By Eric Curl
Nov. 14, 2022 – The historic Savannah building that houses the venue made famous by the late Lady Chablis (and her participation in “The Book”) could be getting a makeover.
The new owner of the building recently submitted plans to renovate the late 19th-centrury structure where Club One has been hosting drag queen performances since the 1980s.
The building at 301 West Bay St. was constructed in 1893 and the upper floors are in a state of disrepair and have been vacant for many years, according to the project report submitted to the Savannah Historic District Board of Review last week.
The plan includes adding an event space on the top floor, residential apartments on the second and third floors, and a food and beverage establishment on the ground level and in the basement. It is the owner’s intention to keep Club One as the commercial tenant on the lower floors for the foreseeable future, according to General Manager Travis Coles.
The project comes after Iraj Shambayati purchased the building for $6 million in July.
The rehab isn’t the only construction plan in the area. Another developer is planning to build an automated parking garage next to the Club One building. The height and mass for that project was approved by the review board in September, despite some concerns raised by the Club One project’s architect.
Pat Shay, with Gunn Meyerhoff Shay Architects, sent a letter in September expressing concerns about the proposed parking garage’s size and potential impact on the Club One building’s foundation. Shay also raised concerns about the plan to locate the garage’s exit and entrance on West Bay Lane, which he said could impact public safety.
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