The new building will replace a non-historic one-story building that was constructed in 1976 and is currently vacant due to the fact it was deemed structurally unsound, according to the staff report.
Rendering of proposed commercial building planned for 520 East Oglethorpe. Rendering by Christina Hasboun-Swenson
A new restaurant is also being planned for the building at 606 Abercorn St. where the Haunt previously operated prior to shutting down over the summer. On Wednesday, the review board approved some proposed alterations to the building for the new business, including the enclosing of a porch to “elevate the dining experience,” according to the plan.
Constructed in 1905, the main building is a contributing building within Savannah’s Downtown Historic District, but the porch was constructed in 2009 and the proposed work will not impact the historic character of the main structure, according to the staff report.
The non-historic building at 143 Houston St. will be demolished to make way for the restaurant. Eric Curl/June 23, 2023
‘SAV’ sculpture proposal rejected by advisory body
The Historic Site & Monument Commission is recommending denial of a $200,000 sculpture spelling out ‘SAV’ that Visit Savannah wants to install in City Market. The commission’s vote on Thursday came after board members and residents voiced opposition to the sculpture they say is not compatible with the surrounding area and could jeopardize the district’s historic status.
Some opponents suggested the sculpture would be more appropriate in other areas of the city, such as the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport or the Eastern Wharf.
The commission is an advisory board and Savannah City Council will have the final say on whether the sculpture can be installed.
Townhomes planned for former downtown church site
Wubbena Architects submitted plans to construct townhomes at 304 West 37th St., where the First Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church was previously located before the building was destroyed by a fire in 2019.
Wubbena Architects has submitted plans to construct townhomes at 304 West 37th St. Rendering by Wubbena Architects.
The now vacant site in the Streetcar Historic District was sold to New York-based KPL Periphery, LLC for $145,000 in August 2020. The church has since moved to 1046 Mohawk St.
The townhomes plan is scheduled to be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission at the Jan. 3 meeting.
The site is now vacant after the First Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church was destroyed by a fire in 2019.Eric Curl/Dec. 13, 2020
Asian Market chain buys former Lucky’s site
Florida-based Enson Market recently purchased the shopping center that was previously anchored by a Lucky’s Market at 5501 Abercorn St. for $9.6 million. according to sales records.
The “different kind of Asian grocery store” carries items and ingredients generally well-suited for Asian cuisines and simply not found in most Western supermarkets, according to the company’s website.
The acquisition comes after Enson registered its business at the address in March.
The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Lucky’s closed in 2020 after opening the Savannah location in 2015.
Charleston-based hotel, restaurant developer acquires downtown property
A subsidiary of Charleston-based developer Bennett Hospitality recently purchased a vacant building at 520 Hull St. for $625,000, according to public records.
The company’s past projects include seven restaurants, a music hall, a golf course, and more than 20 hotels ranging in locations from Charleston to Savannah to Montana, according to the developer’s website.
The newly acquired building is next to an Embassy Suites hotel Bennett developed and is across the street from the SCAD Museum of Art.
Bennett Hospitality did not respond to requests for comment.
