By Eric Curl
More SCAD tax exemptions on tap
April 14, 2024 -That building you now see whenever you cross the Talmadge Bridge. (It’s hard to miss.) In addition to serving as the city’s tallest billboard, the 17-story student housing complex will soon be exempt from big government.
SCAD’s application for a tax exemption application for the newly constructed building is going before the Chatham County Assessors Office on Thursday. Staff is recommending approval of the exemption, which is applied to all of SCAD’s educational buildings. An exemption for the university’s new classroom building in the former Ghost Coast Distillery building across from the student housing complex is also going before the board, with a recommendation for approval. (Update: The exemptions were approved on April 18.)
Demolition, historic renovation gets initial OK for downtown hotel
April 10, 2024 – The Historic District Board of Review approved the restoration of a historic building at 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, along with the demolition of a former machine fabrication shop at 512 Indian St. to make way for a proposed hotel along the northwest edge of the Downtown Historic District.
The proposed 90-95 room hotel “will serve as the gateway to the western end of River Street and Indian Street, connecting the area to the downtown core and marking the area’s transition from an industrial to a dynamic mixed-use urban landscape,” according to architect J. Elder Studio’s project description.
Demolition activity resumes for Starland Village
April 7, 2024 – The developers behind the Starland Village resumed the demolition of a former school building that has stood partially demolished since last summer.
The demolition was brought to a halt last July after an earth mover caused a portion of the building to collapse and come into contract with adjacent power lines, causing an outage (watch video), as previously reported.
Georgia Power has since been in the process of relocating the power lines for the development project, according to Georgia Power spokesperson John Kraft.
“Georgia Power is committed to approaching every job safely, every day and it became necessary to stop work in accordance with the High Voltage Safety Act after contact between the customer’s equipment, the building demolition and our overhead power lines,” Kraft said in a statement on Friday.
Kraft said that the overhead line work was recently completed and underground conversion work will begin later.
The powerline relocation project was required by the redevelopment and paid for by the developer, he said.
As of Sunday the former school building had been completely demolished and much of the rubble pile that had been on the site had been removed, while a couple piles of metal debris remained.
The former school building was being demolished to make way for a 5-story, 58-unit apartment building as part of Foram Group’s long planned mixed-use development in Savannah’s Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District. The development along a 2-block stretch of Bull Street also includes the adjacent historic church, which is supposed to be renovated for commercial or office use.
Food hall with multiple restaurants, bars planned for Thomas Square (aka Starland District)
April 7, 2024 – The C&S Furniture & Upholstery buildings at 2517 Bull St. and 2517 West 42nd St. will be converted into a “managed food hall” that would include bar uses and restaurants with alcohol sales, according to a petition going before the Metropolitan Planning Commission (Update: The MPC voted on April 9 to recommend approval of the special-use permit for the project. The petition will next go before the Savannah City Council for consideration.)
Starland Bull LLC owns the noncontributing, 1970s-era buildings in the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District.
The planned food hall will consist of small, independently operated restaurants and bars within the existing structures, according to the MPC staff report.
Fla. company buys former downtown autoshop previously approved for demolition
April 5, 2024 – A former auto shop in Savannah’s Downtown Historic District was recently purchased by a Florida-based corporation about six years after the non-contributing structure was approved for demolition and redevelopment.
The buyer, Pelican Funds LLC, acquired the building at 315 Wayne St. for almost $2.4 million, according to sales records. Contact information for the company was not available and it is not clear as to what is in store for the structure.
The building’s demolition and plans for a 4-story, 17 unit apartment building at the site were previously approved in September 2017 by the Historic District Board of Review, but those plans never moved forward.
For years identifiable by a hand painted mural of a mechanic on the concrete facade, the building may have been constructed prior to 1954, according to historic Sanborn Maps, although the Chatham County tax accessors office dates the building to 1965.
Sandwiches, sweet treats, brisket and brunch: The latest restaurant plans
By Eric Curl
April 3, 2024 – Building permits and plans were recently submitted for new restaurants in Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District (AKA the Starland District), downtown and next to the Oglethorpe Mall.
Former Broughton Municipal Building on way to becoming “Savannah’s living room”
March 27, 2024 – Almost five years after the city sold the former Broughton Municipal Building, work recently began to convert the historic mid-century structure into a luxury boutique hotel.
The new hospitality company behind the project, Midnight Auteur, says that the hotel, which they are calling the Municipal Grand, will be opening in early 2025.
“We were very lucky to find this property in Savannah, which will enable us to bring our vision to life in one of our favorite cities in the world,” said co-founder David Kaplan. “While it may be a lofty ambition, we hope to create a space that can serve as Savannah’s living room. Read more at Savannahnow.com>
Editor’s note: On occasion, Savanah Agenda content will run exclusively in other outlets, as is the case with the article above. This is necessary, for now, to help make this website financially viable and to build the brand. I intend for most of my content to remain free and accessible on this website. To help me accomplish this, you can make a donation, buy an ad, subscribe to the free newsletter and/or share the site via social media and word of mouth. Financial support and increasing readership is critical to the long-term success of this site. Your support is always appreciated. Eric Curl
Foram Group’s East Broad apartment complex plan heading to City Council
March 16, 2024 – The Foram Group is once again proposing to develop a mixed-use complex with residential and commercial space along East Broad and East Gwinnett, following the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny a similar plan last fall.
The latest proposal is scheduled to go before the Savannah City Council on March 28, when the mayor and council members will consider Foram’s request to rezone nine parcels to construct the complex. (Update: The item was postponed to the April 25 meeting). The proposed development will also be presented to the MPC on Tuesday, but for “information only,” according to the agenda – so the advisory board will not get a chance to make a recommendation concerning the revised plan. Read more>
Kessler purchases historic downtown inn
March 15, 2024 – The luxury hotel developer behind River Street’s Plant Riverside and The Bohemian recently acquired the more modest Foley House Inn in the heart of Savannah’s downtown Historic District. Overlooking Chippewa Square at 14 West Hull St., the historic 19-room hotel was purchased by Orlando, Fla.-based The Kessler Collection for about $7 million earlier this month, according to sales records.
The historic building was constructed in 1896 and is a contributing structure within the Historic District, according to the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Early last year, planned improvements to stop water intrusion issues were approved by the Historic District Board of Review.
The company’s acquisition of the inn comes after the Kessler Collection sold The Mansion in Forsyth Park for $52.5 million in 2022 to New York-based hotel developer Left Lane. In addition, the company’s CEO Richard Kessler, purchased purchased the downtown mansion at 26 East Gaston St. for $4.75 million through a limited liability corporation last year, as previously reported.
Historic Forsyth Park condos getting some love
March 13, 2024 – The historic condominium building at 106 West Gwinnett St. will be getting some much needed TLC under a plan approved by the Historic District Board of Review at their meeting on Wednesday.
Constructed in about 1920, the six-story building originally opened as the Forsyth Apartment Hotel with fully furnished rooms that offered “all the housekeeping joys without the cares,” according to the board’s staff report and a brochure from the time.
