Aiken, South Carolina

Southern Spirit, Modern Flair

A picturesque town with great things up its sleeve

Aiken, South Carolina is a city that beautifully blends Southern charm with an energetic mix of history, equestrian heritage, and modern economic vitality. Known for its picturesque streets, vibrant arts scene, and strong community spirit, Aiken offers residents and visitors a unique experience. Stuart Bedenbaugh, City Manager, and Mary Tilton, Assistant City Manager, describe Aiken’s bright and multifaceted nature.

History and equestrian tradition

Stuart Bedenbaugh, City Manager

Bedenbaugh’s lifelong familiarity with Aiken contrasts with Tilton’s perspective, having moved to Aiken later in life. “Aiken is a unique southern town steeped in history with an interesting equestrian element,” Tilton describes. The city’s proximity to the Savannah River Site (SRS) brings a strong scientific presence, buffering the local economy from wider economic downturns. With its diverse tapestry of residents, Aiken blends historical charm and contemporary growth.

Bedenbaugh echoes Tilton’s sentiments, emphasizing Aiken’s amenities typically found in larger cities. “We have a symphony, a playhouse, and a respected regional public university,” Bedenbaugh highlights.

Economic drivers

Aiken’s economy thrives on several key sectors. The Savannah River Site is a significant employer, ensuring economic stability. Additionally, the burgeoning cyber sector at Fort Eisenhower is set to meld with Aiken’s economic and cultural landscape.

Educational institutions also play a pivotal role. The University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken Technical College contribute significantly to workforce development. Nearby industries such as Shaw Industries, Bridgestone, and Kimberly Clark, while not within city limits, add to the region’s economic vitality.

“We enjoy many of the amenities typically found in larger communities,” says Bedenbaugh. “This is largely due to our rich equestrian heritage, the significant impact of the Savannah River Site, the intellectual capital it brings, and our strong educational resources.”

Tilton remarks, “The equestrian heritage adds unique characteristics to Aiken. As the cyber industry expands just 30 minutes west at Fort Eisenhower, we’ll see it seamlessly integrate into our economy and culture over the next generation.”

Navigating growth and congestion

Aiken’s infrastructure development is poised for significant upgrades. The city is addressing congestion along the corridor between Aiken and the Savannah River Site with a $40 million bypass project set to commence within the year. “This project has been on the books since the mid-2000s, and it’s finally coming to fruition,” Bedenbaugh remarks, indicating the city’s strategic planning efforts.

A new water treatment plant is also in the works to accommodate growth towards the interstate. “The new plant will increase our daily capacity by about 35%, which will be very proactive in working with the growth coming to this part of the country,” Bedenbaugh adds.

Mary Tilton, Assistant City Manager

Tilton elaborates, “Recent trends in residential growth in Aiken are towards the interstate, and so we have been proactive in planning for upgrading the city’s 70 year old water treatment plant.

A tight housing market

Aiken’s residential real estate market has followed national trends, characterized by high demand and limited availability. “We have over 1,500 rooftops in the pipeline to be constructed,” Tilton notes, underscoring the city’s robust housing market. Aiken’s lower cost of living and high quality of life fueled the influx of new residents.

In response to the housing and commercial demands, the ongoing redevelopment of malls into multi-use developments is notable. “Availability at the moment is tight. Homes do not stay on the market very long here,” Tilton states. “We’re witnessing the transformation of the former Aiken mall site into multi-use developments that include multi-family housing, restaurants, and retail spaces.”

Building the for the future

Aiken’s relationship with the Savannah River Site extends to educational and workforce development initiatives. The city received a $20 million appropriation from the State of South Carolina to construct a mixed-use building downtown, housing the Savannah River National Lab. “This will bring many new employees downtown with an average salary well above our median,” Bedenbaugh explains, underscoring the project’s potential to enhance the local economy.

The consortium with major universities such as the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech further strengthens Aiken’s educational and workforce development landscape.

Environmental conservation

Aiken prides itself on its environmental efforts. The city has been a Tree City USA since the mid-1980s and partners with the Aiken Land Conservancy on projects like Aiken Streetscapes, which focuses on urban forest conservation. “City staff  planted over 200 trees last year. As a city we also take pride  in our renowned oak arboretum started by a local nursery called Woodlanders,” Tilton shares.

