wells park revitalization plan · public right of way grades 38 current zoning 39 proposed zoning...

SAVANNAH DEVELOPMENT& RENEWAL AUTHORITY

WELLS PARKREVITALIZATION PLANAPRIL 2015

SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 2

Executive Summary 3

About SDRA 4Introduction 5Project Overview 7

Priority Areas 10

Park Amenities 11Traffic Calming 13Event Programming 14Neighborhood Revitalization 15

Historical Context & Conditions 16

History & Site Analysis 17Historic Figure-Ground Drawings 19Community Feedback 21

Parks & Recreation Data 22

Parks Comparrison 23Parks Space Study 24

Wells Park Revitalization Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Proposals 46

Wells Park Streetscape Views 47Wells Park Area Master Plan 51Park Improvement Concept A 52Park Improvement Concept B 53Park Improvement Concept C 55Wells Park Strategic Planning Phases 57

Neighborhood & Community Data 25

1960–1980 Census Tracts 261990–2010 Census Tracts 27Population Demographics 28Neighborhoods 302011–2015 Aldermanic Districts 31Current Aldermanic Districts 32Local Historic Districts 33National Register Historic Districts 33Bus Routes 35Bicycle Routes 36Traffic Counts 37Public Right of Way Grades 38Current Zoning 39Proposed Zoning 40Vaccant Lands 41Vaccant Buildings 42Church Ownership & Public Use 43Social Service Providers 44Crime (2014) 45



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) is an independent authority supported by the City of Savannah. Its mission is to lead a coordinated strategy of economic development and civic design in order to strengthen greater downtown Savannah. SDRA strives to develop this area as an economic hub in the region by developing an attractive urban environment and a prosperous climate for businesses and institutions.

Executive Summary

ABOUT SDRA


Johnson Square, Savannah (1.40 acres).Source: http://www.visithistoricsavannah.com

Wells Park, Savannah (1.37 acres). Source: Personal photograph by author.

High-quality and well-maintained parks are an essential component of any city. Not only do parks attract residents and spur economic activity, but they also serve to improve the quality of life for the surrounding community. A well-used and engaging park can act as a catalyst for economic renewal and as a tool for changing social perception and behaviors. Concurrently, the vitality of a park is only as strong as what surrounds it.

Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION


At the request of the City of Savannah, SDRA has made the redevelopment of Wells Park the focus of its economic and urban activities for 2015. In partnership with the community, the authority has identified the following conclusions and objectives:

1. Relative to other parks in the city, Wells Park has experienced neglect and disinvestment for years.

2. At present, the neighborhood lacks adequate passive park space and active recreational space. Due to the small scale of Wells Park, we must develop creative solutions to allow the park to accommodate both needs.

3. We strive to improve the lives of community members, including those individuals who currently use the park on a daily basis.

4. Change is coming to the neighborhood; we must be proactive to ensure that change serves to benefit existing residents and institutions.

5. We should not limit our ideas or ambitions.

Executive Summary

INTRODUCTION


In November 2014, St. Luke Baptist Church hosted SDRA for a Wells Park Community Planning Workshop. Over the course of three days, SDRA staff members and team of architects and designers solicited feedback from residents on potential changes and improvements to the park. These insights informed the concept development phase for the revitalization of Wells Park.

“ A positive environment in which people can feel better about themselves.”

“ After-school activities, sports clubs, festivals, family days, and picnics”

“A park everyone can enjoy”

“ More inviting and friendly things to motivate kids and seniors to get out of their homes.”

Executive Summary

PROJECT OVERVIEW


With community input and guidance from SDRA, the architects and designers created three park improvement options: Concepts A, B, and C. Of the three schemes, Concept A constitutes the smallest extent of changes; it retains the basketball court and primarily entails improvements to landscaping. Concept B involves the removal of the basketball court, yet maintains the current layout of the park. Concept C reconfigures the park to correspond to other squares in Savannah.

