Savannah is setting aside $60 million for a long-term transformation of its iconic River Street. Unveiled earlier this year, the city-backed “vision plan” lays out 48 improvements to the waterfront, including upgrades to lighting, signage, parks, and Factor’s Walk, along with a cleaner, more scenic river walk experience.
Some changes are already underway: security cameras have been installed, landscaping and facade cleanups are in progress, and conversations are happening around future traffic and transportation improvements. Longer-term goals include adding amenities like public restrooms, restaging Morrell Park, and extending the river walk to make it continuous.
The plan is being pushed forward by a public-private effort, with help from the newly formed Waterfront Community Improvement District (CID), a group of property owners funding improvements through special taxes. The city is also contributing via hotel-motel tax revenue.
Ultimately, this project aims to build on the legacy of River Street’s 1970s revitalization and elevate the area to compete with waterfront destinations in cities like Nashville and Copenhagen—while still keeping it rooted in Savannah’s history and serving locals first.
