Historic District Board Denies Elevator Installation in Savannah’s Historic Neighborhood

Historic District Board Rejects Elevator Proposal in Savannah

In the heart of beautiful Savannah, Georgia, a recent meeting of the Historic District Board of Review brought forth spirited discussions regarding a proposal to install an elevator at 422 E. Charlton Street. The petition was filed by property owner Jane Rosen and reviewed during the board’s monthly gathering on Wednesday, October 9th.

The Proposal Details

The proposed elevator, designed by Greenline Architecture, aimed to enhance accessibility for Rosen while preserving the home’s historic charm. The elevator was set to protrude six feet from the back of the house, facing Macon Street. In their recommendation, the staff at the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) expressed support, believing the addition would not detract from the home’s historic character. They argued that it would remain below the roofline and would be visually compatible with the surrounding area.

Board Members Voice Concerns

However, each member of the Board of Review expressed disagreement with the staff’s assessment. Board member Hall asked whether other homes in the historic row featured similar projections, to which the staff replied that they did not. Another board member inquired if there had been discussions about incorporating the elevator within the house instead. Architect Eric O’Neil indicated they had considered this option but ultimately decided on the exterior placement.

As the meeting progressed, Jonathan Mellon from the MPC’s Historic Preservation division mentioned past instances where elevator installations had been denied, alluding to a similar case on Abercorn Street that the board had rejected. This comment stirred further debate and questions about maintaining the area’s historic appearance.

Neighbors Weigh In

Opposition to the elevator wasn’t just from the board; many neighbors chimed in with thoughts on how the addition might affect the neighborhood’s aesthetic. Ellie Isaacs, Director of Preservation & Historic Properties at the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), argued that while the elevator was small and reversible—meaning it could potentially be removed in the future—the removal of three windows to accommodate the elevator could change the character of the home.

Conversely, Andrew Jones, founder of the Oglethorpe Plan Coalition, passionately stated that granting permission for the elevator would disrupt the classic Savannah streetscape. “You’re not supposed to approve changes to one house in a row,” he argued, highlighting the uniformity that characterizes the neighborhood. He even suggested that if the board did approve the elevator, a covenant be placed on the property requiring its removal if sold.

Strong Sentiments from Board Members

Throughout the discussion, Board member Sabrina Nagel emphasized that the row’s integrity made this proposal distinctly different from other projects involving elevators in the Historic District. She pointed out the lack of a buffer, saying, “You are changing the entire view of all of the homes on Macon in this block.” The sentiments bubbled to the surface, with Board members expressing their concerns about visual compatibility and community character.

The board members ultimately converged on a consensus, with Chairman Karen Guinn closing the discussion by recognizing the importance of the front and rear façades of the homes. Nagel moved to deny the petition based on visual incompatibility, and Rowan seconded the motion. Without further ado, the proposal was unanimously rejected, ensuring the historic charm of Savannah stays intact for future generations.

Conclusion

Savannah’s community continues to prioritize its historic aesthetics and the cohesion of its neighborhoods. While accessibility is an important concern, the board’s decision reflects the delicate balance between modern needs and preserving the city’s storied past. It remains to be seen how property owners in the area will adapt to such challenges in the future.