Represented by attorney Harold Yellin of Hunter Maclean, Charles Morris’ Trustees Garden project is moving steadily forward, with new details being revealed in revised plans along the way. The discussion at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Chatham County – Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission was a continuation of one held during the previous meeting on August 26.

The petitioner, Charles Morris and his company, requesting approval of a proposed master plan at 644 E. Broughton St., known as Trustees Garden, a historic plot of land encompassed by E. Bay, E. President, General Macintosh Blvd., Randolph, E. Broughton and E. Broad Streets in the Downtown Historic District. The property consists of five parcels of land and includes the facilities of the old Kehoe Iron Works on E. Broughton and Randolph Streets. Morris purchased the property in 2008 and converted a large, older building on E. Broad St. into the Charles H. Morris Center, an impressive event space available to the public for event rental.

The nearly 10-acre property was rezoned by the Mayor and City Council last month to the RBC classification which allows for significantly expanded use allowances than the previous zoning. The petitioner requested a 201 off-street parking space variance from the current requirement of 396. The request also asks for the off-street parking to be permitted on a grass field, rather than paving the field. The ordinance calls for a “dust-free” parking environment and grass does not technically qualify, but Yellin cited several examples around the city where grass parking lots have proven to be good choices.

Yellin presented what amounts to a slightly revised master plan, explaining that even this plan was an interim one and the final determination for the entire property was still in process.

The plan calls for renovation and repurposing of several former Kehoe Iron Works buildings that date back more than 100 years. The venue will encompass a Theater for Health, an amphitheatre, retail market space, and a culinary arts education facility and garden that will support preventive health education and activities in a partnership between Charles Morris and his Connect Savannah newspaper and the Canyon Ranch Institute’s Life Enhancement Program. All of these amenities are planned to be housed by existing structures when rehabilitated. No new structures have been proposed yet, according to MPC staff. 

The request is supported by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, among other neighboring business and residential entities, and MPC Staff has recommended approval. The petition was approved by the commission.

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Discussion of an amended master plan / general development plan involving multiple lots for a grocery store and gas station at the corner of Abercorn and Wilshire on Savannah’s south side was removed from the agenda and rescheduled for the October 7 meeting.

A lengthy discussion about rezoning for a very large historic home at 920 E. Victory Drive was continued to the next meeting.

Upcoming MPC meetings are a Planning Meeting in September 30 and the next regular meeting of MPC on Oct 7. See www.thempc.org for locations and meeting times.