The city also recently placed 2,500 acres around its reservoir and Shaw’s Creek in a conservation easement, ensuring the preservation of this natural oasis. “We received a $1.9 million grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank to preserve this property in perpetuity,” Bedenbaugh mentions, highlighting the city’s commitment to sustainability.

Tilton adds, “Another environmentally sensitive element about Aiken’s downtown is its many parkways. Our downtown grid is divided by streets with wooded medians, giving our downtown a unique feel.” Hitchcock Woods, Aiken’s expansive urban forest, is a an additional greenspace that is over twice the size of New York City’s Central Park, adjacent to Aiken’s downtown and several residential neighborhoods. This privately owned, but publicly accessible forest, provides trails, surrounded by well-managed native longleaf pine forests, for equestrians, hikers, and runners.

Cultural vitality

Lex Kirkland, Assistant City Manager

Aiken’s downtown area is a vibrant mix of independent retailers, restaurateurs, and national franchises. “We support independent businesses while attracting major national retailers and franchises,” Tilton emphasizes. Both types of businesses contribute to a balanced and thriving economic environment. New franchises like Parker’s Kitchen are opening branches in Aiken, adding to the city’s dynamic commercial landscape.

Aiken’s proactive approach to zoning and growth is also evident. The city has engaged a firm to update its zoning ordinance, a process expected to take up to two years. “This generational document will help us decide how we want the future of our city to look,” Tilton explains.

Bedenbaugh adds, “This process has been needed for several years, and we’re finally tackling it with the help of a third-party firm.”

A draw for visitors

Equestrian events like the Steeplechase, Aiken Trials, and polo attract visitors from near and far. “The equestrian events are certainly big drivers for tourism,” Bedenbaugh notes.

The city’s recent designation as a state cultural district adds another layer to its appeal. “This designation highlights our arts and culture destinations within downtown,” Tilton shares, indicating a concerted effort to promote Aiken’s cultural assets.

Tilton elaborates, “During the Masters Tournament, a world-renowned golf tournament in Augusta, about 30 minutes west of here, Aiken sees many people from all over the world because it is an easy drive to the golf course.”

Steady and reliable healthcare

Aiken’s healthcare sector remains steady, with facilities like Aiken Regional Medical Center providing essential services. The region’s proximity to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta enhances its healthcare infrastructure. “The local hospital remains strong, and we’re near good VA care for military retirees,” Bedenbaugh mentions.

Tilton includes, “With the local Aiken Regional Medical Center and the Medical College of Georgia nearby, we have good medical care infrastructure. The presence of Fort Eisenhower also attracts military retirees due to the good VA care available.”

Building strong partnerships

Aiken’s community engagement efforts are robust and dynamic, bolstered by strong partnerships with various organizations. The Aiken Downtown Development Association (ADDA) actively promotes downtown businesses through vibrant events that enliven and activate the area. WesternSC, the local economic development partnership, also plays a pivotal role in supporting local industries, and their recent relocation to downtown Aiken underscores their commitment to being at the community’s core.

“We have a very strong chamber of commerce that advocates for businesses throughout the area ,” Tilton shares. “The ADDA and WesternSC are also essential in supporting and promoting our local businesses.”

Bedenbaugh adds, “WesternSC, previously located on the outskirts of town, is now moving to the heart of our downtown. This move signifies their dedication to being at the center of our community’s development efforts.”

Celebrating Aiken’s unique character

Aiken’s unique character seamlessly blends historical charm, equestrian heritage, and modern growth. The city’s leaders are committed to preserving this character while embracing new opportunities for development and progress.

Tilton reflects, “Aiken is a diverse community of people from different places, each contributing to the unique essence of our city. Our rich history, equestrian tradition, economic vitality, and environmental stewardship make Aiken a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.”

Bedenbaugh concludes, “We take immense pride in our city’s distinctive attributes and are dedicated to ensuring that Aiken remains a thriving community for generations to come.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Stuart Bedenbaugh, City Manager, and Mary Tilton, Assistant City Manager.

What: A city known for its rich equestrian heritage, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Where: Aiken, South Carolina, is in the western part of the state, near the Georgia border, and is part of the Central Savannah River Area.

Website: https://www.cityofaikensc.gov/