Civic Legacy: Future of The Civic Center

News & Updates

  • Civic Legacy and Railroad District Survey: The Railroad District, home to the Savannah History Museum, Visitor Center, Savannah Children’s Museum, and Georgia State Railroad Museum, is an important community asset and part of the Central of Georgia Railroad National Historic Landmark District. The City of Savannah is studying its City-owned property here to help guide future plans while protecting and preserving historic resources. Public input is an invaluable part of the process. Please share your feedback: Take the survey
  • Renovation of MLK Civic Center Open House February 25, 2026: View the Presentation
  • Civic Legacy and Railroad District Open House February 18, 2026: View the Presentation
  • Savannah City Council passed a resolution to name the Civic Center in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Read the resolution

Civic Center exterior picture

In June 2024, the Savannah City Council approved the Civic Center Resolution. Think of it as a guide for the redevelopment of the Civic Center. See project updates and next steps below.

Removal of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena

Update February 2026: The design for the removal of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena is complete, and construction will begin early March 2026. The scope of work includes demolition of the arena, asbestos and lead abatement, replacement of the existing chiller serving the facility, installation of a temporary kitchen, and construction of a new temporary enclosure at the south end of the lobby. The chiller replacement, asbestos and lead abatement, and installation of the temporary kitchen must be completed prior to demolition. As a result, visible arena demolition will not begin until summer 2026. The demolition will be performed such that the Johnny Mercer Theatre, lobby, ballroom, and meeting rooms remain in place and in service. The total construction cost is estimated at $10.9 million. The arena demolition is the first step to revitalize the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center site and is expected to take 13 months.

Renovation of the Johnny Mercer Theatre

Planning for the renovation of the Johnny Mercer Theatre started in February 2025. The goal: transform the theatre into a regional performing arts and entertainment center. Several studies have informed the renovation design:

  • market research to learn what people want to see or do in the theatre
  • programming analysis to identify performances, ticket sales and concessions
  • operations study to estimate the schedule, staff, and budget needed to run the theater

These studies confirmed: 

  • The Johnny Mercer Theatre, community ballroom, and meeting rooms are community assets.
  • The community wants to keep the facilities.
  • The City of Savannah needs to reinvest in these facilities.

These studies also inform the renovation plans. The goal is to make sure these facilities serve our Savannah community.

Economic and Land Use Study

As of July 2025, RCLCO is conducting a comprehensive economic and land use study. It will inform the redevelopment of the Civic Center. The Civic Center Resolution guides the study, which includes: 

  • Market-driven land use assessment to identify how the land near the Civic Center can be used
  • Land use options include housing, retail, office or community spaces
  • Cost-benefit analysis to compare the pros and cons of different land use options
  • Evaluation of parking needs to plan for the number and location of parking spaces 

    development strategy to outline different phases of the Civic Center redevelopment over time

The study prioritizes affordable housing, office, retail, and community uses. It excludes hotels and short-term rentals. It seeks to preserve historic character.

Public Engagement

Public engagement is a crucial component of this project. Community input will guide planning and implementation decisions. To learn more about public engagement opportunities and efforts, please visit the Get Involved page. 

Project Questions?

Email: civiclegacy@savannahga.gov  
Phone: (912) 651-3108