The City Council gave special recognition to the downtown area, and so stated in the Downtown Preservation Ordinance, by saying Aiken’s downtown is “the heart of the City and deserves special protection that this (overlay) district provides.”
It isn’t just locals who recognize and value the charm of Aiken. In 2018, Southern Living magazine awarded Aiken the title of “The South’s Best Small Town.” Among many accolades, it noted that “Downtown Aiken, especially Laurens Street, is loaded with a variety of eclectic eateries, galleries, and shops, often tucked behind storefronts that have preserved their character.” Travel and Leisure consistently ranks the Willcox Hotel as a top-ten resort, and just recently, USA Today nominated the Willcox as one of the ten best historic hotels. This is the same Willcox Hotel that was slated for demolition in 1985 and saved by a group of dedicated preservationists.
The fact sheet below addresses some common questions about the value of preservation.
The Old Aiken Design Guidelines that guide new and modified construction in the Old Aiken Overlay District can be found here
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE FACT SHEET
Prepared by the
Historic Preservation Commission[1]
Why historic preservation? Isn’t that anti-development?
Fact
There has been unprecedented growth throughout the country and especially in the Southern belt in the last few decades.
Answer
Historic preservation is the best tool and best mechanism to direct compatible new growth and appropriate development so as not to lose the individual distinctive character that attracts residents and businesses.
Historic preservation is not anti-development. It is a progressive, pro-development tool and it works – look at the background. The motivation behind the historic preservation movement is clearly economic:
Why Aiken? Continued growth – strong history – distinctive character.
Most common concern: “Big Brother”
Answer: You need to apply for a building permit anyway. The trade-off is protection against incompatible new growth and inappropriate infill which in turn protects real estate values.
Most common threat: Legal action
Answer: Every state, including South Carolina, now authorizes local communities to prepare preservation ordinances. Some states even mention historic preservation in their constitutions.
[1] This fact sheet was originally prepared in 1990, when the Historic Preservation Commission was founded. However, the philosophy it contains is as relevant today as then. Key information has been updated.