Savannah Development And Renewal Authority

Streetscape Plan in Motion for Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard

Plans are in motion for implementation of the second phase of comprehensive streetscape improvements along Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd (MLK).

Supported by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax monies, City of Savannah Capital funds, and a grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), this phase will focus on the segment of MLK from Exchange Street to Gwinnett Street. The plan which was completed in 2001 and updated recently to meet new DOT requirements, calls for new sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, ornamental light posts and landscaping along the medians and in the tree lawns. The plan was crafted with input from hundreds of residents, business and property owners to ensure compatibility and connectivity with the adjoining neighborhoods and the mixed-use nature of this segment of the Corridor.

A series of block meetings are being planned to provide an opportunity for property owners, business owners and residents within the project area to meet with staff from the City of Savannah's Facilities Maintenance Bureau, Department of Park and Tree, and Traffic Engineering Department, to discuss specific improvements planned for each block segment.

For more information regarding this phase of the plan, please contact the SDRA office at 651-6973.

Final Phases of Streetscape Plan

The anticipated third phase of MLK streetscape improvements will encompass the area from Gwinnett north to Liberty Streets. In keeping with the land-use strategies for the Corridor, this segment has historically been considered the primary commercial and mixed use district of the Corridor. Recognizing the importance of retaining and encouraging this primary use designation, the concept for this segment promotes walkability and mobility, while ensuring traffic calming through key design elements, substantial street trees, commercial vitality, first floor retail fronting the street, office, upper-story residential and vibrant institutional uses.

This concept differs from that for the more southerly section of MLK from Gwinnett to Exchange Street, where significantly more residential and less retail are prevalent. In addition to new sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, ornamental lamp posts and enhanced landscaping, this concept includes substantial street trees, first floor retail uses pulled up to the sidewalk, upper story residential and/or office and vibrant institutional uses. A street median is not included in the concept for phase 3, instead, a textured safety strip allows for vehicular accessibility to shopping and destinations.

A photo synthesis below shows the street before and after phase three is implemented. Final phasing of the plan will include completion of the improvements from Oglethorpe to Bay and from Bay to the River. Additionally, working in concert with Chatham County, complementary improvements are underway for the Chatham County Courthouse.As the segment from Oglethorpe to Bay Street is considered a part of the state highway system, this segment will require additional DOT approvals before moving forward.

Before

After