News Summary
The Savannah Historic District Board of Review has narrowly approved a six-story mixed-use development, Oglethorpe Residences, amidst public opposition. Despite concerns over visual compatibility and height, revisions were made to align better with neighboring structures. The project will introduce commercial spaces and residential units but still faces scrutiny as community opinions remain divided on its impact.
Savannah – The Savannah Historic District Board of Review (HDBR) has approved a six-story mixed-use development at the intersection of Oglethorpe Avenue and Drayton Street, despite significant public opposition. The board’s narrow decision, made with a vote of 4-3, came after architects made modifications to the original proposal to address concerns regarding visual compatibility with neighboring buildings.
The revisions made to the project included a reduction of 5 feet in the overall height and the incorporation of a setback on the western facade to better align with the neighboring Ballastone Inn. Project architect Andrew Lynch indicated that these changes were intended to enhance compliance with the city’s design guidelines.
The meeting attracted considerable public attention, with over 90 online comments submitted, predominantly expressing opposition to the project. Additionally, around 10 individuals attended the meeting to voice their concerns. Among the audible dissenters were representatives from the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum and architects linked to the Ballastone Inn.
Critics specifically voiced their apprehensions regarding the size of the proposed building and its harmony with existing structures on East Oglethorpe Avenue, which typically feature five or fewer stories. The city’s downtown design ordinance stipulates that visual compatibility must be evaluated based on pre-existing structures visible from the site of the proposed development.
Supporters of the project countered the opposition by citing precedents set by other similarly sized buildings in the area, notably the Savannah-Chatham County Public School’s Board of Education building and the Savannah College of Art and Design’s Bradley Hall.
The newly approved development, termed the Oglethorpe Residences, is set to include commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above. It is note-worthy that the location currently falls within a zone that typically accommodates up to five-story constructions, though bonus allowances exist for commercial use on the lower floors.
The HDBR’s approval is just the first of two critical steps required before the project can advance to construction. A subsequent meeting will evaluate additional design details, such as the choice of building materials.
The dynamics of the HDBR have shifted recently, with new members appointed since the initial hearing of the project. Notably, member Mariel Hamer recused herself from the vote due to a conflict of interest, as she is employed as a designer at Lynch Associates Architects. Another member, Robert Helms, who had previously expressed opposition to the proposal as a citizen, reassured the board of his ability to remain unbiased despite his vote against the project. Helms reiterated concerns regarding the visual compatibility of the proposed building with the surrounding area.
Historic Preservation Director Jonathan Mellon commented on the importance of architectural diversity as a defining feature of Savannah’s downtown area, emphasizing the need to maintain this characteristic amidst new developments. The height of the proposed building has been a central issue for critics, particularly because of its proximity to historic structures and the potential repercussions for the area’s renowned historic charm.
As the Oglethorpe Residences moves closer to realization, the community remains divided over the project’s implications for the rich architectural tapestry that defines Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- WSAV: New Construction Project in Historic District
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Savannah Now: New Building Proposed in Savannah’s Downtown
- Google Search: Savannah Historic District
- Connect Savannah: Savannah Historic District Open House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah
- WJCL: Savannah Historic District Board of Review Denies Proposal
- Google News: Savannah Architecture
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- Savannah Business Journal: Historic Savannah Foundation Announces Awards
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.
