Urban Design Studio III

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Walkability Among the Edges

Savannah Battlefield Park
Urban Design Studio III
Spring 2012

History, Place and Passage
The city of Savannah was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, becoming one of the most influential cities in the South. The innovative ward system introduced in the 18th century is still one of its most appealing characteristics, and remains true to its pedestrian origins.

Throughout most of the 1700s to the 1800s the ward system remained true to the Oglethorpe expansion plan. However, the proliferation of Savannah beyond West Broad St. (MLK Jr. Blvd.) began the disconnection in the grid and core.

The addendum of the west area resulted in a discrepancy within the city. Nonetheless, with the introduction of the industrial revolution in the 19th and 20th centuries, west Savannah saw a revival. Central of Georgia Railways injected a new level of development when it began to construct in the early 1830s.

The site for this project focused on the Louisville Rd. - Liberty St . corridors, which encompasses the former Central of Georgia Railways. The disconnection between both streets is clearly marked by the overwhelming amount of traffic and decreasing activity of pedestrians.

Although Savannah has remained mainly intact, the exordium of super blocks and the federal highway system resulted in a disconnection and then depression of the west side.