Executive Summary

PROJECT OVERVIEW


In January, SDRA held a series of open houses for residents and community members to share their thoughts regarding the three concepts. Overall, participants showed a preference for Concept B, noting that the removal of the basketball court would increase the functionality of the stage. However, community members also expressed the importance of providing active recreation spaces for youth, and proposed that the basketball court be relocated to another location in the immediate area. Throughout the process, participants emphasized the need to shift prevailing perceptions regarding the park and to transform its ambiance. Residents voiced aspirations for a park that has more kid-friendly events and that appeals to users of all ages. Therefore, the final design proposals are centered on enhancing public safety and making the park more welcoming, useful, and connected to the neighborhood.

Executive Summary

PROJECT OVERVIEW


To facilitate these improvements, SDRA has developed recommendations for how to proceed with the redevelopment of Wells Park. These recommendations may be organized into the following four categories: Park Amenities, Traffic Calming, Event Programming, and Neighborhood Revitalization.

PRIORITYAREAS



Currently, Wells Park is relatively separate from the street. Surrounding the park is a large chain-link fence that offers limited entry points. The relative impermeability of the fence creates a negative sense of enclosure and a space hidden from public view. Replacing the chain-link fence with a lower, more decorative fence not only increases visibility into the park, but also presents the opportunity to install a colorful and artistic element in the urban landscape. Moreover, greater visibility into the park has the potential to positively influence the behavior of its users.

To further enhance safety and visibility in the park, it is recommended that the tree canopy be raised with existing oak trees cut up to a minimum of eight feet off the ground. In addition, all of the large shrubs along the perimeter of the park should be cut back or replaced with ground-cover to permit views to and from the street. Converting the existing pedestrian lighting to LED lighting will provide better visibility at night and reduced costs.

Priority Areas

PARK AMENITIES


Proposed Wells Park Modifications:

• Remove the fence• Raise the tree canopy• Limb up any large shrubs• Convert all lighting to LED• Install an irrigation system and

new grass or ground-cover• Relocate covered seating• Replace wooden benches• Create new entries and bollards• Add game tables

• Improve policing and site management

Priority Areas

PARK AMENITIES

Lastly, SDRA recommends the removal and relocation of the basketball court to an appropriate, nearby facility or public space that can support the addition of other active recreation spaces in the future. This modification to Wells Park allows the existing shelter on the site to be raised and re-purposed as a stage located along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. This configuration creates an event space separate from the children’s play areas and improves visibility along the busy street. Moreover, redevelopment of the area previously dedicated to the basketball court would allow the park to accommodate additional programming and features.

13SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan

Wells Park is unique among Savannah squares in that it is bordered by two wide, fast-paced streets. Traffic speeds through both Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Montgomery Street should be reduced to provide a calmer environment for users, safety for pedestrians, and visibility of activity taking place in the park. This measure can be achieved by raising the streets or intersections around the park and adding textured pavement such as brick, pavers, or stamped concrete. These traffic-calming techniques create the feel of a pedestrian zone in an urban area and help to slow traffic for neighborhood residents using the crosswalk.

ON RIGHT

Raised intersection in Boston, MA Source: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VpBQLfohlF0/T5X-RTdWZlI/ AAAAAAAABH8/JuomSGF4Kzc/s1600/S5031458.JPG

Priority Areas

TRAFFIC CALMING


With these changes, Wells Park will have the capacity and amenities to support a wide variety of new programming. The annual Juneteenth festival held in the park can be accompanied by new events that draw attention to the area and bring the community together. As Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has just purchased a building across the street, SDRA hopes to forge a strong tie between the park and the school and to coordinate cultural events that promote interaction with the surrounding neighborhood.

ON RIGHT

Juneteenth Festival, Wells Park.Source: http://www.savannahnow.com

Priority Areas

EVENT PROGRAMMING


In order to bring vitality back to Wells Park, the surrounding area must be prosperous as well. As part of its plan to reinvigorate the neighborhood, SDRA will work with St. Luke Baptist Church, existing property owners, and the City of Savannah to develop some of the lots adjacent to the park. In addition, St. Luke Baptist Church has expressed interest in redeveloping its property to create residences, an outreach facility, and an improved parking lot. The introduction of mixed-use buildings, row houses, and a neighborhood services office to replace the extant vacant land and used car lots will create more activity around the park and spur a higher-density, more pedestrian-friendly environment.

