By Bradley Allen
In 2006 workers began demolition to clear the way for the Ellis Square redevelopment project. It included plans for a below ground parking garage as well as a restoration of the public square previously located there along with the city market. A parking garage built on the site it in 1954 destroyed it. Often referred to as “Market Square,” and planned by General James Oglethorpe himself in 1733, Ellis Square is one of the original four squares in Savannah. The square’s historical significance has gained the redevelopment project a great deal of support by locals in favor of the historic plan.
“I think it’ll be great for visitors to the city,” said Beth Reiter, director of historic preservation for the Metropolitan Planning Commission. “ The square is in close relation to City Market and other big tourist sites, and it’s going to be ‘hardscaped’ instead of landscaped so large public events will be able to be held there without hurting the greenery like in other squares,” said Reiter. When asked about the parking situation she said, “Hopefully this new design will be a connector while the old garage was such a barrier.”
While many look forward to the new design of the square, others just want the construction to end.
“We’re very happy it’s being built. Our costumers complain all the time about parking, but it feels like the construction has been going on forever,” said Stevie Herendeen, sales associate for the Chroma Gallery.
Joel Caplan owner of the Café Gelatooh said, “Its gone on way too long and it doesn’t look like they’re anywhere near being done.” Long time resident Joe Harwell added, “Here in Savannah a project like Ellis Square will be a lot like the Truman and take longer to complete than it should.”
Today the site of the redevelopment project is visible at the street level with the removal of the large fence that surrounded the site since construction began.
“I’m glad they removed the wall,” said one local gallery owner. “I don’t think we’ll ever see the end of it though, I just hope I get to see the project finished in my lifetime.”
The projects previous completion date was spring of 2008, a new date has yet to be set. According to the City of Savannah’s Citizen Liaison’s office the parking garage is set to have its grand opening in the next few weeks. Approval for the final plan is forthcoming. While the parking situation will soon be improving the construction will continue on Ellis Square and the surrounding area. Sean Brandon, director of parking and mobility for the City of Savannah said they were still going through the checklist of things that needed to be completed before they’d open the garage to the public. The garage will have 1,085 spaces.
