Preservation Alert: Participate in Deciding the Future of the City of Savannah Civic Center Site

By now you know this week there will be more public engagement for the “Future of the Civic Center.”  An Open House will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Ballroom, 2nd Floor, 301 West Oglethorpe Avenue.

The presentations will cover an economic and land use study that addresses insights into the real estate market, financial feasibility, housing opportunities, and economic potential of various redevelopment scenarios. Public input will be encouraged.

Here’s an idea to consider - reconstruct the historic Bulloch-Habersham House for an impressive event space.

In the parking lot of the Savannah Civic Center, on Barnard Street overlooking the southwest corner of Orleans Square, once stood the historic Bulloch-Habersham House. Completed in 1819, this home was the crowning masterpiece of Savannah’s famous architect William Jay. The original inhabitant was Archibald Bulloch, Jr., the son of Revolutionary War leader Archibald Bulloch, Sr., the first President of Georgia in 1776. The house later became home to merchant Robert Habersham, son of Joseph Habersham, Revolutionary War Office and the first US Postmaster General.

This elegant mansion, much admired, was a tourist destination in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, the City of Savannah demolished it in 1918. Prior to demolition, many parts of the home were salvaged, and the building was meticulously documented, allowing for an accurate reconstruction.

In European cities many great monuments were lost to war and as here, also to modernism and urban renewal. Those cities are rebuilding many of their lost architectural wonders. It’s time for Savannah to do the same.

The newly reconstructed structure could serve as a civic building for visiting dignitaries, city receptions and functions, and rental to the public for events. Alternatively, it could serve as an official Mayor’s residence.

If this concept interests you, please visit our change.org petition here: https://c.org/RkvQdy6F4P

Sponsored by the Oglethorpe Plan Coalition, Inc. Email: opc.preservation@gmail.com; Website: www.oglethorpeplancoalition.org.