What is a neighborhood services office? A space for regular use by the district Aldermen and staff from various City departments, including Police, Parks & Recreation, Youth Services, Property Maintenance, Sanitation, and Housing. Non-profit organizations are also able to utilize the facility.

Priority Areas

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

View West at Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.Source: Wells Park Open House (2015)

View North at 38th St.Source: Wells Park Open House (2015)


HISTORICAL CONTEXT & CONDITIONS



Wells Park is located in the greater downtown Metropolitan neighborhood of Savannah, one of the earliest suburbs to be created in the city. This area was originally named Dillonton after Mr. David R. Dillon, a Savannah merchant who owned and developed the subdivision beginning in 1863. Bounded by 37th Street to the north, 42nd Street to the south, Whitaker Street to the east, and Florence Street to the west, the farm-based tract comprised a one-hundred-acre plat laid out on a grid pattern with three squares, echoing the Oglethorpe Plan. Following Dillon’s death in February 1887, the City formally incorporated Dillonton and the neighboring Brownville tract into its expanding limits.

ON RIGHT

Map of the City of Savannah and Vicinity 1910Source: http://www.libs.uga.edu/darchive/hargrett/maps/1910h62.jpg

Historical Context & Conditions

HISTORY & SITE ANALYSIS


Also known as Wells Square, Wells Park is located in present-day Duncan Ward. The park is bound by Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the west, 38th Street to the north, Montgomery Street to the east, and 39th Street to the south. It measures approximately 1.5 acres in area. The original square was laid out on February 9, 1887 by an ordinance of City Council, and may have utilized one of the extant squares laid out by Dillon. Wells Square was named in honor of Alderman David Wells, a lumber businessman who lived in Savannah during the early 1900s.

The area surrounding Wells Park experienced its most pronounced period of development following the introduction of the electrified streetcar in 1888. Within the same year, the City issued permits for the construction of forty-eight houses on the tract. During this time, the Metropolitan District developed as a residential suburb with distinct commercial corridors. However, as the rail lines were replaced with automobile infrastructure from the 1920s through the middle of the century, the Metropolitan District declined in investment and new construction. Urban flight contributed to the suburb’s stagnation, with population decreases and higher vacancy rates occurring throughout the later half of the twentieth century. The general deterioration of the community was further evinced by higher rates of crime and drug use in the 1980s and early 1990s.

With the historic housing stock in the area facing dilapidation and demolition, a number of efforts to preserve the district took hold in the final years of the twentieth century. Encompassing the area between Anderson Lane (N), Victory Drive (S), Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (W), and East Broad Street (E), the suburb was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 as the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District. Most recently, Historic Savannah Foundation and Savannah College of Art and Design have purchased and rehabilitated properties in the area. Throughout this history, Wells Park has remained an anchor in the community, serving as a link between the Thomas Square Streetcar and Cuyler/Brownville Historic Districts.


HISTORY & SITE ANALYSIS



HISTORIC FIGURE-GROUND DRAWINGS

1889 1916



HISTORIC FIGURE-GROUND DRAWINGS

1954 2014



COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

In addition to historical analysis of the area, community input greatly informed the design process for the redevelopment of Wells Park. In November 2012, SDRA held a community-planning workshop at St. Luke Baptist Church, which borders the park to the north. At the workshop, residents were encouraged to share their goals and desires for the park. With these insights, the team of designers created three concepts for public review and further feedback.

