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Savannah HDBR Approves Controversial Mixed-Use Development

An architectural concept of the approved Oglethorpe Residences project in Savannah's historic district.

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.