Hotel, retail space planned on Georgia Power site on River St.

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -

A new multi-million dollar development complex is planned for the Georgia Power site on historic east River St.

A developer wants to build two hotels, a parking garage in excess of 500 parking spaces and retail complex on the waterfront property.

The Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Planning Commission approved a draft of the proposal during a special meeting Thursday.

Before the proposal is finalized, the developer will have to meet the historic district's height guidelines, which are set in place by the city to preserve the look of the historic district.

While the Georgia Power office building isn't a historic building, it will be preserved and not be demolished.

River Street may also be widened to accommodate additional traffic and pedestrians. Under the proposal, a pedestrian only access will be constructed that will connect Trustees Gardens and pedestrian traffic from Bay St. to River St. and the Savannah River Walk.

No public funding will be required for the project, but rather, all funds for the construction will be privately funded.

The Historic Board will go before the Metropolitan Planning Committee June 5 for further approval.

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Hotel, retail space planned on Georgia Power site on River St.