Aiken DRB narrowly recommends Hitchcock Stables as contributing historic property after heated public debate

The Aiken Design Review Board voted 4–3 to recommend that the Hitchcock (Bostwick) racing stables on Lawrence Street Southwest be listed in the Aiken Historic Register as a contributing historic property. The special-called meeting produced hours of public comment and debate over whether the designation should be decided before the property owners’ pending Certificate of Appropriateness application is heard.

City planner Rebecca Seymour introduced application DES25-01001, submitted by Faith Hawkes, describing the two parallel stable blocks, each roughly 40 feet by 200 feet with space for 28 stalls, cedar-shingle siding, and rounded corners. Seymour told the board the complex appears on early Sanborn maps and historic photographs, and that at least one shed and a stone wall and steps contribute to the site’s historic setting. "The Hitchcock racing stable complex is significant in Aiken history and retains a high degree of integrity," staff wrote in the record.

Opponents, including property owners Tara and Charlie Bostwick, objected to the timing and said they were not consulted. Tara Bostwick told the board: "We do take exception to the fact that this application is now coming, after our application that was originally put in in June 26," and urged the board not to designate without owner support. Several residents echoed concerns that designation could alter the applicants’ expectations and delay the Kisners’ separate renovation plans.

Supporters included the Historic Aiken Foundation. Linda Johnson, speaking for the foundation’s board, said the stables meet multiple ordinance criteria and argued the DRB should remedy earlier survey omissions: "We strongly support recognizing their significance by designating the stables as either contributing or landmark," she said, and urged the city to expedite the subsequent reviews so the Kisners’ COA can be heard.

The Bostwicks’ lawyer, Drew English, warned of procedural unfairness and asked for the chair to recuse herself because she filed the designation application. "I would ask that you recuse yourself, certainly, from the vote tonight," English said. The chair and other board members said they had been advised by city legal counsel that the board has statutory authority to consider a designation and that, under the zoning ordinance, making a historical determination is required before the DRB may act on some COA requests.

Board discussion reflected the split in the room: several members said the building clearly meets contributing-structure criteria (age, historic association, and architectural distinction) but lamented poor communication between staff, applicants, and neighbors. Others said moving ahead with the designation was necessary to prevent procedural delays and potential legal challenges that would further stall the pending COA.

Board member (S10) moved to recommend listing the Hitchcock Stables as a contributing property; the motion was seconded and passed on a 4–3 vote. Chair Faith Hawkes said the DRB’s determination is advisory, and the recommendation will be forwarded to planning and then city council for final action. The meeting was then adjourned.

Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend Hitchcock Stables for listing as a contributing property — Moved by Board member (S10); seconded by Board member (S17); tally 4 yes, 3 no. Outcome: recommendation forwarded to planning and city council (not final adoption).