Starland’s writing on the wall
Written by Ally Miller-Henson. Photo courtesy of Ally Miller-Henson.
The Starland District of Savannah has recently caught the attention of art students and tourists alike as a calm spot for the eccentric mind. With new locations popping up within the district like coffee shops, bars and eclectic stores, it’s a lovely place to spend time! Being an art student in Savannah, it’s intriguing to hear of stores such as Starland Strange and Bazaar where you can buy funky earrings and eat ice cream at the same time. I recently explored the district, and I was entranced by the artwork and fun stores. However, I couldn’t help but notice a glaring issue that was quite literally the “writing on the wall.”
Written in harsh blacks and whites over a mural by Jose Ray were the phrases “Did you get help? Or did [you] drive up rent?” and “Explore cultures that aren’t yours.” Seeing this vandalism prompted a question: does the rise of the Starland District do more harm than good? After some research into the district’s history, I noticed I’m not the first to ask this question. Eli Jackson, a Savannah resident and journalist, recounts the district’s change in her article “Savannah resident essay: Revitalization, not gentrification is the transformation our city needs”: “I watched as yoga studios, and craft breweries move in with no interest in the people who were forced out due to the “value” these businesses added to the neighborhood.” The beginning of this change comes from two SCAD alumni attempting to turn what was once Thomas Square Neighborhood into an artistic hotspot— the Starland District.
As new locations open up under their creative influence, the property value of the district has been increasing. This brings us back to our vandal. Their first comment expresses how the new businesses flocking to this area aren’t saving a neglected area, but instead driving out the residents. When analyzing a territorial dilemma like this, one can not ignore the impact this will have on marginalized groups within the certain area. As the Historical District’s prices increased under SCAD’s influence, many groups (those driven to poverty due to systemic obstacles) were led to Thomas Square Neighborhood. We’re seeing these groups being driven out yet again as the Starland District captivates the art students. The other phrase, “Explore cultures that aren’t yours,” is a statement on those who continue to infest this region for an oat milk coffee from Superbloom or some pizza from Starland Yard.
Despite my critique of how the neighborhood evolved, I can’t deny the allure of Starland’s unique charm. I enjoyed my day spent exploring the district, and yes, I admittedly did indulge in a drink from Superbloom. Enjoying a quaint neighborhood and fighting for those displaced by it can coexist. This can be made possible by offering reparations for the groups who may be displaced and paying the much-deserved attention to their wellbeing. For further reading on this topic, I implore you to read Eli Jackson’s “Savannah resident essay: Revitalization, not gentrification is the transformation our city needs.”
