Fermata Club members vote to sell to private developers

The Fermata Club will be sold to private developers after a weeks-long discussion.

Out of the 122 members who voted, 75 voted in favor for the sale and 47 voted in opposition, according to an email provided to the Aiken Standard.

The sale comes after two voting periods where the Fermata board explained the developer’s vision and the precarious financial standing of the club at almost $300,000 in debt.

Developers Tiffany & Tiffany LLC will take over the property, which plans to make it the "premier entertainment venue in Aiken County" with food and beverage services, pickleball and padel courts, as well as an indoor golf simulator.

Membership dues and operations will continue “as is” until 2027, according to previous emails and meeting minutes also provided to the Aiken Standard.

The Fermata Club was founded as a school for girls in 1919, but transitioned to a private swimming and tennis club in 1952.

The city of Aiken’s Design Review Board will have to approve any proposed renovations to Fermata Hall and the rest of the property’s exterior.

City regulations on the property’s interior are less restrictive.

“What makes Aiken so special? Is it our history? Our community? Our passion for our traditions? It is truly all these things,” developers wrote in a letter to members. “It is our hope that this upgrade to The Fermata Club will be a welcome and exciting new chapter to a place that is special to you and to many others who have been lucky enough to have been members or even just visitors throughout the years”

The Fermata Club board of directors and developers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.