DRB approves amended hotel addition after deal to paint brick, square balconies and flatten entrance bump‑out

The Aiken Design Review Board voted unanimously to approve amended elevations for the Farmers & Merchants hotel and restaurant project after the applicant agreed to several design concessions meant to better align the new building with downtown character.

Applicant Chad Ingram and his team presented revised plans for the four‑story addition — including a rear porte‑cochere, revised brick and stucco materials, and new window proportions — and described evolving constraints from schematic design to design development. Architect McDonald and interior designer Alexandria Wilderson showed the board samples of Manchester Tan stucco and Windsor Green trim intended to echo the adjacent historic bank building. Ingram told the board the team had done soil sampling and engaged engineers and that construction financing and schedule pressures made the project time‑sensitive.

Board members and members of the public raised detailed concerns about the top‑floor stucco, smaller square windows, use of synthetic cast stone/window surrounds and 'lyre'‑shaped balcony profiles. Linda Johnson of the Historic Aiken Foundation said the change from a fully brick facade to stucco on the fourth floor and the loss of arched window treatments reduced historic compatibility. In response, Ingram said code and structural advice had driven some changes but that the team was willing to compromise: “We don't we don't wanna delay the project anymore,” he said, adding that the team would consider painting brick, revising balconies and modifying window details.

To reach a vote, the DRB negotiated itemized amendments. The applicant agreed to change the balcony profiles to a squared, more traditional form; to paint the entire facade a single tone (Manchester Tan) with administrative color approval; and to flatten the projecting bump‑out above the 'laureate' entrance so that the upper levels read as a flush section. The board also directed the applicant to provide refined sketches of balcony and lantern details for administrative review. After those amendments were accepted, the DRB moved to approve the application as amended and passed the motion by raised hands.

The approval allows the project to proceed to design development, permitting and construction drawing phases with the understanding that some remaining details (final lantern selection, exact balcony profiles and paint chips) will be resolved administratively or returned for minor review if needed. The applicant said the team would proceed quickly to avoid delaying its loan closing next week.