Downtown Aiken's Revitalization Through Civic Drive and 20/20
Aiken rebuilt its downtown after a 1980s decline by forming the Downtown Development Association under city leadership. Key moments include the 1992 Savannah River Site influx, a five year 20/20 fundraiser raising 3.4 million for education and infrastructure, and ongoing business resurgence led by local figures like Mayor Fred Cavanaugh and Bob Bradford.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fred Cavanaugh
Aiken
Savannah River
Cavanaugh
Augusta
Bob Bradford
Greenwood
John Cunningham
USC Aiken
Bob Alexander
Chamber
Aiken Downtown Development Association
Westinghouse
Dupont
SRS
Downtown Aiken blooms with flowers and redevelopment memories
The narrative highlights downtown Aiken's appeal driven by flowers, fountains, and stores. It notes a 1994 15 year Tax Increment Finance District funded by a 1.5 million loan to enhance property values and fund improvements, with higher taxes paying back the loan. Local figures recall redevelopment and the Aiken Center for the Arts origins in 1972.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
Downtown Aiken transforms through key redevelopment milestones
May 1988 began a $30,000 remodel of The Alley with wider sidewalks trees and repaved streets. The Aiken Downtown Development Association formed led by John Cunningham. By 1991 a strict tree ordinance followed. 1994 created a Tax Increment District. The Center linked arts education and Perry recalls financing without debt while downtown thrived with new stores and eateries including The Bowery and Mellow Mushroom. Maayan Schechter.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Aiken
John Cunningham
Bowery Closes After 32 Years As Mellow Mushroom Arrives
Aiken residents packed the Bowery for its last day with memories of longtime staff and customers. Chuck Edwards recalled the opening day, while Elmer Hatcher and Jaime Rayos shared fond moments. Mellow Mushroom will take over the Bowery in February 2014, expanding from its Atlanta beginnings in 1974 to 18 states.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bowery
Aiken
Chuck Edwards
Edwards
Elmer Hatcher
Hatcher
Marilyn Carlon
al Buffum
Hendersonville
N.C
Carlon
Jaime Rayos
Rayos
Eric
Donna
Atlanta
West Side Bowery
Mellowmushroom.com
Also Mentioned on This Page
City of Aiken
Malia’s
The
A.D.D.A
Elliott Levy
Levy
Trinity Nursing Home
Skipper Perry
Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank
Perry
Aiken’s Center For the Arts
Houndslake
Palmetto
Aiken Center For the Arts
Rose Hill
Pat Koelker
Nancy Wilds
West Side
Sam Erb
Erb
Philadelphia
Eejny’s
Charlie’s Fish Market
Marilynn Riviere
Downtown Association
Maayan Schechter
City Beat
Aiken Standard
Aiken County
Northaugustasports. Com
Odell Weeks
Riverview Park
Aiken County Recreation Center
Beta
Active.com
Aikensc
Northaugusta
ADULT# CARE SERVICES, INC
North Augusta
Northside Lanes
Panloe
Enloeresidential.com
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