wells park revitalization plan · public right of way grades 38 current zoning 39 proposed zoning...
TRANSCRIPT
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 3
Wells Park Revitalization Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 4
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 5
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 6
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 7
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 8
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 9
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 10
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
Wells Park Revitalization Plan
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 11
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 12
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
14SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 15
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)
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 16
HISTORICAL CONTEXT & CONDITIONS
Wells Park Revitalization Plan
17SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 18
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.
Historical Context & Conditions
HISTORY & SITE ANALYSIS
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 19
Historical Context & Conditions
HISTORIC FIGURE-GROUND DRAWINGS
1889 1916
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 20
Historical Context & Conditions
HISTORIC FIGURE-GROUND DRAWINGS
1954 2014
21SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
Historical Context & Conditions
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 22
PARKS &RECREATION DATA
Wells Park Revitalization Plan
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 23
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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
tgom
ery
St.
37th St.
Victory Dr.
Mlk
Jr. B
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 24
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.
Mlk
Jr.
Blv
d.
Mlk
Jr.
Blv
d.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
3,000 4,000Feet
µ0 1,000500
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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
ersh
am S
t.
E. B
road
St.
Mlk
Jr.
Blv
d.
Mlk
Jr.
Blv
d.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
3,000 4,000Feet
µ0 1,000500
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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.
Blv
d.
Mlk
Jr.
Blv
d.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
3,000 4,000Feet
µ0 1,000500
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Passive space deficit area
Wells Park
2,000
Active space deficit area
Active & Passive Space
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 25
NEIGHBORHOOD& COMMUNITY DATA
Wells Park Revitalization Plan
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 26
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
lk J
r. B
lvd.
Jeffe
rson
St.Bu
rrou
ghs
St.
Mon
tgom
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Tract boundaries
Wells Park
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 27
Neighborhood & Community Data
1990-2010 CENSUS TRACTS
µ0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035
Miles
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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
rson
St.Bu
rrou
ghs
St.
Mon
tgom
ery
St.
Flor
ance
St.
Kollock St.
Bullo
ch S
t.
Sadl
er S
t.
Bull
St.
12 113
23
114
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 28
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 29
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Neighborhood City County
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
Neighborhood City County
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 30
Neighborhood & Community Data
NEIGHBORHOODS
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
!!!!!
!!!!
!!!!
!!!!
!!
!!!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!!!
!!
!!
!!!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!! ! !
! !
!!
! !
! !! !
! !! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
! !
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
! !
!!
! !
!
!!
! !
!!! !
! !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
! !
! !
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!!!
!
!!
!!
!!
!
! !
!!
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!! !
! !!
! !
! !
!!
!
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
Wells Park
0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles
Cuyler-Brownsville
Metropolitan
Cann Park
Bingville
Victorian District
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 31
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
Wells Park
0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles
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.
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 32
Neighborhood & Community Data
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.
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.
1
4
5
µLEGEND
District boundaries
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
Wells Park
0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles
Van R. Johnson
2Mary Osborne
Mary Ellen Sprague
Estella Shabazz
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 33
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
District boundaries
Wells Park
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 34
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
District boundaries
Wells Park
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 35
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Frequent routes: 4, 25, 31
Less frequent routes: 12, 14, 27-29
Infrequent routes: 11
Wells Park
Major bus stops
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 36
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Shared lane
Wide-curb lane
Wells Park
Paved shoulder
Bicycle lane! ! µ
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 37
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 38
Neighborhood & Community Data
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)
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 39
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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)
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 40
Neighborhood & Community Data
PROPOSED ZONING
0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles
µ
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
Single-family
Traditional commercial
Traditional neighborhood
General residential
Parks and recreation
LEGEND
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 41
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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.
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 42
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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.
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 43
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Church-owned (50)
Public (22)
Wells Park
µ
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 44
Neighborhood & Community Data
SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
0 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.280.035Miles
µ
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
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.
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 45
Neighborhood & Community Data
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
Savannah Development and Renewal Authority (SDRA) WELLS PARK AREA REVITALIZATION PLAN
LEGEND
Crime locations (434)
Wells Park
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 46
PROPOSALSWells Park Revitalization Plan
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
Proposals
WELLS PARK STREETSCAPE VIEWS
View North at 38th Street
47
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
Proposals
WELLS PARK STREETSCAPE VIEWS
View South at 39th Street
48
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
Proposals
WELLS PARK STREETSCAPE VIEWS
View East at Montgomery Street
49
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan
Proposals
WELLS PARK STREETSCAPE VIEWS
View West at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
50
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 51
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 52
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 53
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
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 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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 54
Proposals
PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT B
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 55
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
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• 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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 56
Proposals
PARK IMPROVEMENT CONCEPT C
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 57
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
SDRA | Wells Park Revitalization Plan 58
THANKS FORYOUR SUPPORT
Wells Park Revitalization Plan