The renovations, which included brick, door and window repair, along with a new roof membrane, were reportedly needed to address water infiltration issues.
(Updated) FARM folks fermenting future of Back in the Day Bakery building
March 13, 2023 (update) – The FARM Hospitality Group will be opening a bakery and supper club called Flora & Fauna at the former Back in the Day Bakery location, according to information Thomas Square Streetcar Neighborhood President Jason Combs said he received from the future restaurant’s co-owner, Ryan Williamson.
The business will include bakery items and coffee service throughout the day, along with breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch counter service, according to Combs’ post on the Thomas Square/Starland Facebook page Wednesday. In the evenings, the business will reportedly offer a supper club menu that will change seasonally , along with wine, beer and craft cocktails.
Combs said he received the information from Williamson after inquiring about the plan following the Metropolitan Planning Commission’s solicitation for more neighborhood feedback.
March 7, 2024 (original story) – The folks behind Common Thread and Strange Bird, in addition to FARM Bluffton, are continuing to expand their restaurant presence throughout Savannah.
The restaurant group’s co-owner, Ryan Williamson, recently acquired the building formerly occupied by Back in the Day Bakery, under FARM-Starland Properties LLC, according to public records. Williamson is seeking to establish a restaurant with alcohol sales at the building at 2401 Bull St. in the Thomas Square neighborhood (also branded as the Starland District), according to plans submitted late last month.
Back in the day this building was the source of delicious baked goods. Eric Curl/ March 7, 2024
The plans come after Back in the Day’s Cheryl and Griffith Day shut their popular bakery’s doors for good on Feb. 14 after 22 years of serving up bodacious biscuits and other baked goods that garnered national acclaim.
Williamson’s group established Common Thread after renovating the the late-19th Century Victorian house at 122 East 37th for use as a restaurant in 2020-2021.
The group’s Savannah restaurant came after about five years after Williamson opened Farm Bluffton, a regionally-sourced, farm-to-table restaurant, with Executive Chef Brandon Carter.
Last year, Williamson and his partners opened Strange Bird at the SCAD owned diner at 1220 Barnard St.
Tomochichi Courthouse renovations now expected to continue into 2026
March 5, 2024 – The U.S. General Services Administration announced on Tuesday that the renovation of the Tomochichi Courthouse will continue until at least the summer of 2026, and likely not be occupied until later that year or early 2027.
The delayed completion is a result of a partial floor collapse that occurred during the project last April, according to the GSA’s update
“GSA continues to prioritize the safety of those working on the site as well as nearby businesses and residences ” the GSA stated. “We recognize the importance of this historic building to the community and we look forward to completing the project.
The announcement came after WSAV’s report that the GSA had not submitted a project schedule on time and that work crews said the project could take another two years to complete.
The renovation project is meant to modernize the historic building to meet the U.S. judiciary’s current and long-term needs for security, accessibility and operational efficiency, according to the GSA. Construction, which began in September 2021, was halted last April following the partial collapse of the third floor in one section of the building. Work then resumed in late October.
Michael Higgins, co-owner of the Wright Square Bistro across the street, said he understands the setbacks from the collapse, but questioned why there was an initial completion estimate of one to two years.
“Now we are looking at five years duration and large cost overruns,” Higgins said via email on Tuesday. “While the GSA has been more communicative, I feel someone needs to really ratchet up the timeline to this project and help get Downtown Savannah back to normal for the benefit of our local businesses, citizens and guests to our city.”
Last fall the GSA announced it had a funding plan to cover the additional expenses after courthouse employees, including a federal judge, informed city officials of their concerns about a funding shortfall they said threatened to “derail” the downtown building’s renovation, as previously reported.
Current project information is available at www.gsa.gov/tomochichicourthouse.
Good signs for future of former 37th Street filling station
Feb. 29, 2024 – That building you drive by on 37th and Price.
You’re always thinking it would be cool if it was restored and put to use. Well, your wish is creeping closer to reality.
Constructed around 1920, the old Gulf filling station is being restored as “Baby’s General Store” after many previous plans fell by the wayside. On Wednesday, the Historic Preservation Commission approved the latest step towards bringing the long-vacant building to life – signage. The owners plan to replicate the original signage on the roof and at the corner of the old Gulf filling station with the new store’s logo.
Co-owner Chris Moody said on Wednesday they were still a couple months out from opening up and offering coffee, beer, wine, slushies, various grab and go items, along with rotating food trucks.
Still, the pending restoration and business comes after a couple of decades of drive-by dreams. A couple of months will seem like Savannah seconds.
You can read more about the project, as described by Moody in my article from last May.
Developer secures financing for apt. complex at Oglethorpe Mall/Sears site
Feb. 28, 2024 – The project’s Charlotte, NC-based developer recently secured $35.5 million in financing for the planned multifamily development being constructed on the west end of Oglethorpe Mall, where a closed Sears and parking lot are currently located.
Madison Capital Group affiliate, Madison Communities, now anticipates the 240-unit “upscale” apartment development will be completed in late 2025, according to a press release issued Tuesday.
The Savannah City Council approved the developer’s petition to rezone the property from commercial to multi-family residential in February 2022.
The proposed complex is comprised of five 48-unit buildings, two of which are to be built where the Sears store currently stands vacant after closing in 2018. The developer is also planning to develop the commercial outparcels that surround the planned apartments.
MCG purchased the property for $9 million in 2021 and submitted the rezoning petition for the project that November. Read past coverage>
Former East Side Theater acquired by local restaurant owner and partners
Feb. 27, 2024 – A Savannah-based development group, which includes the owner of multiple local restaurants, recently acquired the former East Side Theater as part of a plan to renovate the building at 718 E. Broad St. and construct an apartment complex behind the structure.
The recently formed 718 East Broad LLC, which closed on the the property on Feb. 16 for $2.7 million, includes Ele Tran, whose Rhino Hospitality has opened 10 local restaurants and lounges throughout Savannah, including the popular Vault Kitchen & Market in a former bank.
However, the development company behind the purchase is focused on community development and not just restaurants, according to the project’s architect, Jerome Elder .
“The collective wants to bring new life to a lot of these buildings that have been in Savannah sitting (unused),” Elder said last week.
Hotel proposed to replace former machine shop near near waterfront
Feb. 17, 2024 – One of the last remnants of Indian Street’s industrial past is set to be replaced by today’s seemingly unending need to accommodate visitors.
The project’s architect, J. Elder Studio, is petitioning to demolish a former machine fabrication shop on the north-west edge of the downtown Historic District to construct a hotel on the site. In addition to the demolition of the warehouse at 512 Indian building St., the plan includes alterations to an adjacent historic building at 3 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard along West River Street.
Located across from Plant Riverside hotel complex, which features a restored former power plant as its centerpiece, the proposed 95-room hotel would step up from four stories along River Street and MLK to five stories on Indian Street.
“Following various discussions with the MPC staff and local organizations, the architectural inspiration harmoniously resonates with the industrial heritage of the western River Street and Port, epitomized by steel structures with deep-set storefronts and terracotta panel infills” according to the architect’s project description.
