06/04/2026
We are so proud of our partners! Especially Civis Savannah!
Congratulations to the 2205 – 2207 MLK Jr. Development Project, winner of the President’s Choice Award! This special Preservation Award is only granted to projects that exhibit not only superior preservation practices, but impact on the community and expanding preservation’s reach. This project served as a catalyst for nearby preservation work and continues to serve as a model for a preservation minded approach to address property maintenance and blight. It also added four more dwelling units to help combat Savannah’s housing shortage.
This project involved two adjacent underutilized properties located along MLK Jr. Blvd. in the Cuyler-Brownville National Register Historic District. Both properties were developed c. 1902 and shared a similar architectural style. The 2-story Neoclassical Revival style with side-hall dwelling at 2205 was first occupied by A.J. and Effie Thorpe, and was home to tenants and owners over the years. Changes and alterations occurred with the infilling of a rear porch and various alterations to interior spaces, and the property had sat vacant for several years; during this time the 2nd floor caught fire.
When the properties were purchased from HSF’s Revolving Fund the principal dwelling at 2205 was the only historic structure remaining along the block. It was carefully rehabilitated, and a new accessory dwelling was built behind it along the lane. At 2207 a new principal and accessory dwelling were constructed which honored the architectural legacy of the demolished buildings.
Civis Savannah purchased both properties to develop, and the project team was headed by Ward Architecture + Preservation and The Basin Company with partnership from Community Housing Services Agency, Inc.-CHSA. The team overcame considerable challenges. 2205 was suffering from a lack of maintenance leading to disrepair and rot. The fire damage of the 2nd floor ceiling and roof framing necessitated a substantial amount of reframing. Being open to the environment caused significant water damage to interior features, walls and floors. Most of the wood double-hung windows had been removed or badly deteriorated. No plumbing or electrical fixtures remained and had to be replaced.
Exterior modifications included installing a new asphalt shingle roof. The standing seam metal porch roof was maintained and repaired. All wood siding and trim was repaired and replaced where missing. Missing window trim was installed to match the existing in kind. The front entry received a new door, and new wood stairs were installed at the front and side porches.
The design for the new construction at 2207 was inspired both by the historic documentation of the previous structure and by the existing height, mass, scale, and materials of 2205.
The design of the two new accessory dwellings for both 2205 and 2207 is indicative of the historic building type found throughout the district. The exterior materials and detailing are more contemporary than the principal dwelling units but exist in harmony with the surrounding architecture.
The project’s high visibility along MLK Jr. Blvd. has had a positive effect on the appearance of the block and neighborhood, reclaiming a section of the street that had experienced significant demolition. Ultimately, this project’s combination of historic rehabilitation and compatible new design revitalized a block in Cuyler-Brownville, added housing, and shows the impact that preservation has in our community.
