Here‘s an interesting (and rather vague) story about an old building that may be used for community events.
In the early part of the 20th century the Palmetto Lodge was [sic] once had a connection to the famous Hampton Terrace Hotel but it was also the home of the infamous Buffalo Room.
So infamous, I have no idea what they’re talking about! And does “Chip Creamer” (sounds like a vanity device for preparing ingredients for cookies or something) bother to go on and explain? Of course not.
Fortunately, Aiken has some reporters who actually know what they’re doing.
In the late 1980s, the FBI investigated allegations that the restaurant, then known as the Buffalo Room, barred service to blacks. U.S. Treasury officials seized the property in a plea agreement in 1999 when former owner Randy Salter was convicted in a Texas federal court of conspiring to distribute marijuana.
There, was that so hard?
So, what might the city of North Augusta actually do with the Palmetto Lodge?
North Augusta officials are considering several possibilities for the use of the lodge that occupies the nearly two-acre site.
The city could lease the building to the Cultural Arts and Heritage councils. While these agencies support the city’s acquisition of the property, Mr. [Charles] Martin[, city administrator,] said, members of both organizations have indicated that it would be difficult to retrofit the space to meet their needs.
The city also could lease the property as a restaurant to a private individual.
Ah.