The warehouse being demolished dates back to 1945 and previously housed the Dixie Machine and Fabrication Co., which provided pump repairs, propeller work and complete welding services, according to the shop’s sign.
The vacant building at 3 MLK was constructed in 1939 for the South Atlantic Paper Company and then later occupied by a wholesale laundry and dairy supply company. The proposed hotel comes after the building’s owner, Bob Turner, did not move forward with previous plans to renovate the structure for retail use on the first floor and high-end luxury apartments on the upper floor with a rooftop garden
The hotel plan is scheduled to go before the Historic District Board of Review at the March 13 meeting.
You can read more details about the plan, as provided by the project’s architect, in my Savannah Morning News article.
From slave sales to free school, history of City Market building to be recognized
Feb. 3, 2024 – The Georgia Historical Society (GHS), in partnership with the city of Savannah, is planning to erect a historical marker that recognizes the history of the Montmollin Building, illustrating its use as both a brokerage that held and sold enslaved people, as well as its time as Bryan School, a school for freed Black people in Savannah after emancipation.
As historian Jefferson Hall wrote, “From slave house to school house, this building stands as a testament to the very best—and the very worst—of the African-American experience in Savannah.”
Located at 23 Barnard Street in City Market, the building was constructed in 1856. The marker will read as follows:
The Montmollin Building and Bryan School
Banker and slave trader John S. Montmollin commissioned the adjacent building (c.1856) for his business. After Montmollin’s death, Alexander Bryan continued using the building to hold and sell enslaved people. When US General William T. Sherman captured Savannah in December 1864, the US government, implementing emancipation, confiscated the building and provided it to Savannah’s African-American community, which formed the Savannah Educational Association (SEA) to fund and establish schools. This building became the site of Bryan School. On January 10, 1865, at the school’s opening, hundreds of Black children marched here from First African Baptist Church. SEA schoolchildren publicly showcased their knowledge of grammar, history, geography, arithmetic, and other subjects in July 1865. The American Missionary Association, a northern benevolence organization, absorbed SEA and founded the Beach Institute in 1867, consolidating several schools, including Bryan School.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah
The petition to erect the marker will go before the Savannah City Council on Thursday (Editor’s Update: The petition was approved). See what else is on the agenda and who else is meeting in the latest Week Ahead.
SCAD acquires security firm’s headquarters in West Savannah
Jan. 18, 2024 – The Savannah College of Art and Design recently acquired a building in the West Savannah neighborhood that serves as the local headquarters of Sunstates Security, which provides security for the university.
The nonprofit university acquired the building at 102 E. Lathrop Avenue, where the university also operates a frame shop, for $6.5 million on Jan. 9, according to tax records.
The 3,147-square-foot office building, which is zoned for industrial use, dates back to 1957 and was appraised by Chatham County at a value of more than $3.3 million in 2023, according to the Chatham County property card. The previous owner, Synovus Trust Company, paid almost $39,000 in taxes last year for the property, according to tax records.
Check out Savannah Agenda’s SCAD property database and map
The building is located just south of a SCAD’s Physical Resources building at 22 E. Lathrop Avenue that the university uses for university mail, events, transportation and parking, housekeeping, maintenance, construction, reservations and design group, according to the website.
SCAD contracts with Sunstates Security LLC in Atlanta and Savannah to provide security personnel who are trained to operate in accordance with state codes for unarmed security personnel and watchmen, according to its latest security report. Launched in 1998, Raleigh, NC-based Sunstates’ specializes in all markets, including educational campuses, commercial real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, residential communities, construction sites and retail shopping centers, according to the website. The company’s Savannah office also provides additional services Augusta, Hilton Head, Hinesville, Brunswick, Valdosta and Macon. The company is hosting a hiring event at the building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 23, according to its Facebook page.
SCAD and Sunstates did not immediately respond to requests for comment made Wednesday. SCAD’s acquisition of the property comes after the university recently acquired the former Seaboard freight depot at 703 Louisville Road, following the city’s approval last year of the university’s plan to demolish a majority of the structure and construct a student housing complex on the site. (Read more below)
SCAD invests $7M acquiring former freight depot for student housing project
Jan. 4, 2024 -The Savannah College of Art and Design recently acquired the former Seaboard freight depot at 703 Louisville Road, following the city’s approval last year of the university’s plan to demolish a majority of the structure and construct a student housing complex on the site.
The nonprofit university acquired the property just west of the Downtown Historic District for $7.3 million on Dec. 27, according to tax records
SCAD officials said the planned 6-story and 7-story, 220-unit student housing complex will accommodate up to 800 students.
Built by the Seaboard Railroad Company in 1929, the building’s ‘Head House’ on the eastern end will be preserved as part of the plan. SCAD will also invest an estimated $3.2 million to fully remediate historical environmental issues on the site, according to a statement issued by the university last year regarding the project.
The nonprofit university’s net worth increased by almost $107 million to more than $1.3 billion during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2022, according to the nonprofit’s latest IRS 990 form. The university also reported providing education services to more than 14,500 students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in 2020, while the number of students increased to more than 16,000 in the 2022 report.
The former freight depot previously faced demolition when different private developers proposed to replace it with apartment buildings in 2016 and 2019. Those plans never moved forward and last year the city condemned the building, owned at the time by Charleston-based 703 Louisville Road LLC, after finding it to be unfit for human habitation, improperly secured, covered in graffiti and surrounded by litter.
What is the Rhino Collective? Newly formed corporation acquires two downtown properties for $7 million
Jan. 3, 2024 – It’s not clear who they are or what they want to do, but they definitely have money to spend.
Formed in July 2023, The Rhino Collective recently acquired two downtown buildings at a cost of about $7 million.
The registered agent and organizer, Thomas Cullen, with Hunter Maclean, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday, and there is little known about the company, other than being based at an office building at 33 Bull St, according to state incorporation records.
Rhino purchased 120 Whitaker St. for $4.55 million last month, according to tax records.
The building, across from El Rocko, has had a tough time finding successful tenants on the ground level, previously housing New Realm Brewing Company and Savannah Spirits Chop House, which both shut their doors shortly after opening.
Rhino also purchased the 19th-century building at 123 W. Oglethorpe Avenue for $2.45 million in December. The property was purchased by the Independent Presbyterian Church in April, along with an adjacent parking lot to help meet parking needs.
The church’s director of administration, Josh Espinosa, said at the time that the church wanted to keep the vacant building, a former law office, but was prepared to sell it if not enough contributions were received to pay down the $6.5 million debt accrued acquiring the parcels.
“We do not have a specific use for it at this time which is why it is making it difficult to keep it,” Espinosa said. “We could envision several uses for it in the future if it were still in our possession.”
Rhino’s acquisitions comes after Marriott bought the HunterMaclean building at 200 East Saint Julian St. The law firm for which the building is named expects to remain at the location for at least a year or two, HunterMaclean partner Shawn Kachmar said last August.
