Guest Editorial by John R. Davis

Although I am not a proponent of a parking “structure” in Aiken, I would like to offer the following.

During a previous Design review Board meeting it was reported that the Chairman stated that he thinks a parking garage should look like a parking garage.  A surprising statement from someone with Mr. Law’s background.  City leaders may want to look at what some other municipalities with historic districts have done to respect the history, culture and look & feel of their towns.  Aiken city leadership does not have a monopoly on good ideas.

Staunton Virginia is a town with its own historic district and rich history.  It is slightly smaller than Aiken (pop: 26,000).  The information below is an example of what can be done if a city respects what they already have and listens to their constituents.  I just hope that the next iteration from the proposed parking structure architect does not incorporate the DRB Chairman’s outdated belief.

From the architect’s website:

“Frazier Associates designed this three story, 277-space parking garage on the site of a former surface lot at the gateway to Staunton’s downtown historic district. The design intent was to create a dramatic and monumental three-arched facade to provide a sense of arrival to the community. In contrast, the west elevation is divided into seven separate smaller facades, with varied heights, recesses and openings, to relate to the scale and character of the surrounding historic commercial buildings.

“Retail space located at street level houses the Staunton Visitor Center. Frazier Associates collaborated with Pye Interiors of Charlottesville on the interior design. The garage design received five national and state awards including the Palladio Award from Traditional Building News. “

The above photos and text are used with the express permission of Frazier Associates, the architects of the Staunton, Virginia parking garage.

Some Questions:

• Does Aiken really need a parking “structure?”
• Should the city put a hold on any decisions that may include a parking garage or a SRNL Workforce Development Center before the future of the Hotel Aiken and other existing buildings are decided?
• What if a potential bidder for the hotel will only consider restoring the hotel if they have adjacent guest parking spaces or even a parking “structure?”  Will some private investors be discouraged from bidding if restrictions are placed on city owned properties that are earmarked for other future projects?
• If the city goes forward with some of their “new ideas,” what projects will receive a priority?  Doing multiple projects at the same time is not an option.  Will the hotel wait or will it be given priority status?  Is it really a priority today?  
• Is there a Plan?  Or will the city officials once again make it up as they go?

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