Riverside Power Plant Redevelopment
Savannah’s Power Plant has windows that haven’t seen the light of day in 30 to 40 years.
This is about to change, says Jeff Hewitt, senior VP for Visit Savannah, with the redevelopment of the cobblestone-lined waterfront along Georgia’s Savannah River into the Plant Riverside District, scheduled for completion next year.
A New Dawn Emerges
The Kessler Collection is converting the century-old, coal-fired power plant into a luxury hotel and vibrant 4-acre entertainment destination.
The Experience
Groups will be able to enjoy live music in a 500-seat venue, dining and high-end shopping. Wine tastings are also on the agenda and attendees can stroll through the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery glass in hand, or gather for brainstorming sessions in tree-lined parks and plazas, explore natural science exhibits or bask in pampering spa treatments.
West Hotel & Deck
A new 422-room JW Marriott will sprawl over five different buildings with three distinct themes, more than a dozen dining options, three rooftop bars with handcrafted cocktails and cozy fireplaces, and 26,000 sf of meeting and event space.
“In many ways, the Power Plant holds the story of Savannah’s evolution,” explains Hewitt. “We now have the largest historic district in the nation.” Repurposing and preserving rather than tearing down and tossing away is a cornerstone of this evolution—so much so that the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) actually offers three degree options in preservation design. “SCAD has done so much with historic preservation,” Hewitt says, “they’ve been instrumental to the success of our National Historic Landmark District.”
Also nearby, groups can tour the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home Museum, the Victorian District and the Massie Heritage Center, housing Georgia’s oldest school in continuous operation to catch a glimpse of SCAD’s work. Workshops introducing groups to the intricate details of preservation can also be arranged.