What’s next for Starland? C&S Upholstery building sold, Tricks BBQ deal pending
Jan. 2, 2024 – Columbus, Ga.-based 2Calculated LLC recently sold three parcels in the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District, in the area branded as the Starland District. The properties include the C&S Upholstery Supply building at 2517 Bull St., a vacant warehouse behind that building at 2517 W. 42nd St. and a vacant lot at 2508 Whitaker St.
The properties were purchased for $2.4 million by Delaware-based Starland Bull LLC on Dec. 20, according to tax records.
The owner of C&S did not immediately respond to a request for comment left with an employee on Tuesday about the future of the business at the site. The wholesale company provides fabric, tools, and other materials to upholstery businesses locally and across the United States, and has been serving customers for more than 50 years, according to the website.
The buyer of the property, Starland Bull LLC, is not listed as a business on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website and could not be reached for comment.
The building was constructed in 1975, according to property records. The property was transferred into 2Caluculated’s name in 2020. The company owns Leon’s Fabric’s in Columbus.
The purchased property is located in an area, branded the Starland District, that has seen increasing amounts of investment over the past two decades, such as the development of the popular Starland Yard food truck court and Victory North music venue. The C&S building is located next to Tricks BBQ at 2601 Bull St., which is also for sale, with a purchase pending, according to Engel&Volkers’ website.
The vacant lot to the west of the building along Whitaker Street is across from a vacant building that is expected to be restored for use as a new version of the former Jinx music venue that was located downtown before shutting its doors in 2020.
While some development plans have succeeded, others, such as the long-planned Starland Village apartment complex, remain stalled after years of planning.
Auto shop building sold, to be restored for new use
Jan. 1, 2024 – A long-operating auto shop on Montgomery Street, just south of Victory Drive, will be shuttering its doors in March.
The Tire City property was recently sold. Eric Curl/Jan. 1, 2024.
Savannah-based developer Michael Wakely’s company, Wakely Properties, recently acquired the building at 2809 Montgomery St., where the business has operated since at least 1999, according to state business records.
Wakely said he loves the building and plans to develop restoration plans for the mid-20th century brick structure this year and begin construction in 2025.
“We don’t have a tenant yet and will get it in better condition before we start looking,” Wakely said.
Meanwhile, Tire City will be shutting down at the end of February after operating there for 27 years, he said.
The building was constructed in 1949, according to the property card. Wakely said he was told by the sisters that inherited the structure that it was an ice cream factory previously but he has not verified that.
Hutchinson Island silos demolished
Dec. 22, 2023 – A lot of organizations and businesses talk about the need to “break down silos” in the metaphorical sense, but the Georgia Ports Authority recently did so literally.
The GPA recently demolished the 16 abandoned cement storage silos on Hutchinson Island, immediatley east of the Talmadge Bridge, to remove them as a potential safety hazard for the community, according to Edward Fulford, GPA manager of media relations. The concrete from the demolished silos will be crushed on-site and reused as recycled concrete aggregates in other GPA projects, Fulford said Thursday, with debris clearing expected to be completed by mid-February.
The demolition comes about eight years after the Metropolitan Planning Commission approved a plan in 2015 to develop a 316-unit timeshare development on the site that consisted of five buildings ranging from six to 10 stories. The silos were to be modified and repurposed for other uses such as a swimming pool. Ten years earlier another developer had proposed converting the silos into condos. The site was formerly used by the Blue Circle Cement Company.
The GPA, which is developing a new terminal on Hutchinson, acquired the silo site in 2020.There are no immediate development plans for the property, Fulford said.
Construction plans OK’d for two new downtown restaurants
Dec. 16, 2023 – The Historic District Board of Review review approved the design details for the construction of a 2-story commercial building at 520 East Oglethorpe Avenue (currently 143 Houston Street), where the folks behind Husk plan to open another restaurant. The Neighborhood Dining Group‘s conceptual name for the restaurant is Marbled and Fin, but that may change, according to the project’s developer Michael Wakely.
The new building will replace a non-historic 1-story building that was constructed in 1976 and is currently vacant due to the fact it was deemed structurally unsound, according to the staff report.
A new restaurant is also being planned for the building at 606 Abercorn St., where the Haunt previously operated prior to shutting down over the summer. On Wednesday, the review board approved some proposed alterations to the building for the new business, including the enclosing of a porch to “elevate the dining experience,” according to the plan. Constructed in 1905, the main building is a contributing building within Savannah’s Downtown Historic District, but the porch was constructed in 2009 and the proposed work will not impact the historic character of the main structure, according to the staff report.
‘SAV’ sculpture proposal rejected by advisory body
Dec. 16, 2023 – The Historic Site & Monument Commission is recommending denial of a $200,000 sculpture spelling out ‘SAV’ that Visit Savannah wants to install in City Market. The commission’s vote on Thursday came after board members and residents voiced opposition to the sculpture they say was not compatible with the surrounding area and could jeopardize the district’s historic status.
Some opponents suggested the sculpture would be more appropriate in other areas of the city, such as the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport or the Eastern Wharf. The commission is just an advisory board and Savannah City Council will have the final say on whether the project can be installed.
Townhomes planned for former church site
Dec. 16, 2023 – Wubbena Architects has submitted plans to construct townhomes at 304 West 37th St., where the First Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church was previously located before being destroyed by a fire in 2019.
The now vacant site in the Streetcar Historic District was sold to New York-based KPL Periphery, LLC for $145,000 in August 2020, according to the sales record. The church has since moved to 1046 Mohawk St. The townhomes plan is scheduled to be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission at the Jan. 3 meeting.
Asian Market chain buys former Lucky’s site
Dec. 12, 2023 – Florida-based Enson Market recently purchased the shopping center that was previously anchored by a Lucky’s Market at 5501 Abercorn St. for $9.6 million. according to public records.
The “different kind of Asian grocery store” carries items and ingredients generally well-suited for Asian cuisines and simply not found in most Western supermarkets, according to the company’s website.
The acquisition comes about seven months after Enson registered its business at the address in March, as first reported by WTOC.
The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lucky’s closed in 2020 as part of a corporate restructuring after opening the Savannah location in 2015, as reported by the Savannah Morning News.
Charleston-based hotel, restaurant developer acquires downtown property
Dec. 12, 2023 – A subsidiary of Charleston-based developer Bennett Hospitality recently purchased a vacant building at 520 Hull St. for $625,000, according to public records.
The company’s past projects include seven restaurants, a music hall, a golf course, and more than 20 hotels ranging in locations from Charleston to Savannah to Montana, according to the developer’s website. The newly acquired building is next to an Embassy Suites hotel Bennett developed and is across the street from the SCAD Museum of Art.
Bennett Hospitality did not immediately respond to requests for comment made Monday.
Restaurant at 1705 Abercorn
Dec. 12, 2023 – A building permit was recently issued construct a restaurant at 1705 Abercorn St. This is among the properties the city sold for an affordable housing development, along with the small commercial space. The Historic Preservation Commission approved Pinyan/Procida Development Group’s petition in April to construct the one-story building for use as a restaurant where a small parking lot currently exists.
