City to Host Open House Meetings on Major Planning Projects • Savannah Herald

Residents encouraged to attend upcoming meetings for the Civic Legacy Project, Tricentennial Park, and the Canal District

SAVANNAH – In February, the City of Savannah will host a series of open house meetings to engage the community on three major planning initiatives: the Civic Legacy Project, Tricentennial Park and the Canal District. Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more about these transformative projects and take part in shaping the next chapter of Savannah’s future.

Each session will be held in a drop-in open house format with a scheduled presentation.

Tuesday, February 17

Topic: Canal District
Location: Adams Administrative Building, 20 Interchange Drive, Room 104

5:30 p.m. – Open House Opens
6:00 p.m. – Presentation
7:30 p.m. – Open House Closes

The open house on Tuesday, February 17, will focus on the future of the Canal District, an emerging area west of Downtown anchored by Enmarket Arena and surrounded by several historically African American neighborhoods. This session will explore redevelopment opportunities for City-owned land, most notably the historic Water Works Pump House, to help guide future land use, investment and development in ways that meet community needs.

Wednesday, February 18

Topics: Civic Legacy Project and Tricentennial Park
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Avenue, Ballroom

5:30 p.m. – Open House Opens
6:00 p.m. – Presentation
7:30 p.m. – Open House Closes

The open house scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, will provide updates on two coordinated planning efforts: the Civic Center Economic and Land Use Study and the Tricentennial Park Economic and Land Use Study. The meeting will explain how the Civic Center and Tricentennial Park are being planned as a connected, coordinated district.

The Civic Center study focuses on undeveloped land surrounding the renovated facility and highlights what the community shared through public meetings and surveys conducted at the end of 2025. The presentation will also explain how that community input is shaping the proposed plan.

The Tricentennial Park study covers 18.6 acres near the Civic Center and the Landmark Historic District. The study explores mixed-use redevelopment that preserves historic assets, integrates museums and evaluates market demand, phasing and partnerships. Residents will have the opportunity to provide focused input to help refine Tricentennial Park priorities, scenarios and implementation needs.

Wednesday, February 25

Topic: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Building Renovation
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Avenue, Ballroom

5:30 p.m. – Open House Opens
6:00 p.m. – Presentation
7:30 p.m. – Open House Closes

The City will host an open house on Wednesday, February 25, to share plans for the renovation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center. The project includes a complete renovation of the Johnny Mercer Theatre, meeting rooms and ballroom, along with the addition of new multipurpose spaces to expand opportunities for community, cultural and event activities.

During the meeting, the City will share findings from market research, program analysis and operational studies. Community members will have opportunities to provide feedback that will help guide the design and programming of the updated facility for public use.

These open houses continue the City’s public engagement efforts, which recently included public meetings and surveys inviting resident input, as well as a community celebration for the renaming and dedication of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center.

For additional information, please contact the City of Savannah Planning and Urban Design Department at 912-651-3108 or planning@savannahga.gov. More information is also available online at www.savannahga.gov/planning under Planning Initiatives.

Background

In December 2025, City Council approved the renaming of the Civic Center to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. In January 2026, the City hosted a community event to officially dedicate the site under its new name. The event included arena tours, interactive activities and a community memory-collection initiative preserving residents’ reflections and historical materials connected to the venue and Dr. King’s impact on Savannah.