Social Engagement

• City and community involvement

• Improved police/civilian relations

• A new name for the park (Andrew Knowles; a non-sports figure)

• The creation of zones for children, sports, and sitting

• The opportunity to meet new people

• Positive attitudes (about the park)

New Fencing

• Removal of chain-link fence

• Construction of decorative fence

• Low, decorative fence around children’s play area

Active Space

• A larger, modern pavilion• Horseshoes, footballs, and

basketballs available• Expansion of the basketball court• Interactive facilities (climbing wall)• Upgraded playground equipment• Swings• Dog park

Event Programming

• Regular activities, classes, and sports training sessions

• Scheduled games• Picnics• Street closures on 38th and 39th

to extend park space• Arts and crafts activities• Youth programs

Water Features

• Water fountains (on each side of the playground)

• Wet play area for children

Trash Collection

• Additional trash receptacles

• Proper waste disposal• Recycling bins• Pet waste bags and gloves

Lighting

• Improved and additional lighting• Lamp posts

Seating

• Additional seating(bleachers, wooden benches)

• Removal of benches (from gathering areas)

Safety Measures

• Improved safety in surrounding area

• Gun-free zone• More police

involvement• Neighborhood

organization• Park curfew

Landscaping

• Additional green space and vegetation

• Community garden• Shrubs trimmed to ground

to improve visibility• Tree canopy raised and

shaped• Pavilion removed• Brick paving to replace dirt

and sand• Improved greenery

surrounding the park• Bicycle rack• Signage• Bird feeders


PARKS &RECREATION DATA



Parks & Recreation Data

PARKS COMPARISON

Parks Within One-mile Radius Parks & Squares Comparison Basketball Court Locations

18

11

2

4

5

19

12

17

13

1614

6

15

3

1

7

10

9

Victory Dr.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

8

0.60 0.80Miles

µ

0 0.200.10

Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN

LEGEND

Cuyler Park

Dixon Park

Entleman Park

Baldwin Park

Cann Park

Ardsley Park

0.40

2

7

1

3

4

5

6

Adams Park

Kavanugh Park

Lattimore Park

MacCauley Park

Guckenhimer Park

Hitch Park

Future Park

Forysth Park8

9

10

11

Vetsburg Park

Wells Park

1.0-mile radius

Thomas Park

Tideman Park

Smith Gaudry Park

Myers Park15

16

17

18

1912

13

14

1.20 1.60Miles

µ0 0.400.20


0.80

Pulaski Square0.75 acres

Telfair Square0.76 acres

Chatham Square0.79 acres

Monterey Square0.80 acres

Madison Square0.84 acres

Calhoun Square0.85 acres

Orleans Square0.88 acres

Wright Square0.90 acres

Ellis Square0.92 acres

Myers Park1.04 acres

Cuyler Park1.13 acres

Wells Park1.37 acres

Johnson Square1.40 acres

Chippewa Square1.48 acres

Thomas Square1.94 acres

Forsyth Park30.71 acres

Franklin Square0.60 acres

Atla

ntic

Ave

.

Atla

ntic

Ave

.

Atla

ntic

Ave

.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Mon

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ery

St.

37th St.

Victory Dr.

Mlk

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lvd.

Mlk

Jr. B

lvd.

52nd St.

41st St.

41st St.

41st St.

41st St.

41st St.

Anderson St.

Jones St.Jones St.

Jones St.

µ

Private court

Public court

Members-only court

Wells Park

YMCA

W. W. Law Regional Center

0 0.30 0.60 0.90 1.200.15Miles


LEGEND

Charles Ellis Montessori Academy

Daffin Park

Forsyth Park

Cann Park

Carver Village Park

Beach High School

John Delaware Community Center

Savannah Arts Academy

Tompkins Regional Center

Hitch Park

Hubert Middle School

Hall Park

1

4

9

112

3

5

6

7

8

10

12

13

14

15

1

4

9

11

2

3

5

6

7

8

10

12

13

14

15


Parks & Recreation Data

PARKS SPACE STUDY

Active Space Passive Space

37th St.

37th St. C

onnector

Jones St.

Jones St.

Bull

St.

Bull

St.

River St.

Oglethorpe Ave.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Victory Dr.

Hab

ersh

am S

t.

E. B

road

St.

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d.

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d.

Mon

tgom

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St.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

3,000 4,000Feet

µ0 1,000500


LEGEND

Active space deficit area

Wells Park

2,000

37th St.

37th St. C

onnector

Jones St.

Jones St.

Bull

St.

Bull

St.

River St.

Oglethorpe Ave.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Victory Dr.

Hab

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am S

t.

E. B

road

St.

Mlk

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d.

Mlk

Jr.

