The Historic Savannah Foundation is dropping its legal challenge against the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals over the demolition of 240 W. Broughton St., clearing the way for a new four-story structure to house clothing retailer H&M.
Daniel Carey, president and CEO of the preservation nonprofit, said his organization dismissed its complaint after reviewing more information on the condition of the facade of the gray building and seeing more suitable infill plans.
“In subsequent conversations with city leaders and developer Ben Carter and his team, we became convinced that the condition of the building would not allow for incorporation into the proposed new building,” Carey said in a statement. “New and improved renderings submitted to the Historic Review Board both addressed our concerns and were more visually compatible.”
Broughton Street developer Ben Carter is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation of several buildings along the corridor. He sought to tear down the building at 240 W. Broughton to make way for a larger contiguous structure on that parcel and the vacant lot he owns next door.
The city’s historic board denied Carter’s demolition petition in May, but that decision was later overturned after the zoning board determined the historic board had inappropriately designated the structure historic.
The building, constructed in 1924, was originally identical to the yellow-brick McDonald’s attached to it but underwent significant alterations over later decades — before more stringent preservation standards were in place.
Carey said the purpose of the complaint was, in part, to draw attention to the city’s review processes in light of tensions between the city’s various planning boards, whose unpaid members are appointed by the City Council.
In a statement, Ben Carter said he was pleased with the outcome.
“I am grateful that over the past few weeks we have been able to engage in productive dialogue with the leadership and staff at HSF that has resulted in a better understanding of our common goals for the improvement of Broughton Street and the downtown corridor,” he said.
Carey said as a result of 240 W. Broughton St., the Historic Savannah Foundation is establishing a new grant program to protect historic facades along Broughton Street, noting that a number of original facades remain covered up.
He said Carter has not pledged money to the grant but has expressed interest in restoring the facades on his other buildings.
“The whole point is he can take care of his buildings. What we’re trying to do is touch all those others that don’t have an obvious benefactor,” said Carey.
He said he hopes dialogue will continue on the best way to preserve Savannah’s historic buildings.
“It’s early, we have a long way to go, but we’re hopeful dialogue can continue in earnest and ensure the review process is respected and adhered to,” he said.