Aiken City Council Votes on Historic Stables Future

News Summary

On January 27, 2025, Aiken City Council approved a vote designating the historic Hitchcock/Bostwick Stables as a non-contributing property, facilitating possible demolition. The council’s decision followed public input and concerns over the stables’ structural integrity raised by engineers. The city’s historical ties to the stables were emphasized during the meeting, as they are linked to key figures in Aiken’s rich equestrian history. The next reading of the ordinance is set for February 10, 2025, as the community anticipates further discussion on the preservation of their historical landmarks.

Aiken City Council Makes Big Decision on Historic Stables

In a recent meeting on January 27, 2025, Aiken City Council made a significant decision regarding the historic Hitchcock/Bostwick Stables located at 525 Laurens St. S.W.. With a vote of 6-1, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance that designates these stables as a non-contributing property on the city’s historical register.

A Glimpse into History

The Hitchcock/Bostwick Stables first came into the spotlight for their ties to a well-known figure in Aiken’s legacy: Thomas Hitchcock Sr.. Building the stables around 1900, Hitchcock played a pivotal role in introducing polo to the city. Today, the stables continue to stand as a reminder of the Hitchcock and Bostwick families, who have been intertwined with Aiken’s history for decades, particularly through noteworthy establishments like Hitchcock Woods, Palmetto Golf Club, and Aiken Preparatory School.

In 1947, the well-regarded horse trainer and polo player, Pete Bostwick, took ownership of the stables, further emphasizing their significance in the community’s equestrian traditions.

Challenges Ahead

These historic structures have been on the market for about seven to eight years now. Recently, potential buyers Kevin and Brittany Kisner submitted an application for a partial demolition and restoration of the stables on June 26, 2024. However, this plan raised eyebrows as concerns regarding the stables’ structural integrity surfaced. An engineer pointed out various flaws in the original design, citing that insufficient foundations could threaten the safety of the property.

The Aiken Design Review Board initially recommended that the stables be designated as a contributing property. This would ultimately protect them from full demolition. Nevertheless, the Planning Commission voted in favor of identifying the stables as a non-contributing asset, paving the way for potential demolition in the future.

Public Sentiment

Andrea Gregory was instrumental in moving the motion for the non-contributing designation, with Councilman Ed Woltz seconding her. Meanwhile, Mayor Teddy Milner stood apart, voting against the designation but not providing specific reasoning for his dissent.

A Look to the Future

As the council members discussed, some took the opportunity to address past applications and the handling of designation processes. There are still questions about how things have been managed previously, and whether the non-contributing status is really the best choice for the stables.

The council plans to revisit this matter with the next reading of the ordinance scheduled for February 10, 2025. A decision made during this reading could have a long-lasting impact on the historic stables, and if passed, the Kisners’ application could be reviewed by the Design Review Board on March 4, 2025.

With legal implications in play, potential appeals against the non-contributing designation from residents are on the horizon, adding another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation. Aiken residents and history lovers alike will be keeping a close eye on developments as the city navigates this significant juncture for its cherished stables.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Aiken Hitchcock Stables Designation
• Wikipedia: Hitchcock Woods
• WFXG: Aiken City Council Decides Fate of Hitchcock Stables
• Google Search: Aiken Hitchcock Stables
• Post and Courier: Aiken Friendship Baptist Hitchcock Stables
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Polo
• WFXG: Aiken Design Review Board Vote on Hitchcock Stables
• Google News: Aiken Hitchcock Stables