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d.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

3,000 4,000Feet

µ0 1,000500


LEGEND

Passive space deficit area

Wells Park

2,000

37th St.

37th St. C

onnector

Jones St.

Jones St.

Bull

St.

Bull

St.

River St.

Oglethorpe Ave.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Victory Dr.

Hab

ersh

am S

t.

E. B

road

St.

Mlk

Jr.

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d.

Mlk

Jr.

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d.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

3,000 4,000Feet

µ0 1,000500


LEGEND

Passive space deficit area

Wells Park

2,000

Active space deficit area

Active & Passive Space


NEIGHBORHOOD& COMMUNITY DATA



The demographics of the users of Wells Park may be determined by reviewing available census data for the tracts encompassing the Cuyler-Brownsville and Metropolitan neighborhoods. As shown right, the boundaries of these tracts have shifted slightly in the past. Nonetheless, the information provided by these censuses regarding housing, population, and income provide insight into the community and its needs.

Neighborhood & Community Data

1960-1980 CENSUS TRACTS

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

35th St.

38th St.

34th St.

33rd St.

43rd St.

32nd St.

37th St. C

onnector

38th St.

36th St.

39th St.

35th St.

38th St.

34th St.

Victory Dr.

Bull

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Barn

ard

St.M

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r. B

lvd.

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St.Bu

rrou

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St.

Mon

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ery

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Bullo

ch S

t.

Sadl

er S

t.

Bull

St.

17 18

24

23

µ0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035

Miles


LEGEND

Tract boundaries

Wells Park



1990-2010 CENSUS TRACTS

µ0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035

Miles


LEGEND

Tract boundaries

Wells Park

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

35th St.

38th St.

34th St.

33rd St.

43rd St.

32nd St.

37th St. C

onnector

38th St.

36th St.

39th St.

35th St.

38th St.

34th St.

Victory Dr.

Bull

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Barn

ard

St.M

lk J

r. B

lvd.

Jeffe

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St.Bu

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St.

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ance

St.

Kollock St.

Bullo

ch S

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Sadl

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St.

12 113

23

114



POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

01960 1970 1980

YEAR

1990 2000 2010

TOTAL POPULATION

PO

PU

LA

TION

Neighborhood City County

POPULATION BY RACE

50,000

0

100,000

12 34

YEAR

PO

PU

LA

TION

56

150,000

200,000

250,000

(Neighborhood) White Population

(Neighborhood) Black Population

(County) White Population

(City) White Population

(City) Black Population

(County) Black Population



POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS

1960 1970 1980

YEAR

1990 2000 2010

20,000

0

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

NO

OF

UN

ITS

HOUSING UNITS


1990 2000 2010

YEAR

30,000

35,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

40,000

45,000

INC

OM

E

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME




NEIGHBORHOODS

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41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

µLEGEND

District boundaries


Wells Park

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

Cuyler-Brownsville

Metropolitan

Cann Park

Bingville

Victorian District



2011-2015 ALDERMANIC DISTRICTS

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

1Van R. Johnson

2Mary Osborne

4Mary Ellen Sprague

5Estella Shabazz

µLEGEND

District boundaries


Wells Park

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

Bul

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Victory Dr.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

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St.

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St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

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St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

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CURRENT ALDERMANIC DISTRICTS

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Bul

l St.

Victory Dr.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Ogeechee Rd.

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Mon

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St.

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St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

1

4

5

µLEGEND

District boundaries


Wells Park

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

Van R. Johnson

2Mary Osborne

Mary Ellen Sprague

Estella Shabazz



LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

River St.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Victory Dr.

37th St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

E. B

road

St.

Anderson St

Savannah Historic District

Cuyler-BrownsvilleP-N-C District

Mid-City District

Victorian P-N-C District

µ0 0.1 0.30.05

Miles0.40.2


LEGEND

District boundaries

Wells Park



NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Gwinnett St.

Gwinnett St.

Victory Dr.

37th St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

E. B

road

St.

