NEWS RELEASE

April 9, 2018

For Immediate Release

NPS Affirms Savannah Not in Danger of Losing ‘National Historic Landmark’ Status

SAVANNAH, GA (April 9, 2018) — Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District is not in danger of losing its National Historic Landmark status, according to the National Park Service (NPS). In a statement sent to the City the NPS currently rates Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District as “Satisfactory”.

The City reached out to the NPS on March 22 seeking clarification about the third-party assessment prepared for the NPS and received the following quote.

“No, the Savannah National Historic Landmark District is not in danger of losing its designation,” said Cynthia Walton, NPS Southeast Region Program Manager for National Historic Landmarks.

“The last comprehensive assessment of the Savannah National Historic Landmark District was conducted by the National Park Service (NPS) in 2002. NPS provided a cursory rating of satisfactory in 2006 when we learned plans were adjusted to construct the bus terminal outside of the district,” Walton added. “This year's report was commissioned to provide complete data about incompatible changes that had occurred and have been proposed. We will consider the recommendations of the report along with public input before making any changes to the condition category.”

Walton said the NPS commissioned this year’s report to provide complete data and will consider the recommendations of the report along with public input before making any changes to the condition category. The NPS announced opportunities for public comment today. Click here to leave a comment with the NPS. 

On March 21, 2018 the Historic Savannah Foundation issued a news release about the “Integrity and Condition Assessment Savannah National Historic Landmark District, 2018” which was prepared by New South Associates Inc. (a Stone Mountain firm) and Lominack Kolman Smith Architects (a Savannah firm) for the NPS.

Savannah City Manager Rob Hernandez said, “While this third party recommends Savannah be placed on the threatened list, more comprehensive data will help the National Park Service reach their conclusion. I appreciate the NPS for clarifying the misinformation that was disseminated and I am pleased that they have announced public comment forums. I know what everyone else who lives, works or plays in Savannah knows, this city is a great city and we are extremely proud of the many things we have done over the past decade to preserve and celebrate Savannah’s history, not only in the National Landmark Historic District, but throughout all of Savannah.”

National Park Service News Release