Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill 1950's Neighborhood in Savannah to Take Steps to National Register for Historic Places
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
Friday, August 14th, 2015
The Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill neighborhood in Savannah, GA got good news this week.
After filing the preliminary eligibility paperwork to be listed as a historic place in the Georgia Register of Historic Places and subsequently in the National Register, Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill was informed by the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of National Resources, that the neighborhood indeed would qualify for the status.
The news came after the Ellen I. Harris, LEED A.P., Director of Urban Planning and Historic Preservation at the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, had confirmed prior that Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill fulfills the base qualification of having the majority of residences and structures in the neighborhood build more than 50 years ago, and is an excellent example of midcentury American and uniquely intact neighborhood.
“We are so excited to see the Magnolia Park/Blueberry Hill neighborhood recognized for its unique role in the development of Savannah. Listing on the National Register will not only bring national recognition but will also allow residents to take advantage of significant state rehabilitation tax incentives for investments in their homes.”
Daniel Carey, president & CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation has been a longtime supporter of adding historic neighborhoods outside the Landmark District.
He remarks: “In the past 5 years Savannah has seen new neighborhoods nominated and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Many of Savannah’s first residential subdivisions, laid out in the post-World-War II era, are starting to be recognized for their break from the traditional grid format of community planning. Curvilinear streets, cul-de-sacs, and distinctive mid-century modern architecture were introduced and popularized. In addition, a new social convention was developed—neighborhood associations—which served as de facto party planners and planning commissions. It is good to see areas like Magnolia Park / Blueberry Hill taking their rightful place in the history and evolution of Savannah’s development.”
Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill is the latest neighborhood after Fairway Oaks/ Greenview and Kensington Park/ Groveland, which is taking the step to be on the National Register of Historic Places.
Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill was build starting in the early 1950’s as a park like suburb of Savannah, attracting an upper and middle class mix of residents, who wanted to live the “new” American way of life, same as the neighboring areas of Kensington Park, Fairway Oaks, Oakdale and Greenview. These neighborhoods along Derenne Avenue were also the first upscale subdivisions in Savannah to adopt the new FHA’s subdivision model.
Large lots, magnificent trees, paved roads, a state of the art sewer system, efficient storm drainage, bus service to downtown, close proximity to schools and shopping, set in a parklike setting, were the highlights to attract buyers for lots in Magnolia Park in the 1950’s. Still today stone walls or wrought iron signs showcase the entry and borders of the neighborhood, with the prominent “MAGNOLIA PARK ARBOR” bus stop, standing in its 1950’s glory.
Spokesperson and board-member of the MPNA Cornelia Stumpf remarked upon receiving the good news: “Magnolia Park/ Blueberry Hill are one of those hidden jewels in Savannah, which represent an intact neighborhood with a lot of the midcentury charm. We are glad to showcase our neighborhood not only to the residents and newcomers, but as well to a broader audience in the USA and beyond, who appreciate the significance of the 1950’s and early 1960’s in the American housing and social economic development”