Savannah development news (Atlanta, Kingsland, Montgomery: sale, credit, asbestos)

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

6 stories appears to be the standard acceptable height for anything in the HD nowadays

The height of this building is just fine.

As far as ordinances go, it needs to be rewritten. Emphasis on height is too black and white. As long as the structure fits in with the surroundings, within reason, height shouldn't be much of an issue. Again, within reason. Savannah is far too height phobic.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

The height of this building is just fine.

As far as ordinances go, it needs to be rewritten. Emphasis on height is too black and white. As long as the structure fits in with the surroundings, within reason, height shouldn't be much of an issue. Again, within reason. Savannah is far too height phobic.

Are you saying that heights above 6-8 floors should be allowed (with conditions) within the downtown HD? I agree to a point. For example, due to historic precedent already set, I don't think the city could (or should) legally limit the heights of buildings below the 15-20 floors already established by structures on Johnson Square (2 East Bryan) or at Liberty and Bull (The Desoto). And of course it goes without saying that any new buildings on Hutchinson Island, in Savannah River Landing or in the proposed Canal District west of I-16 should have generous height options -- certainly well above what's already allowed in adjacent blocks (I believe Hutchison Island has NO height restrictions whatsoever ... which explains the Westin. Though I may be wrong.)

ALL THAT SAID ... one thing that never ceases to impress me about downtown Savannah is the DENSITY and street-level energy. Despite the lack of many tall buildings, the core of Savannah still feels very urban and crowded. Indeed, there are several blocks downtown that FEEL like a big, dense and yes even TALL urban city even without towering skyscrapers 30 stories high. Our greatest asset is our narrow street grid and skinny blocks, which make even midrise buildings seem much taller and imposing than they are.

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

Are you saying that heights above 6-8 floors should be allowed (with conditions) within the downtown HD? I agree to a point. For example, due to historic precedent already set, I don't think the city could (or should) legally limit the heights of buildings below the 15-20 floors already established by structures on Johnson Square (2 East Bryan) or at Liberty and Bull (The Desoto). And of course it goes without saying that any new buildings on Hutchinson Island, in Savannah River Landing or in the proposed Canal District west of I-16 should have generous height options -- certainly well above what's already allowed in adjacent blocks (I believe Hutchison Island has NO height restrictions whatsoever ... which explains the Westin. Though I may be wrong.)

ALL THAT SAID ... one thing that never ceases to impress me about downtown Savannah is the DENSITY and street-level energy. Despite the lack of many tall buildings, the core of Savannah still feels very urban and crowded. Indeed, there are several blocks downtown that FEEL like a big, dense and yes even TALL urban city even without towering skyscrapers 30 stories high. Our greatest asset is our narrow street grid and skinny blocks, which make even midrise buildings seem much taller and imposing than they are.

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Believe it or not, Pooler has height restrictions too. Not sure why.
Anyway, back to Savannah. There is a demand for height in town for more than a few reasons. I could elaborate further but I'm feeling lazy today.

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Believe it or not, Pooler has height restrictions too. Not sure why.
Anyway, back to Savannah. There is a demand for height in town for more than a few reasons. I could elaborate further but I'm feeling lazy today.

Stop flying halfway around the world every weekend to visit your girlfriend and you might not be so tired ..

[Airforceguy]

601 INDIAN STREET
601 Indian Street is a proposed multifamily structure with mixed use retail/restaurant uses at the street level in the Savannah Historic District. The developer, CF Real Estate, is proposing a development of approximately 161 units on a 1.07 acre tract of land situated at the southwest corner of Indian Street and Fahm Street.
601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

[ajc100890]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

601 INDIAN STREET
601 Indian Street is a proposed multifamily structure with mixed use retail/restaurant uses at the street level in the Savannah Historic District. The developer, CF Real Estate, is proposing a development of approximately 161 units on a 1.07 acre tract of land situated at the southwest corner of Indian Street and Fahm Street.

I'm glad we're getting some density downtown, particularly in this underutilized area. Now, if only the Housing Authority would do something about Yamacraw. Something like they did in Feldwood would be much better.

Also, with additional residential, downtown is drastically in need of another supermarket. It would be great if Publix could squeeze in an urban store somewhere down there.

[bellhead]

Originally Posted by ajc100890

I'm glad we're getting some density downtown, particularly in this underutilized area. Now, if only the Housing Authority would do something about Yamacraw. Something like they did in Feldwood would be much better.

Also, with additional residential, downtown is drastically in need of another supermarket. It would be great if Publix could squeeze in an urban store somewhere down there.

Yamacraw being raised and redeveloped would be one of the biggest wins for the downtown economy in the last 30 years. A lot of land available for high density residential living within walking distance to downtown. Honestly think 1500 to 2000 condo/apartments would be possible?

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by Airforceguy

601 INDIAN STREET
601 Indian Street is a proposed multifamily structure with mixed use retail/restaurant uses at the street level in the Savannah Historic District. The developer, CF Real Estate, is proposing a development of approximately 161 units on a 1.07 acre tract of land situated at the southwest corner of Indian Street and Fahm Street.
601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

601 Indian Street-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

Originally Posted by ajc100890

I'm glad we're getting some density downtown, particularly in this underutilized area. Now, if only the Housing Authority would do something about Yamacraw. Something like they did in Feldwood would be much better.

Also, with additional residential, downtown is drastically in need of another supermarket. It would be great if Publix could squeeze in an urban store somewhere down there.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this proposal! Will it be APARTMENTS or CONDOS?

It appears all those aging industrial / commercial sites between Bay Street, MLK, the bridge and the river are under some kind of redevelopment. Is SCAD going to give up their property on Bay at Fahm? Is the central post office about to go away?

Agree that something seriously needs to be done with Yamacraw. It's way past time. Also agree that downtown is ripe and ready for an urban Publix, though I think it needs to be more centrally located than this. Perhaps somewhere along the Montgomery corridor?

[Leopoldbloom]

Are any new buildings planned for Broughton Street?

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by ajc100890

Also, with additional residential, downtown is drastically in need of another supermarket. It would be great if Publix could squeeze in an urban store somewhere down there.

An urban Publix like the one Atlanta has in midtown would be great. I've also seen an urban designed Whole Foods with residential above it in downtown Minneapolis. Considering the number of tourists in the area, wouldn't that be good enough to attract a place like that?

Originally Posted by bellhead

Yamacraw being raised and redeveloped would be one of the biggest wins for the downtown economy in the last 30 years. A lot of land available for high density residential living within walking distance to downtown. Honestly think 1500 to 2000 condo/apartments would be possible?

One can dream and hope. THAT would be ideal.

You know, Fellwood isn't that far from the viaduct. The closer development comes to West Bay Street, the more ideal it could be for attractive development, regardless of the nearby industrial areas. (Still trying to figure out what they're doing with West Bay with that unsightly eyesore of a cinder block "historic" building in the way.