Savannah Development and Renewal Authority announces its intention to update the Downtown Savannah Master Plan under the leadership of Executive Director Kevin Klinkenberg and Board of Directors Chairman, John Bennett.

In 2011, the City of Savannah adopted portions of a Downtown Master Plan, the first cohesive vision of the downtown’s future since General Oglethorpe laid out the squares in 1733. SDRA is leading an update to that 20-year plan called Downtown Savannah 2033, which expands the boundaries of Savannah’s downtown growth potential and accounts for the effect on its people. Input from every corner of the community is needed and requested.

Downtown Savannah 2033 will provide a framework that will help future leaders preserve the city’s character while supporting its prosperity. A road map for smart growth and development will be established through analysis and recommendations resulting from public input, research, and the expertise of urban design and planning professionals.

The entire Savannah community is invited and encouraged to get involved with the process. Through a series of public design charrettes, citizens may drop in to review what has been done in the past, share potential ideas, review maps, and ask questions. This is the community’s opportunity to offer input on what they believe should, and should not, be part of the Savannah of tomorrow. The more citizens that participate, the stronger the outcome of deliverables which will include a Downtown Savannah 2033 master plan document that will be submitted to the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the leadership of the City of Savannah.

The first community charrette will take place on the following dates and times at the former New Covenant Methodist Church located at 2201 Bull Street in Savannah, GA.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

Wednesday, March 21st, 6:00 PM

Saturday, March 24th, 2:00 PM

Tuesday, March 27th, 7:00 PM

OPEN-DOOR DROP IN HOURS

Thursday, March 22nd through Monday, March 26th 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
(*Not Open – Sunday, March 25th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

FUTURE DATES OF INTEREST

April 25 - May 1:  Downtown Plan Refinement (details TBA)

May 15:  Public presentation of Master Plan to open CNU 26 (DeSoto Hotel Ballroom)

May 16 - 19: CNU 26 (Congress for New Urbanism) – DeSoto Hotel and Johnny Mercer Theater

June 29: Final Downtown Plan document completed and available to the public