SCAD exploring future of O-House dorm, potential plans include increase in bed count

The signature Savannah College of Art and Design dorm on Oglethorpe Avenue's west end, known for its colorful doors and midcentury features, may undergo a transformation.

A SCAD representative met with City Manager Jay Melder and Director of Planning and Urban Design Bridget Lidy on Feb. 7 about the potential for a new two-building, 700-bed dorm complex, according to a meeting invite and project blueprints obtained by the Savannah Morning News via an open records request.

"SCAD continuously evaluates all university resources to provide the best student experience in innovative, creative learning environments.," said the statement from SCAD, sent in response to an interview request. "The university is currently evaluating the feasibility of numerous options for the 201 W. Oglethorpe Avenue property based on the condition of this non-historic building and the ability for it to meet the long-term needs of our students.  At this time, we have not finalized plans for this property."

O-House dorm is a non-contributing building, which means it is not officially a structure that adds to the historic qualities of the historic district. The building, completed in 1964, was formerly the Downtowner Motor Inn . It was converted to a residence hall in 1990.

What do we know?

A project description, which was confirmed as accurate by SCAD, was included on the city's invite and listed the following details:

"SCAD operates a six-story, 300-bed dorm at 201 W. Oglethorpe located on a tithing block adjacent to the Civic Center. They are proposing to construct two new buildings ― one six stories along Oglethorpe and the other five stories along Hull Street facing Orleans Square ― to create a new 700-bed dorm. The structures would be connected by a glass bridge over a re-established lane. The site is located in a parking exempt zone and currently has 85 parking spaces. The proposal is for 75 spaces."

The creation of a two-building, 700-bed complex would increase the number of beds on-site by approximately 300. Blueprints obtained via the open records request featured the seal of local firm Hansen Architects .

"The City frequently has preliminary meetings with developers who are planning projects," said a City of Savannah spokesperson in an email. "This allows the City to understand the intent of the development as well as ensure that the interests of residents are met during the planning process."

SCAD "was also interested in learning more "about the redevelopment of the Civic Center site."

Brad Grant, SCAD's senior vice president of development, was present at a stakeholder meeting on the Civic Center's future last week . The O-House dorm neighbors the Civic Center to the northeast and shares streets and lanes on the historic grid.

SCAD's potential dorm plans could restore West Oglethorpe Lane up to the Civic Center site at Jefferson Street, according to the project description confirmed by SCAD.

Evan Lasseter is the city and county government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: SCAD exploring future of O-House dorm, potential plans include increase in bed count