Downtown Savannah Ga - Is Design More Important Than Height?

In Savannah, Ga. the new and the old have, for the most part, co-existed in a synthesis that has preserved its beauty, history and character while accommodating the demands of progress. However, this ongoing synthesis is not without tension and controversy.

Recently there has been tension and controversy surrounding the West Liberty condo project which proposes the development of a 5-story condominium building where a former auto parts store now exists.

From what I’ve read and heard the main problem is the height of the building – many fear the height of the proposed building will be obtrusive and out of sync with the surrounding buildings. I won’t bore you with the details of codes and disagreement over ordinance language – they will work it out to the pleasure of some and displeasure of others.

What is fascinating, though, as a resident and a witness, is this coming to terms with progress. When I hear the arguments of both sides I am pulled back and forth agreeing with major points from both sides. If I fall on one side it would be that design is more important than height.

I would hate to see large buildings erected which are poorly and blindly designed with little but function in mind; but on the other hand, I’d hate to see resistance to progress render Savannah an historical relic frozen in time to be enjoyed only by tourists and locals who have a yen for history.

The fact is that more and more people will be moving to Savannah and they should have the opportunity to live in the heart of this beautiful city. To me, design is the key; with limited space to build horizontally, growth will demand building vertically, and I have faith that design can combine vertical growth with aesthetics. Maybe not in this particular project, but the demand will be increasingly present to go upwards with buildings.

My hope is that a combination of reason and appreciation for Savannah’s historical character will prevail and the tensions between old and new will find happy mediums. The whole CAN be greater than the sum of its parts.