Notes of Interest
Savannah’s Civic Master Plan for the East Riverfront has two goals, one vision: Public Framework and Private Freedom
The City of Savannah, Georgia identified a series of large vacant parcels along the boundary of its historic City Center for eastward downtown expansion. The first goal was to successfully grow the historic city plan of Savannah after over 150 years. The second goal was a physical and regulatory framework that would allow the expansion district to evolve into a thriving and authentic urban extension.
The Civic Master Plan for the East Riverfront Expansion was implemented by the City in 2006. It defines 54 acres located to the immediate east of Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District along the Savannah River. New city blocks, parks, public spaces and a 2000 foot river walk extension are currently under construction. The initial private sector build out is expected in 10 years at an estimated cost of 800 million dollars.
However, the significance of the Civic Master Plan is not the magnitude of the current development effort, but in the longevity of the public realm that is created. The design process evolved over a five-year timeframe including multiple public charrettes between the City, citizens, property owners and development interests. The outcome of the process was a unified agenda of sustainable urban growth and the creation of a Civic Master Plan as the fundamental mechanism for urban expansion.
Architect
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Sottile & Sottile
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Owner
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City of Savannah
Ambling Companies
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Location
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Savannah
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ADDITIONAL CREDITS
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Associate Firm
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Niles Bolton Associates
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Engineer
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Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co.
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Landscape Architect
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Michael Van Valkenburgh
Sasaki
Reed Hilderbrand
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Photo Credit
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© Sottile & Sottile
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JURY COMMENTS
A large tract of formerly industrial
property adjacent to the eastern
edge of historic Savannah, Ga.,
presents an opportunity to expand
the city so it can grow and thrive
naturally as an urban entity. This
very sensitive addition to one of
America’s historic treasures is
simply the right thing to do and is
carried out with a real
understanding, pride, and careful
analysis. In the beautifully
executed, convincing presentation,
Savannah remains an excellent
example of a supportive,
humanistic environment. The
cooperation evidenced by the
development community’s support
and the collaborative effort among
private property owners lends
substantial credence that this plan
can reverse the damage of the
latter part of the 20th Century.
2010 INSTITUTE HONOR AWARDS FOR REGIONAL AND URBAN DESIGN JURY
John F. Torti, FAIA (Chair)
Torti Gallas & Partners, Inc.
Silver Spring, Maryland
Lance Jay Brown, FAIA
Lance Jay Brown Architecture & Urban Design
New York City
Brenda Scheer, AIA
University of Utah
College of Architecture + Planning
Salt Lake City
Edward K. Uhlir, FAIA
Uhlir Consulting, LLC
Chicago
Debby Wieneke
Habitat for Humanity of Benton County, Inc.
Bentonville, Arkansas
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