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Council approves two‑year lease to preserve community theater space and Best Friend artifacts at Virginia Acres Park
Summary
Council adopted a resolution Dec. 9 to extend a shared lease for the old Playhouse building at Virginia Acres Park to Aiken Community Theater and Friends of the Best Friend, authorizing up to $5,000 in initial repairs split among the city, the theater and the Friends and a utilities split of 60/40 in favor of the theater.
The Aiken City Council on Dec. 9 approved a two‑year lease arrangement allowing Aiken Community Theater and Friends of the Best Friend to share the “old Playhouse” building at Virginia Acres Park.
City staff presented a proposal that followed discussions at a September work session and subsequent meetings with the two groups. The building, a prefabricated metal structure near the intersection of Price Avenue and Two Notch Road, had been recommended for demolition in earlier staff reviews but community groups asked to retain it for youth theater activities and as interim storage and display space for railroad artifacts associated with the Best Friend locomotive.
Under the terms described to council, initial repairs to the building are authorized not to exceed $5,000, with that cost to be split among three parties: the city, Friends of the Best Friend, and Aiken Community Theater. Utilities during the lease are to be paid 60% by the theater and 40% by the Friends. Staff said any additional repairs beyond the initial $5,000 are the responsibility of the two lessees.
Council members who spoke in support noted the partnership approach and community benefit of keeping youth theater space and preserving artifacts. The resolution to execute the lease was moved and seconded on the record and announced as passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The decision preserves a community arts space and creates a partnership for local heritage preservation while limiting the city’s immediate repair exposure to a defined amount.
What to watch next: Parks and Recreation staff will execute the lease, coordinate the initial repairs and work with the lessees on shared use arrangements.
