Board OKs 5-story hotel near Forsyth Park (Savannah, Register: HOA, hotels)

[Airforceguy]

After previously rejecting the six-story version of this hotel last month, the board has approved the 5-story version. I like the proposal and will certainly fill in the gap in that area.

West Elm Hotel-Savannah by brandon walker, on Flickr

The Savannah Historic District review board on Wednesday approved construction of a new hotel at 607 Drayton St. across from Forsyth Park and the Savannah Law School.

The board voted unanimously to approve the newly proposed five-story West Elm Hotel after previously denying the project last month due to a zoning and height conflict.

The confusion last month was whether or not to allow a bonus story since the now vacant lot is within a RIP-D zoning district, which allows mixed uses. The project qualified for the bonus story under the standards for commercial and other uses, but it did not qualify under residential standards, which is where the confusion stemmed from.

The public and board members requested further and official clarification from the zoning administrator in regard to the zoning at last month’s meeting, which came this month in the form of a letter from zoning administrator Shane Corbin.

The letter submitted by Corbin stated that he conducted multiple site visits and reviewed the current zoning of surrounding parcels before arriving at his decision.

Board OKs 5-story hotel near Forsyth Park | BiS | Business in Savannah News

[SavannahLife]

yay another hotel! If we can just get the casino we can be like the Strip in Vegas only with older buildings and more humidity. I hope we can start to get more residential buildings and permanent residents downtown not just hotels. Also this doesn't look like it fits in at all, I thought they had building standards?

[bellhead]

Originally Posted by SavannahLife

yay another hotel! If we can just get the casino we can be like the Strip in Vegas only with older buildings and more humidity. I hope we can start to get more residential buildings and permanent residents downtown not just hotels. Also this doesn't look like it fits in at all, I thought they had building standards?

Would love to see a lot more high density buildings. Might actually lower my property taxes. I think a couple of high density modern buildings like this close to the historic district with amenities would go quick. As long as a 1 bedroom isn't above 250k and the HOA isn't above $400.

[SavannahLife]

Originally Posted by bellhead

Would love to see a lot more high density buildings. Might actually lower my property taxes. I think a couple of high density modern buildings like this close to the historic district with amenities would go quick. As long as a 1 bedroom isn't above 250k and the HOA isn't above $400.

Oh that would be fine, to build a new high density urban core perhaps west or south of the historic district. Close to, not within, that is the key. Is that what you mean? Their design on Forsyth will look incongruous with the area, hopefully the Board guides them to a better looking design. I also enjoy how our city is a dense mixed use midrise. If we do higher towers I hope we pick a spot not already developed perhaps west of the city to build them. Would make more sense anyway sense it would be closer to the interstates. By the way why would higher density lead to lower property tax? The bigger the city.. the higher the general cost of living. Are there exceptions somewhere? I am just thinking generally. Small cities are affordable, but high rise density comes and costs of living go up, from taxes to services to housing or rent. I often see this when people desire growth..they state it will 'lower taxes', and developers and realtors like to repeat this. I am not sure about that but it would seem to be the opposite.

[ajc100890]

Originally Posted by SavannahLife

I thought they had building standards?

The Historic Board of Review follows the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Preservation. This guides the types of materials that can be used and how architectural features are to be incorporated. However, it does not prescribe a formula for designing a building, because then everything would be cookie-cutter.

Quite rapidly mid-century designs are becoming "historic" and they're as much a part of the landscape of Savannah as the cottage built in 1796 next door. We have to stop thinking "historic" is just the first 167 years of our city's history. So many other important buildings were built and important events happened in Savannah after 1900.

In fact, immediately behind the parcel of land where this is being developed is the old Candler Hospital, which is a mid-century building. I think this new hotel also complements Drayton Tower, yet another example of mid-century architecture in the historic district.

[SavannahLife]

hm that is an interesting point ajc.. I guess it's like how the 90s hits are "classics" now, hehe. I am feel like I am getting old and I am a millennial. And perhaps this sketch isn't final.. it seems kind of rough, like literally a sketch. It definitely is no Mansion on Forsyth. But if it's within the guidelines well.. ok. Design is rather subjective anyhow I suppose... I wasn't in to architecture things until I moved here. The historic downtown is just so unique. I love how it's thriving for sure. But the hotel people should remember why everyone visits. They could take a lesson from Kessler. . his hotels set the bar design!

[Newsboy]

Originally Posted by SavannahLife

Oh that would be fine, to build a new high density urban core perhaps west or south of the historic district. Close to, not within, that is the key. Is that what you mean? Their design on Forsyth will look incongruous with the area, hopefully the Board guides them to a better looking design. I also enjoy how our city is a dense mixed use midrise. If we do higher towers I hope we pick a spot not already developed perhaps west of the city to build them. Would make more sense anyway sense it would be closer to the interstates. By the way why would higher density lead to lower property tax? The bigger the city.. the higher the general cost of living. Are there exceptions somewhere? I am just thinking generally. Small cities are affordable, but high rise density comes and costs of living go up, from taxes to services to housing or rent. I often see this when people desire growth..they state it will 'lower taxes', and developers and realtors like to repeat this. I am not sure about that but it would seem to be the opposite.

Yes, apparently *some* people are unaware that Drayton Tower -- "the trailer park in the sky" -- is on the National Register of Historic Places. This new hotel appears to compliment Drayton Tower quite nicely.

[Mutiny77]

I'd like to see a detailed rendering.

[SavannahLife]

Originally Posted by Newsboy

Yes, apparently *some* people are unaware that Drayton Tower -- "the trailer park in the sky" -- is on the National Register of Historic Places. This new hotel appears to compliment Drayton Tower quite nicely.

Mid-century is now a thing, yes indeed. I have seen the facebook group, it's neat. And you are right it does match the design nicely. But is this new hotel next to Drayton Tower? Or to Forsyth Park? Those two are not very close or visible to one another. I would also like to see a more detailed illustration. I am wondering if the height in combo with width will give it an imposing look. But perhaps if they do it right it will come out nice. These details really contribute to the feel of an area. The question is, what kind of architecture do we want in our community, and for specific areas, like Forsyth Park?Things can go well (i.e Ellis Square, Kay Building, Kessler hotels like the Mansion) or, not so well (Army Corps of Engineers Building!)... Gor example, the way they did the H&M it actually came out VERY nice! Because the top level is set back a little bit, it doesn't look nearly as tall. And has nice detailing to blend in. Maybe they can adopt this concept here too?