Savannah Town Hall Discusses Future of Southside Mall Projects

Residents of Savannah’s Southside will have the opportunity to engage with city leaders regarding significant redevelopment projects at a town hall meeting hosted by Alderman Kurtis Purtee on the evening of March 15, 2024. The gathering aims to provide updates on various initiatives, including plans for a new community center and the potential transformation of the Savannah Mall site.

The Savannah Mall, once a cherished retail destination, faces an uncertain future. City officials have indicated that the mall could undergo a substantial redevelopment over the next five to ten years, potentially evolving into a walkable town center that encompasses shops and green spaces. Community members can learn more about this vision during the town hall meeting at Windsor Forest High School Auditorium, which begins at 18:00 local time.

One of the key topics will be developments related to the Windsor Forest Community Center. Attendees will see new renderings, timelines, and insights into programming designed for both youth and seniors. Alderman Purtee emphasized that the center’s mid-century modern design aims to reflect the character of the surrounding neighborhood while fulfilling a critical need for recreational and community spaces.

The discussion will also cover the Southside retrofit plan, which envisions the former Savannah Mall property as a vibrant town center, featuring up to 400 affordable housing units. Purtee noted, “Community voices are extremely important. The projects we have on the Southside are citizen-driven. For these initiatives to succeed, community involvement is crucial.”

In addition to local engagement, the city is examining potential partnerships and funding through the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) to advance the mall redevelopment project. Preliminary talks with developers suggest that this could become one of the most significant redevelopment efforts in Savannah in decades. Alderman Purtee expressed optimism for the Southside’s transformation by 2035, stating, “When they cross the Forest River Bridge into Savannah, it’s going to be the first thing they see.”

While some sections of the mall may be demolished, key anchor stores like Target and Dillard’s are expected to remain and be integrated into the new development. A proposed $15 million SPLOST item is currently under consideration to support planning and partnerships associated with the mall project.

The City of Savannah aims to connect developers, businesses, and community groups while leveraging federal grants and other resources to facilitate this significant undertaking. Stakeholders include local universities, hospitals, neighborhood associations, and current mall owners.

For residents unable to attend the town hall, the city encourages ongoing involvement through its website, social media channels, or by contacting Alderman Purtee’s office directly at 912-346-3305 or via email. Community input is vital as the city moves forward with these important initiatives, shaping the future of the Southside and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.