Wednesday, May 9, 2018
The joint venture that purchased the site known to most as Savannah River Landing unveiled a new name and brand for the revitalized project this week.
In what the developers say is a nod to Savannah history, the site is being rebranded as Eastern Wharf.
“We reached out to community leaders and various stake holders to understand the sentiment and emotion around the name, Savannah River Landing," says Reid Freeman, president of Regent Partners.
"We felt that it was important to give this site an identity that matches our team’s vision for the future."
“It was important to our team that we were respectful of Savannah’s history. When we started to learn about the site and the significant role it played in the early commerce of Savannah, we knew what direction we wanted to go,” added Trent Germano, a principal with Mariner Group.
ELV Associates, Mariner Group and Regent Partners closed on the deal in September 2017.
The project includes a publicly funded component, most notably a taxpayer-underwritten parking garage and greenspace.
The developers say the "history of the Savannah Eastern Wharves dates back to the early 1800’s as Savannah was on the rise as one of the major ports on the east coast. In 1836 a group of businessmen formed The Eastern Wharf Company and purchased 75 acres of land just east of downtown."
The area was home to businesses such as A.N. Miller’s Foundry, Hydraulic Cotton Press Company and the Bullock and Winton Steam Saw Mill.
“With this new name, we want to pay homage to the site’s past, and also give a nod to its future as we bring it back to prominence as a hub for not only commerce but community as well,” says Scott Jenkins, president of ELV Associates, Inc.
"The plan outlines nearly 7 acres of public open space including squares and a substantial park along the Savannah River. Current plans devote a majority of the total build-out square footage to residential uses, increasing the mix of available housing inventory adjacent to the highly sought after Landmark Historic District," says a spokesperson.
The group plans to break ground early this summer on the first phase of the project, which will include:
· More than 300 apartments
· An 1100 space parking garage including a 700 space city garage
· 40,000 SF of food, beverage, entertainment and service oriented retail uses
· Approximately 80,000 SF of Class A office space
· A 200 key life-style boutique hotel
· A linear park and a 2 acre riverfront park
Representing approximately a $225 million investment, the team estimates that Phase I will be complete in the spring of 2020.
In what the developers say is a nod to Savannah history, the site is being rebranded as Eastern Wharf.
“We reached out to community leaders and various stake holders to understand the sentiment and emotion around the name, Savannah River Landing," says Reid Freeman, president of Regent Partners.
"We felt that it was important to give this site an identity that matches our team’s vision for the future."
“It was important to our team that we were respectful of Savannah’s history. When we started to learn about the site and the significant role it played in the early commerce of Savannah, we knew what direction we wanted to go,” added Trent Germano, a principal with Mariner Group.
ELV Associates, Mariner Group and Regent Partners closed on the deal in September 2017.
The project includes a publicly funded component, most notably a taxpayer-underwritten parking garage and greenspace.
The developers say the "history of the Savannah Eastern Wharves dates back to the early 1800’s as Savannah was on the rise as one of the major ports on the east coast. In 1836 a group of businessmen formed The Eastern Wharf Company and purchased 75 acres of land just east of downtown."
The area was home to businesses such as A.N. Miller’s Foundry, Hydraulic Cotton Press Company and the Bullock and Winton Steam Saw Mill.
“With this new name, we want to pay homage to the site’s past, and also give a nod to its future as we bring it back to prominence as a hub for not only commerce but community as well,” says Scott Jenkins, president of ELV Associates, Inc.
"The plan outlines nearly 7 acres of public open space including squares and a substantial park along the Savannah River. Current plans devote a majority of the total build-out square footage to residential uses, increasing the mix of available housing inventory adjacent to the highly sought after Landmark Historic District," says a spokesperson.
The group plans to break ground early this summer on the first phase of the project, which will include:
· More than 300 apartments
· An 1100 space parking garage including a 700 space city garage
· 40,000 SF of food, beverage, entertainment and service oriented retail uses
· Approximately 80,000 SF of Class A office space
· A 200 key life-style boutique hotel
· A linear park and a 2 acre riverfront park
Representing approximately a $225 million investment, the team estimates that Phase I will be complete in the spring of 2020.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) has announced the recipients of a total of $40,000 in grants to support a wide variety of local community organizations through its Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
The recipients of this year’s grants are:
Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, $5,000
The Creative Coast, $2,000
Deep Center $1,000
Emergent Savannah, $1,000
Forsyth Farmer’s Market, $1,200
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs $5,000
Friends of Massie $500
Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. $1,200
Loop It Up Savannah, Inc. $1,000
King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, $500
Park Place Outreach, Inc. $1,500
Savannah Bicycle Campaign $1,000
Savannah Children’s Choir $2,500
Savannah Tree Foundation $2,000
Thomas Park Food Pantry, $1,000
United Ministries of Savannah: $1,000
Urban Hope, Inc. $5,000
WRUU Community Radio, $500
Each recipient goes through an application process and before the DNA Board of Directors for selection.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Historic Landmark District, protect Savannah’s unique downtown environment, and advocate public policies which support these objectives,” said Melinda Allen, president of the DNA.
“With that in mind, our grant programs are geared to protecting the Landmark District’s architectural heritage and encouraging restoration & beautification. We also support local organizations that enhance the community through aid to Savannah’s citizens, education, safety, music, and youth development."
