Written by Colleen Miller, Photos by Gaby Martinez, Sketch by Lucas Gonzalez
From Poetter Hall, its first building, SCAD has earned a world-renowned reputation for repurposing, restoring and sometimes outright saving Savannah’s historic buildings. Now, the university may be adding one more historic structure to the list.
According to Savannah’s city manager, Pat Monahan, laws allow for the City of Savannah to exchange properties. As of now, a decision for a property swap with SCAD awaits. The proposal, initiated by the city, states that in exchange for building Savannah’s new city police headquarters, SCAD would receive properties of equal value. The expected cost for building the headquarters in the new Canal District is between $10 and $12 million.
Proposed properties include an empty lot on the corner of Boundary and Louisville roads, the old police barracks on Habersham Street and others. Among these options, the police barracks are the most controversial.
“As with any proposal, there are a number of supporters and detractors,” Monahan said.
Citizens have voiced concern over the city surrendering a building built in the 1870s, while supporters are hoping to see the building restored.
“I do not think the city has been a good steward of that building,” said Monahan. Currently, the police barracks need mold removal, as well as roof repairs.
While the proposal has yet to be agreed upon, the rich history of the Savannah Police Barracks has intrigued Savannah citizens and students. Lucas Gonzalez, a second-year student studying architecture, applied his own vision to the building giving it a “SCAD twist” while honoring the structure’s history.
