August 14, 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:
Queensborough Bank Proposal Subject to Further Changes
Historic Protection of Federally Owned Property in Danger
Potentially Massive New Building Coming to Johnson Square
Tourism Industry Ruins Yet Another Historic Vista
Queensborough Bank Proposal Approved Subject to Further Changes
Thank you very much to all of you who sent letters requesting improvements to the design of 402 E. Broughton Street in Savannah, the site of the proposed new building for Queensborough Bank. Letters requesting improvements to the design numbered around 40; letters supporting the design without changes were around 15. Here’s the Habersham Street façade as submitted.
Habersham Street Elevation
The applicant tried to justify constructing this inappropriate building in part because the eastern end of Broughton Street was “blighted,” ironically showing the images of their own existing building. The site is a half block from the Davenport House and across the street from the restored 1822 Gwathney House and the 1791 Berrien House (below).
The Federal government owns many properties in Savannah; these include the Federal court houses, including the old Post Office on Wright Square as well as several buildings bordering Telfair Square, and the important 1850s Custom House on Bay and Bull Streets, designed by John Norris.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has raised the following alarm about the protection of these historic Resources:
“The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)’s proposed rule change for Section 106 regulations would eliminate public participation in federal preservation decisions. . . . Under the proposed changes, state and local governments would lose the right to even be notified when a federal action threatens to damage or destroy a historic place in their own jurisdiction. . . . Let your governor know that these changes would directly impact your state.”
Here’s a link to more information: https://support.savingplaces.org/page/101008/action/1?ea.tracking.id=Email&ea.url.id=5875482&forwarded=true
Potentially Massive New Building Coming to Johnson Square
On August 12, 2026, Savannah’s Historic District Board of Review approved the demolition of the building on the northwest corner of Bull and Bryan Streets to make way for an expected new high-rise. The building is on the site of the former Pulaski Hotel, and it once was the location of Morrison’s cafeteria, a popular destination for locals. The current height map allows for 14 stories plus a bonus floor. As a result, the historic Savannah skyline will likely change dramatically.
While it is unlikely that the current owner would demolish the building before the new building is approved, one concern is that if for some reason the property is transferred to a new owner in the future, it could demolish the existing building before approval of the replacement building, giving rise to the risk of having an empty lot. The site of the proposal is the two-story building to the left in the image below.
The OPC will monitor this proposal and keep you informed.
Tourism Industry Ruins Yet Another Historic Vista
For generations, the Old Cotton Exchange on Bay Street has been one of Savannah’s most famous landmarks, carefully centered at the foot of Drayton Street. Now, the Drayton Street vista will be altered forever as a modern hotel rises across the river. For more information on the new hotel, click here.
Before
After
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 September 13, 2026, 3PM. Please send us an email with your contact information if you are interested in attending in person or by Zoom. Capacity is limited.