Civic Center: too small to save Funny how history can repeat - TopicsExpress



          

Civic Center: too small to save Funny how history can repeat itself. What once was heralded as a major accomplishment and a cultural gift to the residents of Savannah, is now deemed too small, too dilapidated and too whatever to save. In 1974, Savannah City leaders destroyed Elbert Square, built in 1801 and dedicated to Samuel Elbert, a revolutionary soldier, Chatham County Sheriff and Governor of Georgia, to make room for a Civic Center. A new and improved stately piece of architecture that was heralded as a place of culture and education for all residents. Built strategically facing Montgomery Street, it was supposed to join East and West and build a strong bridge of community where separation was no more. Alas, we are now only 40 years later and again the symbolic structure is doomed and seemingly too small to save. Instead, Mayor and Council would like to rebuild the once historic Elbert Square, probably to the likes of Ellis Square that not even remotely resembles what once was 30 years ago and certainly does not fulfill the trade and commerce function for which it was known. Just as Ellis Square had to be demolished to make room for a 4-story parking garage that was leased for 25 years, so did Elbert Square die in 1974. The parking garage has since been dug deep underground but the bill of $17 million in overage cost has still not been paid and a lawsuit is still pending in Court. Mayor and Council do not talk about the cost of demolishing the Civic Center, nor do they talk about the cost of reconstructing Elbert Square even though both are related to or the result of the planned new arena elsewhere. One can only wonder why suddenly the post-segregation cultural emblem is not good enough anymore and a new shiny monstrosity has to be erected on the Westside. History repeats itself but only for a few that still remember. The others have long forgotten and only focus on what is good for quote: “…who look like me…” end quote. To be continued…
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:08:50 +0000

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