Concerns Emerge Over Proposed Hotel Height in Savannah’s Historic District

Concerns Raised Over New Hotel Proposal in Savannah

Today, in the charming city of Savannah, community members gathered to discuss a proposed hotel project that has sparked a lively debate. The Savannah Historic District Board of Review met to consider plans for a 5-6 story hotel at 301 Tatnall St., right next to Liberty Street. This location is currently a vacant lot nestled between the Liberty Street Parking Garage and popular retail spots like FraLi Gourmet and Savannah Coffee Roasters.

The Heart of the Matter

The meeting was punctuated with discussions surrounding the potential height of the building, as many residents believe that a hotel of this size could disrupt the architectural harmony of the area. Board members unanimously expressed concerns that the proposed height might not fit with the visual surroundings, which primarily consist of structures clocking in at just 2-3 stories. Historic Savannah Foundation’s preservation director, Ellie Isaacs, made an important point: “We recognize that the design of this building will impact and set a precedent for the new construction that will take place across the street at the Civic Center site.”

Height Matters

Interestingly, while the Downtown Historic District Height Map allows for up to five stories, residents noted that the existing nearby buildings, like the McCorkle, Johnson & McCoy law office, are more modestly sized at around 2.5 stories. This balance is crucial, as Savannah has a unique charm that many are eager to preserve. A suggestion came from board member Stan Houle, who indicated that a 3-4 story building would be more appropriate and in line with the neighborhood’s character.

The architect for the project, Michael Garcia from LS3P Associates, presented a revised design that lowered the hotel height from an initial 76 feet down to 71 feet. Garcia acknowledged the community’s concerns and expressed a willingness to fine-tune the height further. “We do hope to continue working on this issue regarding height,” he stated, inviting collaboration from local neighborhood associations.

Feedback from the Community

Feedback from residents was overwhelmingly against the proposed height. Many locals gathered to convey their thoughts, with one downtown resident, Susan Atkinson, voicing that while larger structures exist throughout Savannah, they tend to “dot and punctuate the city,” providing a varied skyline without overshadowing the neighborhood. “I think that’s the point is to keep Savannah balanced,” she emphasized, highlighting the need to respect the local community and ensure that commercial growth does not overwhelm residential areas.

In addition to the lively discussion at the meeting, many residents took to online platforms to express their alarm at the hotel’s height and its potential impact on the neighborhood. The developers are not just facing opposition for the height of the structure, but also for the use of the site for a hotel.

Next Steps

The Savannah Historic District Board of Review decided to continue the discussion, as they acknowledged the need to dive deeper into the matters at hand, especially regarding height compatibility within the area’s existing landscape. This hotel proposal was part of a larger agenda, which included another hotel project on E. Oglethorpe Ave, also postponed for further consideration due to similar height concerns.

During the meeting, even though the Board’s focus is primarily on the visual impact of the structure, concerns about the saturation of hotels in Savannah were echoed by Historic Savannah Foundation’s CEO. This raises a pressing question for city leaders: “When is the day when we have too many hotels in this town?”

Summary

As Savannah moves forward with discussions surrounding new developments, the focus remains on preserving the unique historical vibe that makes the city so special. The community is hopeful that a balance can be achieved that accommodates growth while respecting the aesthetic and character of the Historic District. It’s clear that Savannah’s residents are passionate about maintaining their city’s charm, and the upcoming meetings will provide another opportunity for them to voice their stance.