Savannah, GA - Paradise of urban parks

[Prahaboheme]

I still cannot decide whether or not I like Ellis Square. Certainly reclaiming it as a park is a huge improvement but functionally it is so very different from the other 24 squares. It suffers from a lack of trees (not sure what that is all about, really, this is Savannah and it is hot) and also lacks a central point of focus. On the other hand, it is modern, has diversions, and has brought infill to the surrounding streets. I suppose I just expect more, because after all, this is Savannah we are talking about.

[L41A]

Beautiful. Fun. Interesting. Relaxing. Those are words that I use to describe Savannah. Those four words put together (Beautiful, Fun, Interesting, Relaxing) may describe a perfect mate. Savannah is a romantic place. And I do love her.

Not sure why I don't visit there more often. These photos reiterates and reinforces that question.

[atlantaguy]

Originally Posted by Prahaboheme

I still cannot decide whether or not I like Ellis Square. Certainly reclaiming it as a park is a huge improvement but functionally it is so very different from the other 24 squares. It suffers from a lack of trees (not sure what that is all about, really, this is Savannah and it is hot) and also lacks a central point of focus. On the other hand, it is modern, has diversions, and has brought infill to the surrounding streets. I suppose I just expect more, because after all, this is Savannah we are talking about.

A lot of people feel this way, Prahaboheme. The replacement and reconstruction was a massive undertaking, and included building a huge new underground parking deck. The entire process took five years. There is a focal point though in a nice interactive fountain, and they have planted live oaks around the perimeter that will mature nicely over time. The new Square has really invigorated Downtown beyond expectations.

This link provides some good images:

http://www.dabbs-williams.com/gallery/ellis-square/

[Lakelander]

I like Ellis Square. The modern design and associated infill development is a nice change of pace.

[mSeattle]

Very nice.

[kcexpress69]

Love Savannah!! Love it!!

[mrherodotus]

Just adore the place! I have to get back down there.

[mrherodotus]

Charleston



Savannah

[atlantaguy]

^LOL! So, so true.

There's an old line down here about the differences in being introduced to a native matron of Charleston vs. Savannah. The first thing out of a Charlestonians mouth is 'Who's your family, Dear?' while a Savannah native asks 'What would you like to drink, Honey?'

[L41A]

^^^^ I like those comparisons. I heard one that says Charleston is like a prim wife, and Savannah is like a fun, hair-down girlfriend.

[ardecila]

I know you're not into modern architecture, but SCAD's new museum is worth the visit. It's retrofitted into a former railroad depot. Admission is cheap and the work displayed is pretty good.

The squares are awesome too. Triumph of planning. I get the sense that Savannah is much like New Orleans on a smaller scale, though... heavily driven by tourism and a port, with little else economically.

[Surrealplaces]

Very cool city

[Lakelander]

Originally Posted by ardecila

I know you're not into modern architecture, but SCAD's new museum is worth the visit. It's retrofitted into a former railroad depot. Admission is cheap and the work displayed is pretty good.

The squares are awesome too. Triumph of planning. I get the sense that Savannah is much like New Orleans on a smaller scale, though... heavily driven by tourism and a port, with little else economically.

The military is a major economic engine in Savannah that gets overlooked to a degree.

[STLgasm]

Wow, gorgeous.

[cabasse]

Originally Posted by Lakelander

The military is a major economic engine in Savannah that gets overlooked to a degree.

SCAD is definitely a major piece of the economy downtown. gulfstream aerospace is also hq'd there.

[Architype]

The city is one of the ultimate gems of the deep south and all its charm. I even have a Savannah calendar on my wall from relatives who visited there.

[mrnyc]

Originally Posted by ardecila

I know you're not into modern architecture, but SCAD's new museum is worth the visit. It's retrofitted into a former railroad depot. Admission is cheap and the work displayed is pretty good.

The squares are awesome too. Triumph of planning. I get the sense that Savannah is much like New Orleans on a smaller scale, though... heavily driven by tourism and a port, with little else economically.

the one regret i have of my visit was missing the depot. scad has done wonders for savannah since it came online in the 1970s. i dk where that city would be without it, it is integral to savannahs civic health.

[Thundertubs]

LOVE Savannah's squares.

[ardecila]

Originally Posted by L41A

^^^^ I like those comparisons. I heard one that says Charleston is like a prim wife, and Savannah is like a fun, hair-down girlfriend.

• Video Link

[atlantaguy]

^Absolutely perfect mood contribution, ardecila.