The funds for the grants are raised each year through the DNA’s Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns. The DNA says it sold 865 tickets at last December’s event and raised more than $48,000 which will now go back to the community through the Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
The recipients of this year’s grants are:
Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, $5,000
The Creative Coast, $2,000
Deep Center $1,000
Emergent Savannah, $1,000
Forsyth Farmer’s Market, $1,200
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs $5,000
Friends of Massie $500
Heads-Up Guidance Services, Inc. $1,200
Loop It Up Savannah, Inc. $1,000
King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation, $500
Park Place Outreach, Inc. $1,500
Savannah Bicycle Campaign $1,000
Savannah Children’s Choir $2,500
Savannah Tree Foundation $2,000
Thomas Park Food Pantry, $1,000
United Ministries of Savannah: $1,000
Urban Hope, Inc. $5,000
WRUU Community Radio, $500
Each recipient goes through an application process and before the DNA Board of Directors for selection.
“Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Historic Landmark District, protect Savannah’s unique downtown environment, and advocate public policies which support these objectives,” said Melinda Allen, president of the DNA.
“With that in mind, our grant programs are geared to protecting the Landmark District’s architectural heritage and encouraging restoration & beautification. We also support local organizations that enhance the community through aid to Savannah’s citizens, education, safety, music, and youth development."
The funds for the grants are raised each year through the DNA’s Holiday Tour of Homes and Inns. The DNA says it sold 865 tickets at last December’s event and raised more than $48,000 which will now go back to the community through the Neighborhood Initiatives and Community Partner Program.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Puerto Rico Air National Guard unit who lost nine airmen in last week's crash of a C-130 on Highway 21 have released a short video from the private memorial ceremony honoring the fallen crew.
The ceremony was attended by family and Airmen from the 156th Airlift Wing at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, on May 4.
"In the video, as the names of the Airmen are called, you will hear their family members and the Airmen of the PRANG respond with 'Presente y Vive!,' which translates in English to 'Present and Lives,' as their souls, characters, memories and sacrifices will always remain Present and Living with their families, the PRANG and the island of Puerto Rico," says Sgt. Angel Oquendo, public information officer with the 156th.
"These are our fallen heroes who served our island and our nation . Thank you for telling their story," Oquendo says.
The ceremony was attended by family and Airmen from the 156th Airlift Wing at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, on May 4.
"In the video, as the names of the Airmen are called, you will hear their family members and the Airmen of the PRANG respond with 'Presente y Vive!,' which translates in English to 'Present and Lives,' as their souls, characters, memories and sacrifices will always remain Present and Living with their families, the PRANG and the island of Puerto Rico," says Sgt. Angel Oquendo, public information officer with the 156th.
"These are our fallen heroes who served our island and our nation . Thank you for telling their story," Oquendo says.
Friday, May 4, 2018
Dunbar
"Sharkim Dunbar, 21, is wanted on charges of aggravated assault by strangulation and theft by taking," police report.
"Just prior to midnight May 2, officers responded to a residence on Shawnee Drive for a reported strangulation. The female victim said Dunbar choked her unconscious and then left in her vehicle. The vehicle has since been recovered," police say.
Anyone with information on Dunbar’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Savannah Police tip line at (912)525-3124. Tips can also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Highway 21 will remain closed indefinitely after the crash of a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 yesterday in the area.
This is the detour instituted by the Georgia Dept. of Transportation:
Motorists traveling north on SR 21 will be detoured onto SR 307 North then turn west Jimmy Deloach Connector to the Sonny Dixon Interchange back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Motorists traveling south on SR 21 will be detoured onto Sonny Dixon Interchange to Jimmy Deloach Connector then travel west to SR 307 South back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Several steps will need to be taken before the road can be opened, a Chatham County spokesperson say.
· The Military needs to investigate the crash and debris field
· Clean up of aircraft and debris field will be conducted after the investigation is concluded
· Any hazardous materials will need to mitigated
· The road will need to be evaluated and repaired by GDOT
There is restricted airspace around the crash site. No helicopters, planes or drones will be allowed into this area.
This is the detour instituted by the Georgia Dept. of Transportation:
Motorists traveling north on SR 21 will be detoured onto SR 307 North then turn west Jimmy Deloach Connector to the Sonny Dixon Interchange back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Motorists traveling south on SR 21 will be detoured onto Sonny Dixon Interchange to Jimmy Deloach Connector then travel west to SR 307 South back to SR 21 where detour ends.
Several steps will need to be taken before the road can be opened, a Chatham County spokesperson say.
· The Military needs to investigate the crash and debris field
· Clean up of aircraft and debris field will be conducted after the investigation is concluded
· Any hazardous materials will need to mitigated
· The road will need to be evaluated and repaired by GDOT
There is restricted airspace around the crash site. No helicopters, planes or drones will be allowed into this area.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
At least two are dead in the crash of what reports say is a Puerto Rico Air National Guard C-130 on approach near Highway 21 in Port Wentworth.
The military transport reportedly was carrying a total of five people; no word as of this time as of the condition of the other three. (UPDATE: An Air Force spokesman confirms that all five are deceased.)
No others were injured on the ground in the crash, according to reports.
The incident happened around noon today, with the crash clearly visible to many people either driving or outside.
All roads at the site are closed. Port Wentworth Elementary and Rice Creek School have reported power outages due to the crash but no injuries.
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as of now is not altering airline schedules. The crash did not occur at the airport itself.
The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, which would have hosted the aircraft, is based at a nearby facility which served as the former Savannah airport prior to construction of the current airport.
The military transport reportedly was carrying a total of five people; no word as of this time as of the condition of the other three. (UPDATE: An Air Force spokesman confirms that all five are deceased.)
No others were injured on the ground in the crash, according to reports.
The incident happened around noon today, with the crash clearly visible to many people either driving or outside.
All roads at the site are closed. Port Wentworth Elementary and Rice Creek School have reported power outages due to the crash but no injuries.
Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport as of now is not altering airline schedules. The crash did not occur at the airport itself.
The 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, which would have hosted the aircraft, is based at a nearby facility which served as the former Savannah airport prior to construction of the current airport.
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