Bob Isaacson, a local development partner with Pinyan/Procida, said the development group had no use for the small parcel and that he approached them about putting a restaurant there. Isaacson said he intends to open a healthy vegetarian friendly alternative to fast food with options such as falafel and hummus.
“I think it will be a really cool concept and hopefully we’ll have that open by April,” he said.
Meanwhile, the development group intends to try again next year to obtain the low-income housing tax credits for the affordable housing at the site, after failing to obtain the crucial credits for a third year in a row, said partner Mario Procida. The increasing competition for the limited amount of tax credits throughout the state does present a challenge, Procida said.
“We continue to be bullish on it and continue to be hopeful,” he said.
Freight company’s plans for site where Weeping Time tragedy occurred “paused” one year after purchasing property
Nov. 26, 2023 – Nov. 26, 2023 – The site of one of the country’s largest sales of enslaved people is now is now sitting unused one year after Dixie Plywood sold the site for more than $30 million to a shipping container transportation company.
The Weeping Time property at 204 Old West Lathrop. Eric Curl/Nov. 16, 2023
Zoned for light industrial uses, the property about two miles west of downtown at 204 West Old Lathrop was purchased by Tennessee-based IMC on Dec. 20 last year, according to public records. Fenced-in and surrounded by overgrown vegetation, the site now includes a vacant office building, unmanned guardhouse, empty warehouses and a water tower. Read more>
Affordable housing exemption sought as Savannah’s new impact fee set to net more than $1 million
Nov. 26, 2023 – Nov. 26, 2023 – The city is seeking to amend state regulations to incentivize affordable housing projects after implementing a development impact fee this summer.
On Nov. 21, the Savannah City Council approved its legislative agenda, which includes among the priorities a resolution for state lawmakers to allow municipalities to waive development impact fees for affordable housing to help keep development costs low. Currently, the city is required by the state to cover the cost of those exemptions, including the 25% reduction available to qualified projects. Read more>
Savannah restaurant group behind East Side Theater development
Nov. 14, 2023 – The business owner behind the proposal to renovate the former East Side Theater and build an apartment complex behind it is a familiar one to locals, especially to those who like to dine out. Read more>
New York nonprofit buys WW Law home
Oct. 15, 2023 – The New York based nonprofit developer, Galvan Foundation, continues to invest in Savannah’s historic Cuyler Brownville neighborhood, following a partnership with the city. Read more>
Abe’s on Lincoln reopens after hotel construction damages building
Oct. 15, 2023 –Abe’s on Lincoln is alive and well, after being shut down by a hotel construction project to its immediate west. Read more>
Downtown hotel site remains stalled, blighted as office buildings are eyed for luxury lodging
Oct. 15, 2023 – The former dry cleaners at 401 E. Bay St. has been surrounded by a chain-link fence and orange and white construction barriers for years after plans to construct a boutique hotel at the site failed to move forward. Read more>
Demolition applications submitted to make way for Forsyth Park office complex
Oct. 15, 2023 – The property owners planning an office complex and underground parking garage west of Forsyth Park’s south end recently submitted applications to demolish their three buildings to clear the way for the project. Read more>
Starland Village developer “transfers” properties to new “entity” for $1.6M
Oct 8, 2023 – The original developer of the long planned Starland Village sold the properties to a Charleston-based corporation last month, although the CEO says his company remains a partner. Read more>
Apartments planned for former school building & orphanage site at Hull Park
Oct. 1, 2023 – The building that previously housed an elementary school at Hull Park may be rezoned from single-family to multi-family use to accommodate apartments. Read more>
Savannah’s historic Realty Building sold for $14 million to New York corporation
Oct. 1, 2023 – Another prominent office building in Savannah’s downtown Historic District was recently sold, with the buyer paying almost double the closing cost of the 10-story structure in late 2017. Read more>
Hotel utility work damages historic building, shuts down downtown bar
Oct. 1, 2023 –Work related to providing the electricity needs of a new downtown hotel recently damaged the adjacent 3-story historic building, shutting down a downtown bar, Abe’s on Lincoln, that operates on the ground level. Read more>
Former East Side Theater may be renovated as part of mixed-use development
Sept. 22, 2023 – The former East Side Theater at East Broad and Gwinnett streets has a potential new owner with plans to renovate and reopen the 1940s-era building that once served as a movie theater for Black residents during segregation.
However, the acquisition of the property, and subsequent theater restoration, is dependent on the the potential buyer being able to develop the vacant parcels to the side and behind the building, according to the project’s architect. Read more>
City settles “illegal” utility fees lawsuit for $3.5M
Sept. 22, 2023 – Hundreds of property owners could be getting a refund after the city of Savannah settled a lawsuit challenging utility connection fees charged to commercial and residential property owners. Read more>
Kiah estate case remains unresolved, as effort to restore late artist’s home progresses
Sept. 17, 2023 – The effort to save Virginia Jackson Kiah’s community museum “for the masses” took a significant step Thursday, when the Savannah City Council approved an agreement with the Galvan Foundation and the appropriation of up to $500,000 for the acquisition and renovation of the dilapidated structure.
