The Armstrong-Mauldin House, constructed in 1921 at 607 Aiken Avenue in Rock Hill, is one of the city’s most distinguished early twentieth-century residences and a landmark of the historic Oakland neighborhood. Designed by noted regional architect A.D. Gilchrist for Rock Hill mayor W.R. Armstrong, the impressive two-story residence reflects the prosperity and civic confidence of Rock Hill during the post–World War I era. The home later became associated with businessman William M. Mauldin, owner of the Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and for many years was locally known as the “Coca-Cola House.”
Architecturally, the Armstrong-Mauldin House is recognized as one of Rock Hill’s finest examples of Spanish and American Colonial–influenced residential design, incorporating strong Mission-style elements uncommon within the city. The stucco-clad structure features a low-pitched clay tile roof, symmetrical façade, broad entrance porch, grouped windows, and expansive sun porches that emphasize both elegance and livability. Historic architectural surveys identify the residence as one of the few Mission-influenced houses surviving in Rock Hill, making it particularly significant within the Charlotte Avenue–Aiken Avenue Historic District.
The property remained in the Mauldin family until 1969 and was purchased by the Woman’s Club of Rock Hill in 1971 after several years of planning. Since that time, the house has served as the organization’s clubhouse and community gathering place, hosting civic functions, weddings, educational programs, and preservation activities. The surrounding Mauldin Gardens, restored in the early twenty-first century, further enhance the property’s historic character with formal brick walkways, fountains, pergolas, and reflecting pools inspired by the original 1930s landscape design.
Today, the Armstrong-Mauldin House remains one of Rock Hill’s most recognizable historic residences and an enduring symbol of the city’s architectural sophistication, civic leadership, and commitment to historic preservation. Its placement within the Charlotte Avenue–Aiken Avenue Historic District and recognition on the National Register of Historic Places underscore its importance to the architectural and cultural heritage of Rock Hill and York County.