Exciting New Housing Development Approved in Savannah
This week in Savannah, there’s a buzz in the air with yet another step forward in enhancing our beloved city! The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission gave its thumbs up to two site variances for a fresh mixed-use housing development. This new project will fill the spot at the southeast corner of East Broad and East Gwinnett Streets, an area that’s seen its fair share of ups and downs in development proposals over the past year. Just last May, a previous project got denied by the Savannah City Council, but it seems like this new proposal is bringing a breath of fresh air!
A Fresh Perspective
The brains behind the proposal are the creative team from J. Elder Studio, along with local developer Rhino Collective. Their vision includes not just one, but four separate apartment buildings, accompanied by a convenient parking garage that’s set to have around 130 parking spaces. The total number of apartments will be 104, with a promise of including affordable housing units for those in need.
City Manager Jay Melder expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m excited to see this parcel back before us with what looks to be a more favorable, creative approach to it.” The incorporation of a retail space of around 8,800 square feet also promises to bring something special to the community, with possible plans for small office spaces or a charming “mom and pop” store.
Bridging Community and History
One standout aspect of the project is its focus on blending modern development with the rich history of the area. Residents noticed that recent years have seen a bit of erasure of the local history, especially following the demolition of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2021. Thankfully, the current proposal aims to honor this lost heritage by preserving the original footprint of the church for a new park: Bethel AME Park.
Lead architect Jerome Elder hopes to weave public art and community spaces into the fabric of the development. There are plans for multiple locations dedicated to public art as well as a potential community garden. These additions, combined with the rejuvenation efforts for the Eastside Theater and housing in the adjacent project, are set to create a welcoming entry point to the Eastside Neighborhood, embracing its unique character.
A Thoughtful Approach to Development
The revised project is quite a step down in scale from a previous proposal which aimed for much larger plans, boasting up to 185 apartments before it was turned down. Resident Michael Higgins, who previously voiced his concerns, looked forward to the new project’s “reasonable density,” believing it will significantly benefit the neighborhood.
Of course, with growth comes concern. Out of nine speakers at the commission hearing, several expressed worries about the potential impact of large-scale development on stormwater drainage. Local resident Beth Terry emphasized the need for stormwater improvements, especially after recent heavy rains. City Manager Melder acknowledged that although Savannah has strict design standards to address flooding, further infrastructure improvements are crucial to prepare for major rain events.
A New Beginning
As we look ahead, it seems clear that this development is envisioned not just as another set of apartments, but rather as a heartfelt initiative focused on community place making. The blending of history, community engagement, and modern living spaces could create a harmonious new chapter for Savannah.
This exciting development is a great reminder of how communities can evolve and improve while respecting their rich history. With local input, thoughtful design, and an eye on the future, Savannah is poised to emerge as an even more vibrant and inviting place for all its residents. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising project!
