City of Savannah staff are preparing to welcome City Council members and the public back to City Hall for the first regular meeting in the restored Council Chambers. The event, scheduled for Thursday, August 14, marks the completion of the first two phases of the City Hall Interior Restoration Project.
A special “Welcome Home to the Chamber Celebration” will be held to allow both council members and residents to view the progress made during this major restoration effort. The day’s events begin at 10 a.m. with an open house for council members, followed by a noon open house and tour for the public and media. An archival display featuring artifacts related to City Hall’s construction and history will also be available in the restored Archives History Room on the first floor.
At 2 p.m., City Council will hold its first regular meeting of August in the newly renovated chamber on City Hall’s second floor. The meeting will include a presentation welcoming attendees back and recognizing those involved in completing these initial phases.
Savannah’s City Hall was designed by architect Hyman W. Witcover and built between 1904 and 1906 by Savannah Contracting Company. It remains one of Savannah’s most significant historic buildings.
The restoration project aims to honor original community investments while focusing on architectural preservation, safety improvements, government efficiency, and increased public access.
Phases one and two were funded through SPLOST VII funds. Work included restoring original marble, mosaics, penny tile, woodwork, plaster, furniture, lighting, and hardware throughout key areas such as the Council Chamber, Archives and History Room, entrance lobby, Welcome and Security Center, rotunda, and stairwell (more details can be found at https://agenda.savannahga.gov/publishing/may-23-2024-city-council-regular-meeting/1450_10327.html).
The remaining phases will address additional interior repairs as well as exterior work. Completion is expected in 2026 as part of celebrations marking City Hall’s 120th anniversary.
