In the wake of Atlanta developer Ben Carter’s announcement that he wants to invest $75 million to reinvigorate Savannah’s Broughton Street, the Savannah Morning News is offering readers an online map of properties Carter reportedly has bought or leased.
When clicked, each balloon identifies the business that is currently occupying the space or, in some cases, what used to be there. More than half of the 12 listed are empty storefronts. This map does not include information on upper floors or units.
This map is based on interviews with shopkeepers, a list of leasable spaces previously available online through Carter’s site and published by City Talk columnist Bill Dawers as well as sources with first-hand knowledge.
Carter gave an informal presentation on the project to City Council last Thursday. He said he had closed on two properties and had 22 more under contract. The map only designates 12 of these, mostly clustered on West Broughton between Jefferson and Bull streets.
Carter said he wants to bring in a mix of local and national retailers. He said controlling a “critical mass” of properties makes it easier to attract top retailers who want complementary neighbors.
Ben Carter Enterprises will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. on Tuesday to provide more information on the proposed revitalization.
We will update this map as more information becomes available. Subscribers can access the map at www.savannahnow.com.