News Summary

The historic Crofts Block building in downtown Aiken has been sold for $1.25 million to Laurens Street Holdings LLC. The property, previously managed by Kawake LLC, has a rich history and will continue to operate businesses like 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts. Although it faced challenges including a fire and damage from Hurricane Helene, the ownership transition highlights its significance in the community. Local entrepreneur Norman Dunagan will manage the building as Aiken’s downtown continues to evolve.

Aiken – The historic Crofts Block building, located at the corner of Laurens Street and Hayne Avenue in downtown Aiken, has been sold for $1.25 million. The purchase was made by Laurens Street Holdings LLC from Kawake LLC, with the sale officially closing on May 9, 2025.

Kawake LLC, a partnership led by Aiken attorney Buzz Rich, previously owned the property. Rich, who is also the chair of the Aiken Corporation, transferred the ownership from Crofts Block-1884 LLC to Kawake in 2024 before deciding to sell. Rich expressed enjoyment in owning the Crofts Block building but acknowledged that the time had come for a change in ownership.

Norman Dunagan, a noted local entrepreneur linked to Laurens Street Holdings, will manage the Crofts Block building, ensuring it continues to serve its tenants effectively. Notably, 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts, a business operated by Rich’s wife Sallye alongside Kathy Reynolds, will maintain its presence in the Crofts Block building.

The Crofts Block building is a two-story brick structure encompassing 11,292 square feet. It was originally constructed in the latter half of the 19th century for attorney George W. Croft, who notably served in the South Carolina House of Representatives, the Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives until his death in 1904.

Despite its rich history, the building has faced challenges, including a fire in March 2024 caused by an electrical fault, which led to significant smoke damage. Following the fire, A Fox’s Tale, a business owned by Holly Segar and Jeffrey Rovenpor, announced via social media that it would not be reopening due to the extensive damage and increased rent following the sale. The owners of A Fox’s Tale are now pursuing a new business opportunity while continuing to operate a different bookstore under the same name at a new location.

Furthermore, the Crofts Block was also damaged by Hurricane Helene, which swept through Aiken after making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, further compounding the challenges faced by this historic structure.

The ownership transition of the Crofts Block building emphasizes its importance to Aiken’s historical landscape. The Aiken Standard has reported on the building’s significance and current ownership, shedding light on its importance within the community.

This sale signals ongoing developments in downtown Aiken, where local entrepreneurs and businesses continue to thrive, maintaining the character and historical significance of the area.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Aiken Downtown Crofts Block Building
• Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
• WRDW: Aiken Police Investigate Shooting
• Google Search: Aiken South Carolina news
• Post and Courier: SC Fire Aiken, Aiken County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aiken
• WJBF: Shooting Death Under Investigation in Aiken
• Google News: Aiken County shooting
• WRDW: 10 Injured in Outbreak of Shootings Across Aiken County

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.