By Eric Curl
Oct. 11, 2022 – A vape shop, taco restaurant and its courtyard in downtown Savannah may be replaced with a jazz club and bar in a renovated and expanded building, according to a petition going before the Historic District Board of Review on Wednesday. (Oct. 12, 2022 update: Consideration of the petition was postponed until the Nov. 9 meeting after some review board members requested some design changes.)
Rose Architects, on behalf of the building’s owner, is proposing alterations to the existing building at 111 West Congress St. and construction of an adjacent two-story addition, with a roof deck and indoor-outdoor patio, where Orale Tacos + currently has an outdoor seating area. The project also includes a marquee on the front façade.
The building is a non-contributing structure in the downtown Historic District, according to the staff report. Staff is recommending that the review board approve the project after finding it to be visually compatible with the surrounding historic buildings. The recommendation excludes approval of a variance request for the marquee, with staff requesting that more details are first provided about the sign.
Otamot Land, LLC purchased the property for $2.2 million in September 2021, according to sales records. The submitted drawings indicate the project is for a jazz club and bar and that Matthew Lipman is behind the project. Lipman is the former owner of the CreekFire Resort on Fort Argyle Road.
Lipman said on Tuesday that the project was inspired by his love of live music and a perceived need in Savannah for an intimate downtown amenity. He said he is looking to attract locals and tourists to the venue, which will feature several types of music and not be limited to jazz.
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