However, the Chatham County Probate Court case that led to the property’s deterioration remains unresolved more than 20 years after being initiated by a guardianship petition in 1999, two years before Kiah’s death at age 90. Read more>
New report finds Yamacraw Village’s capital needs exceed $51M, recommends demolition of low-income housing community
Sept. 17, 2023 – A consultant hired by the Housing Authority of Savannah recently identified more than $51 million in capital improvements needed for the 82-year-old Yamacraw Village low-income housing community in downtown Savannah’s westside. Read more>
Chatham provides list of county vacation rentals (kind of)
Sept. 17, 2023 – Unlike the city of Savannah, Chatham County doesn’t publicly list where licensed short-term vacation rentals are located. In an attempt to provide this information, which many readers have sought, I made an open records request to obtain a list of all the vacation rentals. That was on July 24. I finally received that list on Aug. 22 – kind of. Read more>
With downtown acquisition, New York nonprofit’s local presence grows ahead of Kiah House purchase
Sept. 13, 2023 – A New York-based nonprofit is continuing to increase its presence and investments in Savannah ahead of the potential acquisition of the historic Kiah House in partnership with the city. Read more>
Court memo raises concerns about funding for federal building’s renovation
Sept. 3, 2023 – Employees that work in downtown Savannah’s Tomochichi Federal Building and US Courthouse, including a federal judge, recently informed city officials of their concerns about a funding shortfall they said threatens to “derail” the downtown building’s renovation following two structural incidents this year. Read more>
SCAD facing loss of building’s tax exemption after vacating what was “Clarence Thomas Center”
Sept. 3, 2023 – The Chatham County board of assessors is planning to remove a property tax exemption for the Savannah College of Art and Design after the nonprofit university stopped holding classes in what was the “Clarence Thomas Center for Historic Preservation.” Read more>
Property Matters: Drayton Tower sold to NY investment firm; building permit issued for former Broughton Municipal Building hotel conversion; and city, partners to save Kiah House
Aug. 27, 2023 – The New York-based owner has sold a majority of the historic Drayton Tower apartment complex in downtown Savannah to another company based in the Big Apple. Meanwhile, a building permit was issued for the owners to proceed with a more than 4-year-old plan to convert a former city office building into a luxury hotel. And the city is partnering up with some organizations to save the Kiah House. Read more>
No Daiss; Multifamily, retail complex to replace service center along Bull at 60th
Aug. 20, 2023 – The Bull Street corridor between Victory Drive and DeRenne Avenue is going to look a lot different 10 years from now, with the way things are going. Actually, five years from today you may not even recognize the place. Read more>
Marriott buys law firm’s downtown office building
Aug. 13, 2023 – Suitcases will apparently be replacing briefcases at another downtown office building, following Marriott’s acquisition of the HunterMaclean building at 200 East Saint Julian St. Read more>
“The Mighty Fortress” church sells downtown properties
Aug. 13, 2023 – St. John Baptist Church, known as “The Mighty Fortress,” sold a historic residential property at 501 East Huntingdon St. on Aug. 4 for $1.25 million according to sales records. The sale to Savannah-based Ronald K. Horton Holdings LLC also included three vacant parcels east of the historic house. Read more>
SCAD submits amended student housing plan
Aug. 13, 2023 – SCAD submitted an amended master plan on Friday after the Metropolitan Planning Commission voted to deny a plan to construct a student housing complex at 703 Louisville Road, where a former railroad freight depot is currently located. Read more>
Property Matters – Historic status recommended for Victorian District properties, Drayton demo pending, more hotel projects on the way, and restaurant, inn planned for Duffy & Bull
Aug. 6, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
Manger Building hotel conversation, rehab plan up for consideration
Aug. 8, 2023 – During a time when even Zoom is asking employees to return to the office, a number of downtown Savannah businesses may soon be dependent on the remote video service. Read more>
Property Matters (updates) – SCAD housing plan rejected, neighborhoods’ hotel ban postponed, downtown mansion restoration to get a second look and MLK apts for city lot get initial OK
July 30, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
Property Matters (briefs) – Mixed-use on Montgomery, SCAD housing project, new restaurant on Duffy, and hotel ban facing opposition
July 23, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
SCAD’s net worth climbs to $1.2B in latest tax filing
July 16, 2023 – The Savannah College of Art and Design’s net worth increased by about $188 million to more than $1.2 billion during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021, according to the nonprofit’s latest IRS 990 form. Read more>
Starland Village work resumes, power outage ensues
July 16, 2023 – The resumed demolition of a former school building as part of a long planned mixed-use development in the Starland District led to the power outage of about 20 customers on Thursday, according to Georgia Power. Read more>
Colonial Group shells out $30M to buy Savannah Morning News building
July 16, 2023 – Colonial Group, Inc. the parent company of Colonial Oil and the Enmarket convenience store chain, purchased the former Savannah Morning News building for $30 million on July 12, according to sales records. Read more>
Demos, apt complex proposed for East Broad at Gwinnett
July 9, 2023 – The developer behind the planned Starland Village development is proposing to construct another mixed-use apartment complex along East Broad Street on nine parcels between East Gwinnett and East Bolton streets. Read more>
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Property Matters (briefs) – New restaurant at SCAD diner, housing on MLK city lot & potential buyers for Kiah house
July 9, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
Possible human remains found at hotel construction site twice
July 9, 2023 – Potential human bone fragments were discovered at hotel construction site late last month, as Savannah Police officials continue to await GBI lab results of a bone found at the site about seven months earlier. Read more>
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No signs or students: The curious case of what was SCAD’s Clarence Thomas Center
July 5, 2023 – The Savannah College of Art and Design refuses to say how or if the university is using the historic downtown building that was the “Clarence Thomas Center for Historic Preservation,” following the removal of student courses from the tax-exempt structure in 2021. In fact, the university is reluctant to even acknowledge the building’s existence, or say whether the art of the late Savannah artist and educator, Virginia Jackson Kiah, is still displayed there.
Read the full story at savannahnow.com>
Editor’s note: On occasion, Savanah Agenda content will be running exclusively in other outlets, as is the case with this article. This is necessary, for now, to help make this website financially viable and to build the brand. I intend for most of my content to remain free and accessible on this website. To help me accomplish this, you can make a donation, buy an ad, subscribe to the free newsletter and/or share the site via social media and word of mouth. Financial support and increasing readership is critical to the long-term success of this site. Your support is always appreciated.
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Neighborhoods seeking to block hotels from their communities outside downtown
July 2, 2023 – Some of Savannah’s historic neighborhoods are looking to block hotels from their communities by expanding restrictions that regulate such development in the Downtown Historic District. Read more>
Property Matters (Briefs) – Argentinian empanadas on Liberty, apts on Bull, no to demos near Forsyth Park, temporary public safety stations for New Hampstead
July 2, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
City negotiating with SCAD for canal improvements to accompany student housing development
June 28, 2023 – Planned improvements to the Springfield Canal were never made by the developer at the time of 703 Louisville Road as called for in a 2018 agreement with the city. Now that the Savannah College of Art and Design is planning to develop the site for student housing, the city is determining the “best path forward” in getting the improvements completed, according to city spokesman Nick Zoller.
Read the full story at savannahnow.com>
Editor’s note: On occasion, Savanah Agenda content will be running exclusively in other outlets, as is the case with this article. This is necessary, for now, to help make this website financially viable and to build the brand. I intend for most of my content to remain free and accessible on this website. To help me accomplish this, you can make a donation, buy an ad, subscribe to the free newsletter and/or share the site via social media and word of mouth. Financial support and increasing readership is critical to the long-term success of this site. Your support is always appreciated.
