Savannah Civic Center Site to Become Housing Hub

The city plans to add up to 300 homes and retail space as part of a major downtown redevelopment effort.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Commercial

Savannah Civic Center Site to Become Housing Hub

Live Poll

Should city-owned land be prioritized for affordable housing developments over market-rate projects?

The City of Savannah has unveiled a new development plan for the 4-acre Civic Center site that includes up to 300 new housing units. This redevelopment, set to follow the demolition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arena next year, prioritizes workforce housing and mixed-use retail space.

Why it matters

By restoring the historic street grid and focusing on long-term residential needs, the city aims to boost housing supply while explicitly restricting short-term vacation rentals. This project represents a significant shift in land use for downtown Savannah, funded by a voter-approved $25 million sales tax initiative.

The plan covers 4 acres and features 32,000 to 45,000 square feet of retail space supported by $25 million in voter-approved sales tax funding. The housing mix targets workforce units for households earning $64,000 to $96,000 annually.

The players

City of Savannah

The local municipal government responsible for zoning, infrastructure planning, and the allocation of public tax funds.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arena

The existing civic facility currently slated for demolition to make way for new residential and retail development.

The details

The city plans to demolish the arena in 2027 to clear the site for a new grid-aligned development. The proposed housing includes 130 to 160 market-rate apartments, 60 to 80 workforce units, and 40 to 60 for-sale homes comprising rowhomes and condominiums. Officials intend to manage the build-out through an upcoming competitive selection process for a private development partner.

The City Council established its vision for the site in 2024.
Initial community open houses were held in October 2025.
Voters approved the funding through a sales tax referendum in 2025.
A second series of public open houses took place in February 2026.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Arena is scheduled for demolition in 2027.

Economic Indicators
Oct. 23
Savannah Outlines Redevelopment Plans for City Sites

Money Landscape

This project signals a pivot in downtown Savannah land use toward permanent resident housing over transient civic space. The development follows a deliberate effort to align new construction with the historical Oglethorpe Plan while leveraging dedicated local tax revenue.

Local residents looking for new housing may see future opportunities in the 230 to 300 residential units proposed for the downtown core. Prospective buyers or renters should monitor city procurement announcements to track the timeline for when these units might come to market.

The takeaway

Savannah is moving forward with a major downtown residential project aimed at increasing attainable housing stock in the city center. Residents should keep an eye on official City of Savannah municipal updates regarding the upcoming partner selection and construction timelines for the site.