City: Savannah, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Description: Madison Square is named for James Madison, the fourth U.S. president. When entering Madison Square you will notice the Sorrel-Weed House on the northwest corner of the square. It was completed in 1841 and is an example of Greek Revival architecture. In 1997 the home was purchased and underwent an extensive $2 million renovation that restored it to its original condition. This renovation included painting the home its original bright orange color, which did not please neighbors and members of a local historic review committee. However, the homeowner won out, as you will see when walking by. On the northeastern corner is E. Shaver Bookseller, a popular locally owned bookstore. If you need a break, this could be a good place to take it. On the southeastern edge of the square is a gigantic redbrick building that once was the Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory. This structure and the large building across the street on the southwest corner of the square—the old Scottish Rite Temple—are now owned by the Savannah College of Art and Design. The armory was the first building the art school founders purchased when they came to town in the late 1970s. At the time, there was an old restaurant inside, so complete renovation was needed. It was the first in a long list of buildings purchased and restored by the school; you’ll find them throughout the Historic Downtown. Today the armory houses classrooms and Exhibit A, an art gallery that features artwork by students and professors and, at times, work by famous artists. It is open to the public free of charge. Look to the northwest corner of the square. The Gothic brick mansion is the Green-Meldrim House.