In case you missed it …
Demolitions, multi-family housing complex proposed for Bull near Victory
June 25, 2023 – A Washington, DC-based developer recently submitted plans to construct a 181-unit apartment complex on a partially developed 2-acre lot at 45th and Bull streets, just south of Victory Drive. Read more>
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Property Matters (briefs) – Bowling in the basement on Broughton, B&B Paint Co. building demo & new restaurant on Oglethorpe
June 25, 2023 – There is a lot of development going on in Savannah. These are some of the more recent projects that caught my attention while perusing building permits and meeting agendas. Read more>
Multiple demolitions proposed near Forsyth Park to clear way for office complex
June 18, 2023 – Once recommended for protected historic status, three buildings west of Savannah’s Forsyth Park may be demolished to clear the way for an office complex. Read more>
In case you missed it …
This historic Savannah mansion may be restored, although proposal to demolish newer addition draws scrutiny
June 11, 2023 – A deteriorating downtown mansion may get restored, but one aspect of the plan could block the project from moving forward. Read more>
Belk selling outparcels at Oglethorpe Mall
June 11, 2023 – Belk is in the process of selling some of its property outside surrounding the department store at Oglethorpe Mall. Read more>
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Savannah movie theater closed, available for new use
June 11, 2023 – The AMC movie theater on Stephenson Avenue is closed and the property is being marketed for commercial use. Read more>
Chatham County seeking $20M grant as planned 911 center’s cost’s grow
June 11, 2023 – It’s been about seven years since Chatham County and Savannah decided to build a new emergency response center. County officials are still trying to figure out how to pay for it. Read more>
Plans submitted to demolish building, construct single family residence, following removal of downtown structure’s historic designation
June 11, 2023 – Once “historic” and recently declared not to be so, the importance of a 1950s-era downtown structure is again up for debate. Read more>
Savannah City Council approves crucial permit for new Jinx
June 8, 2023 – Those more accustomed to late nights at the now-shuttered Jinx had no problem showing up Thursday afternoon to support the owner’s attempt to reopen the downtown Savannah bar and music venue in a new location. And the city responded in kind. Read more>
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Historic Kiah House up for sale to “preservation-minded” buyer
May, 29 2023 – The Historic Savannah Foundation is marketing the historic Kiah House for sale to a “preservation-minded” buyer with the intention of rehabilitating the dilapidated structure and recognizing the significance of Savannah’s first African-American founded museum.
The buyer is expected to rehabilitate the historic home and carriage house, while retaining all elements indicative of the time the structure was used as the Kiah House Museum, between 1959-1998, according to the request for proposals. The RFP states further that applicants that propose public access and interpretation of the significance of Virginia Kiah will be prioritized. Read more>
Terror Vision: Graveface brings some local life to Oglethorpe Mall
May 29, 2023 – Amid national chain stores such as Macy’s, Express and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, patrons of the Oglethorpe Mall can now find a locally owned source of records, goth attire, arcade games and horror themed memorabilia.
Ryan Graveface has brought his love of music and the macabre to the mall with the opening of a temporary “pop up” version of Graveface Records & Curiosities, the business he established almost 13 years ago at 5 W. 40th St. in the area branded as the Starland District within the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District. Read more>
Maybe, finally? Latest vision for historic service station makes headway
May 25, 2023 –After previous owners’ plans have come and gone, Chris Moody and his partners may be the ones to finally save the historic service station slowly deteriorating on the corner of 37th and Price streets.
As co-owner of the popular watering hole Moodright’s and the adjoining honkytonk hangout, Over Yonder, Moody has demonstrated his ability to turn a vision into a successful local business. Read more>
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Restoration, new homes approved as part of Cuyler-Brownville housing initiative
May 25, 2023 – The Historic Preservation Commission approved the Galvan Foundation’s plans for multiple Cuyler-Brownville properties on Wednesday, as the New York-based nonprofit moves forward with its city endorsed mixed-income housing initiative for the historic neighborhood.
The approved projects include the rehabilitation of the fire-damaged historic duplex at 2205 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, along with the construction of a carriage house on the lot. In addition, the HPC approved Galvan’s plans, through a subsidiary, Savannah Local Initiatives, to construct a similar duplex and carriage house on the adjacent vacant lot. Read more>
SCAD planning to demolish former railroad terminal for student housing
May 22, 2023 – The Savannah College of Art and Design submitted plans last week to demolish the former railroad terminal at 703 Louisville Road and build a 220-unit student housing complex in its place.
The “head house” on the eastern end of the vacant building will be preserved in its existing location, with a 6-story student housing building to be built around it, according to the plans. A second building on the west side of the site will have seven levels, with two for parking and five for student housing. Read more>
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SCAD obtains tax exemptions for new dorm and parking garage
May 22, 2023 – The Savannah College of Art and Design’s tax-exempt inventory continues to grow, while a handful of the university’s properties remain on the tax rolls. SCAD, a registered nonprofit, will save about an additional $86,000 a year in taxes, after recently obtaining tax exempt status on two more properties. Read more>
Entire McQueen’s Island Trail now open
May 22, 2023 – Runners, cyclists and nature lovers are once again able to enjoy all five miles of the McQueen’s Island Trail along the Savannah River, after damage caused by tropical storms in 2016 and 2017 shut off access to the waterfront trail along US 80 between Savannah and Tybee Island. Read more>
Pittsburgh-based Coop De Ville bringing its “Southern” eats and duckpin bowling down to Savannah’s Eastern Wharf
May 12, 2023 – A Pittsburgh-based restaurant is bringing its “Southern Table” down to Savannah’s developing Eastern Wharf waterfront community east of downtown.
The 6,329-square-foot Coop De Ville establishment will be located on the ground floor of the 6-story Riverworks building on Eastern Wharf’s northwest end, according to the plans submitted for review on Friday. The project includes a mezzanine with a grand staircase and duckpin bowling alley. Read more>
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Long vacant, fire damaged historic property in Cuyler Brownville is to be home again under New York org’s plan
May 11, 2023 – Constructed in 1902 on what was West Broad Street, it’s been more than two decades since anyone lived in the 2-story wood frame dwelling just south of 38th Street. Pass by today, you’ll see the burnt up remnants of the structure on what is now 2205 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Named for its original occupants, A.J. and Effie Thorpe, the Galvan Foundation is now planning to make long vacant Thorpe house someone’s home once again, as the New York-based nonprofit developer moves forward with mixed-income housing plans for historic Cuyler-Brownville. Read more>
SCAD’s plan for former Ghost Coast Distillery building approved
May 10, 2023 – The Savannah College of Art and Design will not have to worry about getting a refund, following the recent acquisition of the former Ghost Coast Distillery building.
The university’s plans to convert the structure to serve students, rather than spirits, was approved by the Historic District Board of Review on Wednesday. Read more>
Mid-century building once owned by city now facing uncertain future
May 2, 2023 – With a padlocked chain securing the entrance, the former Broughton Municipal Building on East Broughton Street, where Savannah residents once paid their utility bills, has not welcomed visitors for about four years.
Ever since the city sold the historic mid-century building and relocated the revenue department in 2019, the 6-story structure has sat vacant and unused, aside from being a canvas for graffiti. Read more>
No luck required; The Jinx gets a little help from its friends
May 2, 2023 – Strong support from area residents, musicians, business owners and former patrons may just spur the encore they desire, as the owner of The Jinx attempts to reopen the beloved downtown Savannah bar and music venue that shut its doors in 2020.
That love of the establishment was evident Tuesday, when the Metropolitan Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit to operate the proposed bar, music venue and restaurant in the Streetcar Historic District. The commission cast their unanimous vote after receiving more than 200 letters of support and hearing about 20 speakers plead their case for what they described as “community center”, a “refuge” for music fans, and “hotspot of local culture.”
The recommendation for approval will next go to the Savannah City Council, which has the final say on whether the currently vacant and rough looking building at 2602 Whitaker St. can serve as Savannah’s next haven for metal, rock, country and hip hop lovers. Read more>
Chatham County closes out federal rental assistance program
May 1, 2023 – While the need is no doubt still there, federal rental assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer an option.
