News Summary
Savannah is set to honor the restoration of its iconic City Hall with a grand reopening on August 14. The event will feature an open house for City Council members followed by public tours highlighting historical artifacts. This restoration project, aimed at preserving architectural integrity and enhancing functionality, will culminate in a complete renovation by 2026, marking the building’s 120th anniversary.
Savannah is preparing to celebrate the restoration of its historic City Hall with a grand reopening event on August 14, 2025. City staff will invite both the City Council and the local community to return to the Council Chambers for its first regular meeting following extensive renovations.
The celebration, dubbed “Welcome Home to the Chamber Celebration,” begins at 10 a.m. with an open house exclusively for City Council members. From noon to 2 p.m., the public and media will have the opportunity to participate in open house tours of the upgraded spaces. Attendees will also be able to explore an Archival Display in the restored Archives History Room, showcasing several artifacts linked to the City Hall’s original construction and historical significance.
At 2 p.m., the City Council is scheduled to hold its first regular meeting of August in the refurbished Council Chamber, which will start with a presentation that welcomes the public and recognizes those who contributed to the restoration efforts.
Historical Significance and Restoration Goals
Originally designed by architect Hyman W. Witcover, Savannah City Hall was constructed between 1904 and 1906, serving as a crucial symbol of local governance and community pride. The ongoing restoration project is aimed at honoring this historical investment in “The People’s House” by prioritizing architectural integrity, public safety, and enhanced government efficiency.
The restoration initiative has unfolded in phases, with the first two funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII. These initial phases encompassed a range of restoration work across key areas such as the Council Chamber, Archives and History Room, main entrance lobby, Welcome and Security Center, the first-floor rotunda, and the building’s stairwell.
Throughout these renovations, the preservation of original materials has been a primary focus. This includes the conservation of marble, mosaics, penny tiles, woodwork, plaster, furniture, and lighting fixtures. Technological upgrades have also been integrated into the Council Chambers without compromising the room’s original aesthetics, introducing new spotlights and advanced sound equipment.
Future Phases and Community Impact
The final phases of the restoration will target remaining interior elements, including plaster repairs, marble stair repairs, refinishing historic doors and railings, and conducting necessary exterior repairs. Completion of the entire multi-phased project is anticipated in 2026, aligning with the 120th anniversary of City Hall.
For the duration of the renovations, public access through the main entrance has been temporarily closed. Visitors are currently directed to enter through a sub-basement entrance. The renovations also spotlight future developments, with the adjacent Thomas Gamble Building set for a $23.5 million renovation approved by the City Council. This project aims to align the building with current safety and accessibility standards, with a planned reopening in 2027.
This restoration represents a significant milestone as it marks the first major renovation of Savannah’s City Hall in its history. By enhancing the building’s functionality while preserving its iconic architectural features, the city will ensure that this important civic space continues to serve its community for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Welcome to City Hall
- WSAV: City Council Returns to City Hall
- WJCL: Resuming Meetings at Restored City Hall
- Savannah Now: City Hall Restoration Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah, GA
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
