March 6, 2026
We Savannahians are witnessing a sustained degradation of the very qualities that make our Downtown Historic District unique and a national treasure. Ever more inappropriate development is proposed every few weeks. We at the Oglethorpe Plan Coalition, Inc. are dedicated to addressing these threats and protecting the Downtown Savannah National Historic District.
In This Issue:
Three Major City Initiatives – Public Input Needed
Protect Savannah’s Squares and Public Spaces From Inappropriate Uses
Three Major City Initiatives – Public Input Needed
MLK Theater Renovation: On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the City of Savannah held an open house to reveal its plans for renovating the former Johnny Mercer Theatre. The plans include upgrades of the theater, additional public spaces, and new facades on Oglethorpe Avenue and Perry Street.
Here is the presentation from the City on the theatre: AMS-FINAL-PRESENTATION-for-MLK-Civic-Center-Renovation-Plan-02252026
In our June 7, 2024 newsletter, link, the OPC recommended building a new theater at a nearby City-owned location, given that the costs of a new theater and renovating the existing one were comparable. An alternate site would have allowed for the full restoration of the Oglethorpe Plan in time for Savannah’s 300th birthday in 2033. The City, however, claimed that no such locations were available, and the City Council voted to renovate rather than rebuild. As noted below, the very lot that the OPC recommended for a new theatre, but which the City said was not available, is now available as part of the proposed renovation of the Railroad District. The OPC views the 2024 decision as a regrettable lost opportunity for the historic district. Our petition to fully restore the Oglethorpe plan garnered over 650 signatures. You can sign here: https://c.org/rMRGM5hCkD
Partial Restoration of the Oglethorpe Plan at the Civic Center Site: On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the City held an open house to offer an update of planned uses for the restored trust lots and tithing lots at the Civic Center site. Given the fear that the City would simply sell off the properties without restrictions, the City’s’ plan to carefully determine uses and establish restrictions is a welcome development. Unfortunately, the City is backing away from its earlier suggestion of possibly rebuilding the Bulloch-Habersham House, as reported in our November 14, 2025 newsletter. Link. If you’d like to voice support for rebuilding this lost historic masterpiece, please sign the change.org petition here: https://c.org/RkvQdy6F4P
Bulloch-Habersham House by William Jay
Another concern is that the City has suggested the possibility that some of the buildings on the southwest portion of the new area will rise to five and six stories.
Here is the presentation from the City: Civic-Center--Railroad-District-Feb-Community-Meeting-02182026
Input Sought on the Railroad District: On February 17, 2026, the City held an open house to seek public input of potential development of City-owned property in the Railroad District west of MLK. The above link also covers this district. Ironically, as noted above, the very lot that the OPC recommended for a new theater, but which the City said was not available, is now represented as fully available for development.
Please take this survey to share your feedback. Railroad District Revitalization - Community Survey
Protect Savannah’s Squares from Improper Uses
The tourism lobby is promoting an amendment to the City’s ordinance intended to “enhance the vibrancy, vitality and ambience” of our historic squares and parks. It proposes to issue 400 annual licenses to street performers who will be given a 13- to 14-hour time period 7 days a week in which to perform. These are “individuals who perform balloon twisting, card tricks, clowning, comedy, contortions, dance, singing, juggling, magic, mime, living statue performances, musical performances, puppeteering, street art, or other similar activity.” In addition to Forsyth Park and Rousakis Plaza, the goal is to allow up to 20 street performers in each of Franklin, Ellis, Johnson, and Reynolds Squares.
A complete copy of the proposed ordinance can be found here. If this amendment to the Ordinance is passed, we can expect these squares to be taken over by buskers of all types with a resulting decline in the quality of life for the surrounding areas.
The OPC believes that our historic squares should be places of quiet relaxation and contemplation rather than boisterous circus-like venues. The only exception could possibly be Ellis Square, which historically served for a long period as the site of the original City Market.
We are not yet aware of a date on which this will be presented to City Council. We will update you when we find out.
Monthly Oglethorpe Plan Coalition (OPC) Volunteers Meeting
The OPC is a volunteer group, and we want you! Please contact us at opc.preservation@gmail.com if you would like to get involved. Our next meeting is planned for April 12, 2026. Please send us an email with your contact information if you are interested in attending in person or by Zoom. Capacity is limited.