There are still many unknowns

 with the proposed plan to construct a Savannah River National Laboratory workforce development center in downtown Aiken, but the public learned Monday evening the main reason why the national lab wants to build downtown. 

K.J. Jacobs of McMillan Pazdan and Smith, the architectural firm hired by the city to develop a feasibility study for the proposal, said at an informational session held Monday evening part of the criteria for national lab in

 selecting the block surrounded by Richland Avenue, Laurens and Newberry Streets and Park Avenue for a potential location were engagement in the community, workforce development and developing the next generation of lab employees.