0 0.09 0.18 0.27 0.360.045Miles

µ Savannah Development & Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT

Anderson St

Thomas Square Historic Trolley District

Cuyler-Brownsville

Victorian District

Collinsville

Ardsley Park-C hatham Crescent Historic District

National Historic Landmark District

µ0 0.09 0.18 0.27 0.360.045

Miles


LEGEND

District boundaries

Wells Park



BUS ROUTES

!.

!.

!.

!. 41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Bul

l St.

Victory Dr.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

Bul

l St.

5-minute walking-distance area

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

µ


LEGEND

Frequent routes: 4, 25, 31

Less frequent routes: 12, 14, 27-29

Infrequent routes: 11

Wells Park

Major bus stops



BICYCLE ROUTES

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Bul

l St.

Victory Dr.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles


LEGEND

Shared lane

Wide-curb lane

Wells Park

Paved shoulder

Bicycle lane! ! µ

!

!

!

!

!

!

!



TRAFFIC COUNTS

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th S .

36th St.

38th St.

38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Victory Dr.

Bul

l St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Bar

nard

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Bul

loch

St. Fl

oran

ce S

t.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

µ0 0.055 0.11 0.165 0.220.0275

Miles


LEGEND

Traffic stations

Wells Park

8,990

3,840

5,850

4,6105,600

2,950

8,760

8,300

15,400

17,350

10,820

12,290

19,810

13,020

10,510

37

t



PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY GRADES

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Victory Dr.

Bul

l St.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

µ Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN

LEGEND

Moderate improvements needed (13)

Reconstruction needed (2)

Wells Park

Minor improvements needed (15)



CURRENT ZONING

µ

Traditional commercial corridor

Traditional neighborhood

Wells Park

Residential business (P-N-C, P-N-C Extended)

Residential institutional/professional

Residential business

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles


LEGEND

Community business (P-N-C)

General business

General business (P-N-C)

Civic/institutional

Community business

4-family residential (P-N-C)

Planned unit development, multi-family special uses

Planned unit development, institutional amended

Planned unit development, institutional amended (P-N-C)

Neighborhood business (P-N-C)

Planned medium density (P-N-C)

Multi-family residential (P-N-C)



PROPOSED ZONING

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

µ


Single-family

Traditional commercial

Traditional neighborhood

General residential

Parks and recreation

LEGEND



VACANT LANDS

Victory Dr.

Bul

l St.

Bar

nard

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles


LEGEND

Vacant lands (64)

Wells Park

0.5-mile radius

µ

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.



VACANT BUILDINGS

Victory Dr.

Bul

l St.

Bar

nard

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles


LEGEND

Vacant buildings (152)

Wells Park

0.5-mile radius

µ

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.



CHURCH OWNERSHIP & PUBLIC USE

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.

38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

Victory Dr.

Bul

l St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Bar

nard

St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Bul

loch

St. Fl

oran

ce S

t.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

Sadl

er S

t.

0 0.055 0.11 0.165 0.220.0275Miles


LEGEND

Church-owned (50)

Public (22)

Wells Park

µ



SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS

0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles

µ


LEGEND

St. Luke Baptist Church

Wells Park

St. Mary’s Health Center

Salvation Army

Old Savannah City Mission

New Covenant Church

God’s Temple of Praise

Collegiate Church of St. Paul

Christian Revival Center

0.5-mile radius

Bul

l St.

Ogeechee Rd.

Bar

nard

St.

Mlk

Jr.

Blv

d.

Bur

roug

hs S

t.

Mon

tgom

ery

St.

Jeffe

rson

St.

Bul

loch

St.

Flor

ance

St.

Kollock St.

Anderson St.

er S

t.

l St.

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.



CRIME (2014)

41st St.

42nd St.

40th St.

39th St.

37th St.

36th St.

31st St.

32nd St.

43rd St.

34th St.

38th St.

33rd St.

35th St.

37th St. Connector

35th St.

38th St. 34th St.

35th St.

39th St.

38th St.

34th St.

36th St.

38th St.38th St.

36th St.

32nd St.

33rd St.

35th St.

