Historic Asbury Church in Savannah Acquired by Development Group for Restaurant Plans

Introduction

The former Asbury church, located at 1201 Abercorn St. in Savannah, Georgia, has been bought by the locally-based development group, 1201 Abercorn LLC. The group, which acquired the late 19th-century building for $1.35 million on April 18, intends to repurpose the historic church into a restaurant.

Restaurant Plans

The development group headed by co-owners Brent Watts, Patrick Johnston, Beau Hinton, and Brad Baugh, plans to lease the space to a talented local chef specializing in local sustainable seafood. The soon-to-be restaurant aims to offer a unique dining experience where patrons can enjoy a budget-friendly meal or splurge on a multi-course dinner.

Building Rezoning and Rehabilitation

The development plan received attention from the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) when the developers filed for rezoning the site from Traditional Neighborhood to Traditional Commercial. The MPC is also reviewing the development group’s application for a special-use permit to permit alcohol sales at the restaurant.

Recognizing the historical significance of the building, the development group emphasized the minimal invasive rehabilitation which is compliant with the Georgia State Historical Preservation Office and National Park Service guidelines. Renovations are thoughtfully designed to uphold the building’s unique character while adding functional upgrades.

Infrastructure Upgrades

The former church, apart from boasting a well-maintained main sanctuary, requires a serious overhaul in other areas. The upgrades will focus on mitigating water damage on the west, north, and south sides, nursing the windows, and replacing the roof, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC to preserve the historical infrastructure.

A Symbol of Savannah’s Rich History

The original structure dated back to 1887 but had to be rebuilt after a hurricane in 1896. Additions and a brick façade were later included. Asbury took over the building in 1927, establishing itself as the only African American United Methodist church in Savannah’s historic Victorian District. The last worship service was held on January 21, after which plans for upgradation were initiated.

End of an Era, Beginning of a New Chapter

The acquisition of the historic Asbury Church marks the end of an era and heralds a new phase for the iconic Savannah structure. The development group’s project will breathe a new life into the building while preserving its significant place in the city’s history. As Savannah awaits the grand opening of a new local sustainable seafood restaurant, the city looks forward to respectful and innovative utilization of its historical edifices.