News Summary

Savannah is moving ahead with a transformative plan for its waterfront, led by the Savannah Waterfront Community Improvement District. This initiative includes enhancing lighting, community spaces, and restoring historical sites. Supported by a $60 million hotel-motel tax allocation, the vision aims to attract visitors and promote local sustainability. With nearly 48 potential projects in collaboration with Sottile & Sottile, community input is driving the redevelopment efforts to create a vibrant and accessible waterfront space.

Savannah’s Waterfront Redevelopment Gains Momentum with New Vision Plan and Community Support

Savannah officials are taking significant steps to revitalize the city’s waterfront following the adoption of a comprehensive vision and implementation plan by the Savannah Waterfront Community Improvement District (SWCID).

Key Developments

• A cracked compass monument commemorating Gen. James Oglethorpe’s arrival has been deteriorating for over two years.
• The SWCID plans to enhance lighting, connectivity, and community spaces along the waterfront.
• Executive Director Julie Ford Musselman seeks to create a vibrant destination.
• The project is prioritized for hotel-motel tax funding with a $60 million allocation in the 2025 budget.

Strategic Planning and Community Input

The improvement initiative involves nearly 48 potential projects developed over 13 months in collaboration with local design firm Sottile & Sottile. This plan aims to build upon previous efforts, including:

• The 2009 River Street Vision and the 2017 EDSA Savannah Downtown Streetscapes Plan.
• Various components such as a grand staircase have already been implemented.

Proposed Enhancements

Proposed improvements seek to beautify the area while also increasing accessibility:

• Uplighting buildings and creating community spaces from parking lots.
• Restoring Barnard Street and connecting Emmett Park to Morrell Park.

Public-Private Partnerships

The redevelopment will involve robust collaborations between SWCID and other partners, including assistance for Chatham Area Transit to secure funding for a new ferry dock. City Manager Jay Melder and other council members support this vision as a blueprint for enhancing the historic waterfront.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

Savannah will celebrate its 25th annual Earth Day Festival on April 25, 2025, promoting local sustainability through educational activities and eco-conscious vendors.

Additionally, the recently opened Plant Riverside District, a $375 million redevelopment, has introduced a 4.5-acre entertainment area, boosting local jobs (600 to 800 expected) and increasing tax revenue.

Phase II of this project will enhance dining and cultural experiences, further contributing to Savannah’s bustling riverfront.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort Station Shopping Center Nears Completion
Beaufort Prepares for Cane Island Development
Beaufort International Film Festival Brightens the Community
Major Renovations Underway at South Beach Marina Village
Bluffton and Jasper County Water Main Upgrades Announced
Bluffton Unveils New Welcome Center to Honor Community Heritage

Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Earth Day Festival
• Condé Nast Traveler: Plant Riverside District
• PR Newswire: Kessler Collection Redevelopment
• WSAV: River Street Business Owners
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, Georgia