Design review board backs contributing designation for Coker Springs stables

The City of Aiken Design Review Board voted unanimously on June 2 to recommend that a stable at 524 Coker Springs Road be designated a contributing structure within Historic District 2 and forwarded the matter to the planning commission and city council for final action. Rebecca (secretary, speaker 3) opened the item (DES26-01003), saying the property currently lacks an Aiken historic resource survey card and the board must decide whether to initiate designation review.

Applicant Chris Eaton (speaker 5) told the board the stables were built roughly 50 years ago as an accessory to the winter colony house at 522 Coker Springs, noted existing brick walls and a U-shaped stall layout, and described an unpermitted lean-to that now compresses one side of the stable and must be removed before restoration. Adjoining property owner David Blake (speaker 9) urged designation in public comment, saying restoring the historical setting and property boundaries improves the neighborhood’s historic integrity.

Committee member (speaker 7) moved that the board approve contributing status and forward a recommendation; a second was recorded and the board voted in favor. Chair (speaker 1) explained that following the DRB recommendation, the planning commission will review the request and then city council must act in two readings before the designation is final.

Next steps: the board’s approval begins the administrative review chain but does not itself apply the designation; property owners and planning staff will proceed to the planning commission for a recommendation to city council.