Big amphitheater proposed in downtown Savannah (Atlanta, Jackson: sale, hotel, live)

[Newsboy]

This is a fantastic proposal and would be a great addition to the growing league of attractions in downtown Savannah. It would also put something on what has for years been a really unattractive corner of the Historic District. If Charlie Morris wants to build it, and has the cash to do so, I say it's a win-win for the city!

Plans call for Trustees' Garden amphitheater | savannahnow.com

[Padgett2]

Sure hope they figure out where they will park all the cars.

[Newsboy]

Looks like it would be tied in somehow to the new hotel / retail project on the old Savannah Power property across the street, which has already passed muster with the MPC and would include a new 500-space parking deck.

I was just downtown this evening and the natural slope on the backside of the Trustees Garden property (toward Gen. McIntosh Boulevard and the Marriott) does indeed lend itself to something like this. Great idea!

[bellhead]

Needs to hold minimum 10k better if it could hold 18k, this would allow a promoter to bring in national acts just below the Lady Gaga level.

[912]

"Big" acts always bypass Savannah. Despite our music festival, which is for niche music tastes & not "mass appeal" music, Savannah continues to be a poor draw for live music.

Build the theater, but not with one red cent of taxpayers funds!

[Newsboy]

While it will never be Atlanta, Charlotte or even Jacksonville, for a city it's size, Savannah does get some pretty big acts. Lady Antebellum was here twice last year. Elton John will be here again in September. Charlie Daniels played to 20,000 in Forsyth Park in April. There are at least a half dozen touring shows announced or already on sale for later this year that I'd qualify as pretty "big" for Savannah. It helps tremendously that we're such a big tourist town but mainly that we're "on the way" between several major markets to the north and south, and thus a convenient stopover.

[ellie]

Charles Morris won't do doodly squat with that property. I'm surprised someone in the press hasn't called his bluff.

[912]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

While it will never be Atlanta, Charlotte or even Jacksonville, for a city it's size, Savannah does get some pretty big acts. Lady Antebellum was here twice last year. Elton John will be here again in September. Charlie Daniels played to 20,000 in Forsyth Park in April. There are at least a half dozen touring shows announced or already on sale for later this year that I'd qualify as pretty "big" for Savannah. It helps tremendously that we're such a big tourist town but mainly that we're "on the way" between several major markets to the north and south, and thus a convenient stopover.

Semantics, I suppose. Elton has been here quite a few times. Charlie Daniels? That's pushing it.

[Newsboy]

Charles Morris has already done something with that property, Ellie. Why would you say that? And SCAD is currently restoring the Kehoe Ironworks property right next door. The only fly in the ointment I may see is the historic nature of the property, and the nearby presence of a very derilect homeless shelter.