µ0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035

Miles


LEGEND

Crime locations (434)

Wells Park


PROPOSALSWells Park Revitalization Plan

SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan

Proposals

WELLS PARK STREETSCAPE VIEWS

View North at 38th Street

47


Proposals


View South at 39th Street

48


Proposals


View East at Montgomery Street

49


Proposals


View West at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

50


Wells Park Area Revitalization PlanSavannah Development and Renewal AuthorityNeighborhood Improvement Concepts

0 25 50 100 200 300 400Feet

Civic

Mixed Use

Multi-Family

Single-Family

IMPROVEMENT MASTER PLAN

St. Luke's Baptist Church: Add new portico over sidewalk. Newpaint & exterior lighting make the church a visually brightsymbol for the neighborhood.

St. Luke Parking Lot: Reconfigure parking and breezeway toprovide new prayer garden, handicapped parking and rearaccess into church.

St. Luke Cottages: New small buildings to provide rentalincome, expansion space and block view of parking lot. Couldbe built as two small units with studio apartments above or asa larger single building.

St. Luke Apartment Building: New 8-12 unit apartmentbuilding of 2 or 3 stories. Could provide rental income or evenchurch-controlled senior housing/assisted living.

St. Luke Lane: Clean up lane including new Sunday-onlyparking and trees.

Apartments: New small apartment building with 4-6 units.Build to be compatible with the larger historic houses along37th St. May have new carriage house units also.

Single Family Infill: New single family or duplex infill unit(s).May have new carriage house unit(s) also.

Single-Family Renovation: Renovate, restore or re-use existinghistoric building stock.

Mixed-Use Building: New small-scale corner mixed-usebuilding. Small retail space apartment above and carriage houseunit.

Mixed-Use Buildings: New three-story mixed-use buildings.Ground level commercial with apartments above. Units shownwith a forecourt and some off-street parking.

Row Houses: Duplex: New 2-Unit Building.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

5

2 4

3

1

6 6

8 8 7 7 6

8 88 9

10

7

11

Supported by the City of Savannah

8

8

Proposals

WELLS PARK AREA MASTER PLAN

1. St. Luke’s Baptist Church: Add new portico over sidewalk. New paint & exterior lighting make the church a visually bright symbol for the neighborhood.

2. St. Luke Parking Lot: Reconfigure parking and breezeway to provide new prayer garden, handicapped parking and rear access into church.

3. St. Luke Cottages: New small buildings to provide rental income, expansion space and block view of parking lot. Could be built as two small units with studio apartment above or as a larger single building.

4. St. Luke Apartment Building: New 8-12 unit apartment building of 2 or 3 stories. Could provide rental income or even church0controlled senior housing/assisted living.

5. St. Luke Lane: Clean up lane including new Sunday-only parking and trees.

6. Apartments: New small apartment building with 4-6 units. Build to be compatible with the larger historic houses along 37th St. May have new carriage house units also.

7. Single Family Infill: New single family or duplex infill unit(s). May have new carriage hose unit(s) also.

8. Single-Family Renovation: Renovate, restore or re-use existing historic building stock.

9. Mixed-Use Building: New small-scale corner mixed-use building. Small retail space apartment above and carriage house unit.

10. Mixed-Use Buildings: New three-story mixed-use buildings. Ground level commercial with apartments above. Units shown with a forecourt and some off-street parking.

11. Row Houses: Duplex: New 2-Unit Building.

Civic

Mixed-Use

Multi-Family

Single-Family


Enhance existing park uses

1. Provide more separation of adult and children’s facilities• Re-purpose and relocate shelter away from play areas• Provide separate seating areas and water fountains for adult and children’s areas• Offer more adult games in the basketball court area

