New business opens in downtown Aiken; another proposed

A new business has officially opened in downtown Aiken, while another may soon follow. Antares Nuclear has set up an office at 215 Richland Ave. E. The company, based in California, focuses on designing and manufacturing small nuclear reactors for specialized uses. Matthew Griffin, a representative from Antares, said the new office will support research and partnerships, allowing the company to grow within the community. The location is near significant local landmarks, including the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Visitor's Center and Train Museum. In addition to Antares's opening, Heather Braun has requested the Aiken City Council to rezone a property at 724 Richland Ave. W. She plans to reopen her family’s antique shop at this location. The property is located near the old Aiken County Hospital and the Mead Hall Episcopal School's campus. The Braun family has owned the building for several years. Heather noted that her father previously ran an optometry business there, and her mother operated an antique store in the 1970s. Currently, the property is zoned as Limited Professional, but Braun wants it changed to Office/Institutional to enable her to restart the family business. The Aiken City Council will review Braun's rezoning request at upcoming meetings on March 24 and April 14. The Planning Commission has already voted in favor of the proposal.