By Eric Curl
March 23, 2025 – The city of Savannah is planning improved pedestrian access along E. Bay Street and Old Town Trolley is moving forward with restaurant plans on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Additionally, there are plans for a demolition of a non-contributing former Howard Johnson’s structure, while a residential community, The Isling at Savannah Harbor, is being developed.
Broad and Bay Street Improvements
CHA Consulting recently submitted a plan for the city to increase pedestrian connectivity along E. Bay Street at the intersection with East Broad Street. The project consists of removing existing parallel parking and expanding the existing sidewalk along the south side of Bay and the addition of pedestrian sidewalk on the north side of Bay. The existing pavement at the intersection of East Broad and Bay Street will be removed and replaced with concrete. The existing traffic signals will also be modified.
234 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
The Savannah City Council recently approved a water and sewer agreement with Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah for 234 Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. The agreement is for a development consisting of a 216 seat restaurant and retail space. The project is expected to be similar to the company’s American Prohibition Museum, with a focus on the heritage and sciences of distilleries, according to the company’s regional manager, Charlie Brazil, as previously reported previously. Old Town Trolley also purchased 416 W. Liberty St. across the street, where The Distillery previously operated for $3 million earlier this month, according to sales records.
Garden Square in Thomas Square/Starland
A new restaurant and bar is being planned for the commercial complex at 2400 Bull St. in the Thomas Square Neighborhood branded as the Starland District, according to plans submitted in February. The “Garden Square” beer garden would occupy space across the hall from the Sola Salon and access the outdoor courtyard front Brochus on east side, as detailed in the plans by Lynch Associates Architects.
Former Howard Johnson’s restaurant poised for demolition
GMShay Architects is seeking approval to demolish a non-contributing building at 214 West Boundary St. in Savannah’s Downtown Historic District. Built in 1964 as a Howard Johnson’s restaurant, the one-story masonry structure later served various purposes, including as the Savannah Welcome Center, and is currently owned by Old Town Trolley Tours.
The area, once residential, transformed into a commercial zone due to automobile-related development, leading to the demolition of historic buildings. Metropolitan Planning Commission staff determined that the structure falls outside the district’s 1733-1960 period of significance, lacks architectural distinction, and is not tied to significant historical events or figures. As a result, it remains classified as non-contributing, making demolition permissible. However, staff is recommending the documentation of the building and deconstruction, rather than demolition, to salvage materials.
The final decision will be made by the Historic District Board at their meeting on April 9.
The potential demolition would take place next to the site where the former Howard Johnson’s motor lodge was located before being demolished by the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2019. The university currently has no plans for the now vacant site, according to a SCAD spokesperson response to an inquiry last week.
Old Town Trolley also recently purchased 215 West Boundary St. for $1.3 million, across the street, according to sales records. The January acquisition includes a small structure that has also been used as a visitor’s center.
Savannah Agenda reached out to GMShay Architects and Old Town Trolley for comment on the future plans for the site. An updated article will be published when a response is received.
Southern Coastal Homes and A Classical Studio Unveil Design Vision for The Isling at Savannah Harbor (Press release)
Trilogy Investment Company, a fully integrated residential development and investment company, in partnership with privately owned real estate investment company Kingdom Estates, recently unveiled the design of the The Isling at Savannah Harbor residential community on Hutchinson Island.
Rebranded and reimagined, the 36-acre, multi-phased residential community located at the heart of Savannah Harbor is situated just moments from the riverfront and the Historic District.
Nestled on the tranquil and picturesque Hutchinson Island, The Isling offers a unique opportunity to experience a dream-like fusion of nature and modern design, where beauty and functionality coalesce in perfect harmony. With breathtaking views of the Savannah River, a championship golf course, and a lush natural landscape, The Isling is a sanctuary that honors the rich heritage of the Lowcountry while embracing contemporary luxury. Read more>
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