The 30,000-square-foot Willow Run Industrial Park spec building once eyed by two potential tenants is now back to square one after the two big Aiken players said they have no plans to move into the building.
The Economic Development Partnership, or EDP, and Children's Place came before Aiken City Council in October 2014, both stating their interest in the property. The building, constructed by Aiken Corp., has sat vacant since its construction in 2003.
Will Williams, the president and CEO of EDP, approached Aiken Corp. last year to bring what he called Project Cloud, a $10 million potential industry investment willing to bring nearly 30 jobs to Aiken with a yearly payroll of reportedly more than $1 million.
Council passed a resolution 4 to 3 in October to authorize funding for water and sewer infrastructure improvements toward Project Cloud; Aiken Corp. also was planning to provide a financial incentive for the potential industry. The project required approximately 1.1 million gallons of water monthly for its operation, including an enlarged-capacity sewer system.
But the group behind Project Cloud chose a different location, Williams said.
"Many factors go into a company's site-location preference, and we don't always know why we weren't chosen," Williams said. "In this case it was proximity to their customers and potential customers."
Tad Barber spoke on behalf of Children's Place in October, telling Council the local nonprofit had a written offer to Aiken Corp. to purchase the property.
Children's Place assists children and their families coping with behavior issues, developmental challenges, abuse or neglect.
But Children's Place Executive Director Peggy Ford said the nonprofit is no longer looking at the spec building.
"Our understanding at first was that we could put windows in those walls and doors, but as we got deeper into the specs, from people who are builders and engineers, they said it wouldn't be able to happen," Ford said.
The nonprofit was planning to move from Barnwell Avenue to the spec building, making the building two floors with office space and rooms for children.
"We had envisioned this really kind of cool and modern building, and it just didn't work out," Ford said. "We are though still looking around."
Aiken Corp., asking $415,000, is still looking for a potential buyer.
Williams said the Economic Development Partnership will continue to work closely with Aiken Corp. and the City of Aiken to market the building and bring in potential users.
Maayan Schechter is the local government reporter with Aiken Standard. Follow her on Twitter @MaayanSchechter.