Planning Panel Backs SEDA Forsyth Park Rezoning
The Savannah Economic Development Authority seeks to rezone its Forsyth Park campus to build new office space for small businesses.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Remote Work
Live Poll
Should Savannah allow more office buildings in established neighborhoods like Forsyth Park?
The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission recommended approval of the Savannah Economic Development Authority's rezoning from Traditional Neighborhood-1 to Traditional Commercial-2. The recommendation was conditioned on limiting uses at the site to Traditional Commercial-1, which SEDA accepted.
Why it matters
The new offices are intended to house several small businesses and organizations that promote Savannah's business environment. The Victorian Neighborhoods Association has requested a continuance, citing a lack of detailed development plans.
The Planning Commission recommended capping any new building footprint at 7,500 square feet on the site. SEDA has not yet released site plans, so the final scale of development remains unknown.
The players
Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA)
SEDA is the local economic development body that promotes business growth in Savannah and is pursuing this rezoning to build office space.
Victorian Neighborhoods Association
The neighborhood group represents residents of the Victorian Historic District and has asked for a continuance until SEDA answers questions about its plans.
The details
SEDA seeks to rezone 905 Abercorn St., a non-contributing structure at the eastern rear of its property, along with its Forsyth Park campus. Expected tenants include Startup Savannah, the Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership, the Georgia Southern University Business Innovation Group and GSU's Center for Irish Research and Teaching.
Timeline
Last week: Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning.
The rezoning request will go before Savannah City Council for final approval.
Remote Work Landscape
The Forsyth Park rezoning shifts a residential-zoned parcel toward Traditional Commercial-1 office use, the least intensive commercial category, to host shared workspace for small businesses. The project reflects Savannah's effort to build offices that support startups and entrepreneurs who work remotely or in flexible spaces.
Residents near Forsyth Park and the Victorian Historic District may see a new office campus once the rezoning is approved and site plans are filed. Anyone following the project should watch for Savannah City Council's vote and the Historic Preservation Commission's review of the design.
The takeaway
Zoning conditions can keep a commercial project within limits set for a historic neighborhood. Readers following local development should track both council action and design review.
What happens next
The rezoning request will go before Savannah City Council for final approval.
Further reading
Explore more on Remote Work to see how flexible office spaces are shaping local business growth.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Savannah Morning News.
Live Poll
Should Savannah allow more office buildings in established neighborhoods like Forsyth Park?
