Building a Legacy: Forsyth Fort Visitor & Band Shell Complex
The Forsyth Fort Complex has been one of Savannah's most keenly anticipated projects, and will remain an enduring legacy for the city.
Designed by new City Architect Tom Perdue, the project finally commenced in 2004. Perdue also provided construction management necessary to bring the project to fruition and it's welcomed grand opening on February 12, 2010.
Throughout the 1990's many in Savannah wanted a venue for outdoor concerts and events. Even after a minimal amount of funding was allotted a site could not be settled on. By the late 1990's Hutchinson Island was selected as the location. Unfortunately, it wouldn't work--there wasn't enough space or money.
In 2000 Tom Perdue joined the City of Savannah as City Architect. Having more than 30 years of development experience as well as being a visionary, he saw the potential the Forsyth Fort site had, built in 1912 and at that time having stood unused for more than 30 years. With much effort including an animated computer presentation of Perdue's design city leaders were persuaded that this indeed was the spot--both for Savannah's band shell as well as the desired Visitor Center, dining and restroom facilities the city wanted for the Park. The original plan was to include a second story fine dining and event space to be funded by Kessler but ultimately did not happen.
The following shows the evolution of turning an abandoned structure in one of the country's most beautiful parks into one of the most notable and enduring features in Savannah.
In 2000 Tom Perdue joined the City of Savannah as City Architect. Having more than 30 years of development experience as well as being a visionary, he saw the potential the Forsyth Fort site had, built in 1912 and at that time having stood unused for more than 30 years. With much effort including an animated computer presentation of Perdue's design city leaders were persuaded that this indeed was the spot--both for Savannah's band shell as well as the desired Visitor Center, dining and restroom facilities the city wanted for the Park. The original plan was to include a second story fine dining and event space to be funded by Kessler but ultimately did not happen.
The following shows the evolution of turning an abandoned structure in one of the country's most beautiful parks into one of the most notable and enduring features in Savannah.
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The fort was one of the oldest poured-in-place concrete structures in the United States. The walls lacked adequate rebar, therefore only mass held it together. Walls ranged from 9 to 20 inches thick. Even in this condition the structure survived almost 100 years, through hurricanes and neglect. |
2008: Structure is braced for demolition.The distinctive south wall with the turrets and buttresses were saved. Only 2/3 of the north end of the fort were demolished.
Aerial view of the construction site.
The North end was built back exactly as it had been through a meticulous effort of measurements and photos.
Exterior of the Fort has been cleaned and readied for exterior restoration as south side site work begins.
The walls lacked rebar, therefore only mass held it together.
Walls ranged from 9 to 20 inches thick. **
Stage foundation work begins as Fort is renovated with reconstructed walls and southern wall renovation.
Amphitheater columns.
Fountain work.
Erecting the stage structure.
Some nearby residents opposed a permanent band shell. As a compromise the band shell installed is a temporary structure, but the permanent stage columns were also opposed.
The project truly drew attention when the permanenttensile fabric fabric structure was erected in November 2009. The Forsyth Park location for the band shell met with oppostion, but Perdue's vision and design prevailed. The fabric can be removed in high wind conditions.
Visitor Center/Cafe. The ornate wooden ceiling included and budgeted in the original design was ultimately not possible. The compromise was an attractive concrete ceiling with indirect lighting.
Natural lighting helped the Fort's restrooms to be dubbed "the most attractive public restrooms in Savannah."
Brick pavers complement the building exterior.
Brick pavers complement the building exterior.
**Photos from spottedsavannah.com