What do you think about the plans for Broughton St.? (Atlanta: 2014, leases)

[gentlearts]

I'm not feeling it.
Who is this Ben Carter guy, who is swooping in with buckets of money and waving his magic wand all over Savannah?
First, we were having a new, upscale Outlet Mall, and now we're having another Tanger. Now he's going to transform Broughton St. according to his vision.
It seems to me the buildings on Broughton should be preserved by individuals, gradually, not turned into Disneyland by one person.

[ellie]

Originally Posted by gentlearts

I'm not feeling it.
Who is this Ben Carter guy, who is swooping in with buckets of money and waving his magic wand all over Savannah?
First, we were having a new, upscale Outlet Mall, and now we're having another Tanger. Now he's going to transform Broughton St. according to his vision.
It seems to me the buildings on Broughton should be preserved by individuals, gradually, not turned into Disneyland by one person.

I totally agree. I don't like the sound of this at all.

My guess is that he's managed to convince "he who must not be named" to sell his property. That's the only person I know of who owned/s that many units on Broughton. But that's just a guess.

Fortunately we have a strict as heck historic preservation ordinance. And we may be lucky and this Carter guy may go the route of Sponge Bob and really do something cool.

If not, we may get some generic chunk of mass appeal a la Branson Missouri waterfront.

[WanderingImport]

Originally Posted by ellie

I totally agree. I don't like the sound of this at all.

My guess is that he's managed to convince "he who must not be named" to sell his property. That's the only person I know of who owned/s that many units on Broughton. But that's just a guess.

Fortunately we have a strict as heck historic preservation ordinance. And we may be lucky and this Carter guy may go the route of Sponge Bob and really do something cool.

If not, we may get some generic chunk of mass appeal a la Branson Missouri waterfront.

I don't think the overhaul is as extravagant as the media is making it out to sound.
I'm sure what he'll do is find suitable tenants to fill the vacancies. Perhaps a bit of renovation to those properties in need, but nothing so altering that it would shake locals nerves.

I guess time will tell what really ends up happening.

Some of these properties have been LONG vacant and are in dire need of work anyway. (Thinking of the building on the SW corner of Broughton & Drayton specifically)

[bellhead]

The big thing is just get the vacancies down, that in itself will drive further development, which will add more people.

[ellie]

MAP: Broughton Street redevelopment properties in play | Savannahnow.com Mobile

Here's a nice graphic. I guess we can look up the owners from here. Interesting that he didn't lease or buy the old Levy Jewelers building, but he did get the one big one across the street.

[J2rescue]

Originally Posted by WanderingImport

I don't think the overhaul is as extravagant as the media is making it out to sound.
I'm sure what he'll do is find suitable tenants to fill the vacancies. Perhaps a bit of renovation to those properties in need, but nothing so altering that it would shake locals nerves.

I guess time will tell what really ends up happening.

Some of these properties have been LONG vacant and are in dire need of work anyway. (Thinking of the building on the SW corner of Broughton & Drayton specifically)

Exactly. Its a plan that will significantly raise the retail profile of the area. How is it going to be Disney'ed in any way being that it is in the historic district? Given the current state of Broughton, which has seen gradual improvement over the years, this sounds like a HUGE win for downtown Savannah and the entire city.

[gentlearts]

I don't mean I'm not cautiously hopeful. Just skeptical.

[Drewplanner]

Ben Carter is the failed half-developer of "Streets of Buckhead" which sat vacant for years until Oliver-McMillan purchased the property and resumed development of the renamed "Buckhead Atlanta". Maybe he is trying to do a similar scaled back project for downtown Savannah. I believe he is also developing a Tanger shopping plaza in Pooler near the interchange.

[ajc100890]

So far stores like J. Crew, Palm Avenue, and The Walking Company have signed leases. The list of hopefuls includes H&M, L’Occitane, Sunglass Hut, Vinyard Vines, Louis Vuitton, Coach, Lululemon and Sephora. Generally, in retail you don't release names until letters of intent have been signed, so while not obligated, these retailers are interested.

The fact that Carter plans on improving the streetscape is valuable. Even just improving crosswalks and adding planters will do a lot to make Broughton look even better. I would hope they'll fix boarded up windows, strip the vinyl siding off, and fill in the voids.

As for the parking concern, being born and raised here, this argument bugs me. If you're capable of walking, parking is not a real concern. There are plenty of spaces, albeit some off the beaten path. Point is, it's there. I've never had a problem, even at Christmas.

As far as the Streets of Buckhead, that was affected by the recession. Everyone scaled back and numerous projects across the county, including our own Savannah River Landing were halted. At least Carter is digging out and has survived.

I'm a little perplexed about the reaction to this project. Savannahians are used to being let down and we're used to to being overlooked. If anything, we're at least getting the J. Crew, which is exciting and a long time coming.

[Drewplanner]

It was affected by the recession, but it was also affected by not securing the appropriate level of financial backing before raising the construction cranes pre-recession. I am sure valuable lessons have been learned, but entering an entirely new market is great for a reputation-boost when nobody knows your resume. I really hope they dont put parking decks all over downtown Savannah... the walking aspect is what makes business along Broughton successful... you walk by stores that you wouldnt pay attention to on your way to the store you like, and you end up spending money there.

I always thought an Armani Exchange would debut well in Savannah if placed on Broughton. But Sunglass Hut.. really?? H&M would play well off Urban Outfitters.