Chatham County recently closed out the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program after reportedly using $14 million in grant funding to support 3,159 households over a 2-year period during the pandemic. By the time the US Treasury’s Dec. 29 deadline to spend the funds arrived, the county had about $3.5 million in awarded funds left over, which have to be returned to the US Treasury. Read more>
New building to be built for restaurant on former city lot sold as part of affordable housing plan
April 26, 2023 – A developer’s plan to construct a commercial building on former city property is progressing, while the viability of building affordable housing on a majority of the site awaits a decision from the state.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved Pinyan/Procida Development Group’s petition on Wednesday to construct the one-story building for use as a restaurant at 1705 Abercorn St., where a small parking lot currently exists.
Meanwhile, construction of the affordable apartment complex on the site acquired from the city is dependent on the awarding of the tax credits later this year, Mario Procida, with the development group, said last month. Read more>
Green Truck Pub gets greenlight to gussy up
April 26, 2023 – The 1980s-era building at 2430 Habersham St. will be getting a 21st-century makeover after Green Truck Pub’s owners got the OK to shed the structure’s fast-food past.
Coming after the COVID-19 pandemic moved diners outside, the plan to improve the 12-year-old restaurant’s outdoor aesthetics and seating accommodations was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday. Read more>
Developer optimistic about chances for senior housing at fairgrounds site
April 23, 2023 – Developer Bill Gross said the tax credit application he will be submitting to develop affordable housing at the former fairgrounds site has a “very high probability” of success, following the city’s recent support for the effort.
“Whenever you have a community willing to help sponsor a project, it helps a lot,” Gross said. “I think that is going to be the thing that will really to put us in the winning category.” Read more>
Southside Sears developer says apartments on the way
April 23, 2023 – It won’t be in time to enjoy the Graveface Records and Curiosities temporary pop-up shop that is opening there this year, but a Charlotte, NC-based developer says the Oglethorpe Mall will one day have hundreds of potential customers living right next door.
Madison Capital Group is moving forward with plans to demolish the vacant Sears on the mall’s west end and construct a 240-unit apartment complex on the site. The company submitted a building permit application for the project this month, more than a year after the Savannah City Council approved the company’s petition to rezone the property from commercial to multi-family residential in February 2022.
The company is now looking to start construction in the next 30 to 60 days, Executive Managing Director Ross Rabun said Friday. Read more>
Sale of former city properties approved as part of Cuyler-Brownville housing plan
April 16, 2023 – Three vacant lots are set to be developed as affordable housing and a neighborhood eyesore is expected to be made livable once again, following the approval of mixed-income housing plans for Cuyler-Brownville.
The Chatham County-Savannah Land Bank Authority (LBA) approved the sale of the first four of 19 former city properties to the Galvan Foundation as part of the New York-based nonprofit’s housing initiative in the historic neighborhood. Read more>
SCAD building ‘fire station’, ‘convenience store’ and ‘subway’ at film studio complex
April 16, 2023 – Beyond the gateway currently under construction, the Savannah College of Art and Design is continuing to develop a world of make-believe off Louisville Road.
SCAD recently submitted plans to construct multiple backlot buildings as part of the film studio complex the university is developing along the corridor west of Savannah’s downtown historic district. The plans include the construction of buildings resembling a subway station, New York-style brownstones, a convenience store and gas station, rowhouses and a fire station for students to use for filming projects.
Old Town Trolley considering paranormal experience for site following Liberty Street building acquisiton
The “Old Town District” may soon be a fitting name for the northeast corner of Liberty Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Old Town Trolley recently invested $3 million to purchase the downtown Savannah building at 416 W. Liberty St., which previously housed the Distillery Ale House for 11 years before the bar and restaurant shut its doors in 2020.
The company is still in the conceptual stage of determining how the property will be used, although the building is expected to serve as another Old Town attraction such as the American Prohibition Museum in City Market, according to the company’s regional manager, Charlie Brazil. The area surrounding the newly acquired property has a “substantial haunted heritage” and they are considering some type of paranormal programming for the site, Brazil said.
The company is also planning to convert a former parking garage next to the Liberty Street building into a restaurant and bar with retail space and a museum, as previously reported. In addition, the company is in the process of renovating the adjacent Old Town Trolley building at 250 MLK by making improvements to the guest service area in front.
Kessler submits building permit application, building plans for newly acquired mansion
Luxury hotel developer Richard Kessler recently submitted a building permit application for interior improvements to the historic mansion he recently purchased at 26 East Gaston St. The building permit application included renderings by local architect Christian Sottile.
The plans show the floor plans of the home’s three levels and basement, which include five bedrooms and one room described as a apartment. The illustrations also show a lounge, wine cellar, pool and gym.
Kessler purchased the 115-year-old mansion for $4.75 million in February, as previously reported. He remains focused on renovating the “iconic” residential property overlooking Forsyth Park and Drayton Street and has not made any decisions about long-term plans for the property, according to his spokesperson, Allison Hersh.
Once in the way of development plans, former Savannah railroad terminal condemned as “unfit for human habitation”
After plans to demolish the building for an apartment complex failed to move forward, an early 20th-century railroad terminal appears to be falling apart on its own.
The city recently condemned the former railroad freight terminal at 703 Louisville Road after finding it to be unfit for human habitation, improperly secured, covered in graffiti and surrounded by litter, according to public records obtained through an open-records request. Read more>
The building was found to be unfit for human habitation, according to the posted notice. Eric Curl/April 14, 2023
‘Savannah Morning News’ building now devoid of SMN staff, shuttered presses to be dismantled
April 3, 2023 – The newspaper’s name may still grace the building’s entrance, but Savannah Morning News employees recently moved out and the former owner is now taking steps to remove the last remnants of the publication’s presence at 1375 Chatham Parkway.
The city recently issued Augusta-based Morris Communications a permit to have Thompson Building Wrecking Co. dismantle, remove and dispose of the 20-year-old building’s newspaper presses, dock conveyors and associated gear at a cost of $70,000. In addition, Morris submitted a permit application to demolish the partition walls inside the newspaper’s mailroom. Read more>
With $6.5M purchase, downtown church seeks to address parking woes
April 10, 2023 – The Independent Presbyterian Church’s parking challenges downtown may soon be alleviated with the recent purchase of two nearby parcels just east of the Savannah Civic Center.
The church purchased a parking lot on Barnard Street, north of Orleans Square, along with a 19th-century home and associated parking on Oglethorpe Avenue, for $6.5 million, on April 3. Read more>
SCAD to buy building after Ghost Coast Distillery’s closing
April 6, 2023 – Less than half a mile long, Indian Street packs in about three blocks worth of recent development projects just outside of Savannah’s downtown historic district. With the pending sale of a 60-year-old building on the corridor’s west end, that evolution is set to continue.
The Savannah College of Arts and Design recently submitted plans to renovate the building that formerly housed the Ghost Coast Distillery at 641 West Indian St. SCAD is under contract to purchase the building to renovate the structure for “state-of-the-art” classrooms. Read more>
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