2. Improve public safety in the area• Place shelter in an open location close to the street• Limb up oak trees to a minimum of 8 ft off the ground• Remove all large shrubs and replace with low shrubs and ground cover

to enhance visibility from the street• Extend new fence along 39th Street to provide a safety barrier between

the street and the playground• Place bollards and/or gates at all pedestrian entrances to control vehicle

entry into the park• Relocate playground access to paths inside the fence• Design new fence to allow greater visibility into the park• Construct a speed table on MLK Blvd. to slow traffic and create a

pedestrian-friendly zone for residents• Upgrade existing pedestrian lighting to LED to improve visibility and

reduce operating costs

3. Make the park inviting, useful, and connected to the area• Create crosswalks at park corners to match existing on MLK Blvd.• Replace chain-link fence with colorful fence to serve as a peacemaking element• Create enlarged pedestrian entrances at park corners and connect with crosswalks• Create an open lawn area to accommodate cultural events and large gatherings• Add and enhance existing side entrances to the park• Raise covered shelter and relocate to a permanent, central location

in the lawn area to support events

Proposals

PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT A


Simplify and refine park programs

1. Provide more separation of adult and children’s facilities• Re-purpose and relocate shelter away from play areas• Provide separate seating areas and water fountains for adult and children’s areas• Add adult game tables/seating to west side of the park• Remove basketball facilities from the park


to enhance visibility from the street• Extend new fence along 39th Street to provide a safety barrier between

the street and the playground• Place bollards and/or gates at all pedestrian entrances to control vehicle

entry into the park• Relocate playground access to paths inside the fence• Design new fence to allow greater visibility into the park• Construct a speed table on MLK Blvd. to slow traffic and create

a pedestrian-friendly zone for residents• Upgrade existing pedestrian lighting to LED to improve visibility

and reduce operating costs

3. Make the park inviting, useful, and connected to the area• Create crosswalks at park corners to match existing on MLK Blvd.• Replace chain-link fence with colorful fence to serve as a peacemaking element• Create enlarged pedestrian entrances at park corners and connect with crosswalks• Create a larger open lawn area to accommodate cultural events and large gatherings• Add and enhance existing side entrances to the park• Raise covered shelter and relocate to a central location on the west edge of the

lawn area to support events and to take advantage of the tree canopy there

Proposals

PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT B


Proposals

PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT B


Create a local gathering place

1. Provide more separation of adult and children’s facilities• Re-purpose and relocate shelter away from play areas• Provide separate seating areas and water fountains for adult and children’s areas• Add adult game tables/seating to west side of the park• Remove basketball facilities from the park


to enhance visibility from the street• Extend new fence along 39th Street to provide a safety barrier between the

street and the playground• Place bollards and/or gates at all pedestrian entrances to control vehicle

entry into the park• Relocate playground access to paths inside the fence• Design new fence to allow greater visibility into the park• Construct a speed table on MLK Blvd. to slow traffic and create a

pedestrian-friendly zone for residents• Upgrade existing pedestrian lighting to LED to improve visibility and reduce operating costs• Change pavement on 38th and 39th streets to a colored and textured type to slow traffic

3. Make the park inviting, useful, and connected to the area• Create crosswalks at park corners to match existing on MLK Blvd.• Replace chain-link fence with colorful fence to serve as a peacemaking element• Create enlarged pedestrian entrances at park corners and connect with crosswalks and

pathways inside the fence. Match north entrances to neighboring parcels• Create a larger open lawn area to accommodate cultural events and large gatherings• Add and enhance existing side entrances to the park• Raise covered shelter and relocate to a permanent, central location

in the lawn area to support events• Reconfigure play areas to maximize open lawn area and preserve

all existing love oak trees

Proposals

PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT C


Proposals

PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT C


Proposals

WELLS PARK STRATEGIC PLANNING PHASES

6 MONTHS YEAR 5

PHASE 1

PHASE 2• Add speed table and

crosswalks• Remove basketball court• Construct new stage• Upgrade lighting to LED• Add more cultural

events• Add bike racks, CAT

bike station, and park furniture

• Redevelop one parcel facing the park

• Create weekly events through partnerships with St. Luke, SCAD, the City of Savannah, and neighborhood organizations

• Add more entries and bollards

• Redevelop landscaping• Construct new fence• Remove shelter• Create improved

signage• Paint playground

equipment• Organize a park

dedication event

PHASE 3• Redevelop all parcels

into mixed-use buildings

YEAR 2


THANKS FORYOUR SUPPORT


wells park revitalization plan · public right of way grades 38 current zoning 39 proposed zoning...

Documents