NEWS
The Savannah’s Waterfront Community Improvement District (SWCID) Board of Directors has been working diligently to lay the groundwork for future success and enhance the vibrancy, safety, and economic prosperity of our waterfront community. Today, the board is pleased to announce the adoption of their Vision and Implementation Plan for River Street in Savannah, Georgia.
The SWCID board of directors has been engaged in a year-long visioning and planning process to comprehensively study the aesthetic, landscape, hardscape, lighting, service, security, and other associated improvements to the River Street area between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and East Broad Street. The East-West areas that have been studied consist of River Street, Factors Walk, and the Riverfront Plazas, as well as the upper areas along the north side of Bay Street and the streetscape of Bay Street. As a result of this work, a Vision and Implementation Plan was developed to integrate collective goals for the improvement of these areas.
“The SWCID Board of Directors has just completed a yearlong process of careful observation and study, with an eye to successful urban waterfronts worldwide. We are pleased to be able to share our vision with our members and partners throughout the community,” said Richard Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Enterprise, who serves as Chairman of the SWCID Board of Directors.
This Vision and Implementation Plan for River Street in Savannah, Georgia, builds upon previous plans developed by the City of Savannah, including the 2009 River Street Vision and Gateway Plan, the 2017 EDSA Savannah Downtown Streetscapes Plan, and the original design of River Street commissioned by the city and developed by Eric Meyerhoff in the 1970’s. The SWCID Board has engaged the services of Sottile + Sottile, a local firm that focuses on civic design and master planning, urban analysis, and community-wide engagement with an emphasis on historical research to develop the plan. “It has been an honor to work on such a treasured part of Savannah’s historic fabric. The vision plan builds on previous work to strengthen and create a more vibrant and beautiful riverfront for all of Savannah,” said Christian Sottile, Principal of Sottile + Sottile.
“We are thrilled to see a vision being laid out for our waterfront from Savannah’s first Community Improvement District and the dedication of its members to preserve and uplift one of the most beautiful and historic waterfronts in America,” City Manager Jay Melder said. “Through this incredible private-public partnership, we will be able to target our investments into infrastructure upgrades, safety improvements, redevelopment projects, and more that will enhance this shared space for residents, visitors, and businesses for many years to come.”
