Dolly Chisolm, agent, on behalf of Christian Sottile, property owner, and Ralston College on behalf of Pelican Funds, LLC, petitioner, is requesting approval of a Special Use Permit at 115 West Bolton Street to establish an educational building used by a college, university, or seminary.  The property is within the TN-1 (Traditional Neighborhood-1) zoning district and located on the southwest corner of W. Bolton and Howard streets. 

The building is a two-story, historic church building that was constructed in 1911 and is a contributing building within the Savannah Victorian National Register Historic District and the local Planned-Neighborhood-Conservation district. The church was known as the Greater Friendship Baptist Church.  In approximately 2015, the church was purchased, and the exterior was renovated. 

The Petitioner’s intention is to establish an educational building used by a college, university which requires a Special Use Permit within the TN-1 zoning district. 

On August 15, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the petition from Dolly Chisolm, agent, on behalf of Christian Sottile, property owner, and Ralston College on behalf of Pelican Funds, LLC, petitioner, for a Special Use Permit to establish an educational building used by a college, university, or seminary for 115 West Bolton Street (PIN 20044 18001).

Following the Planning Commission meeting, the Petitioner has agreed to these additional conditions:

1. The Special Use Permit shall be nontransferable
2. The operational hours shall be 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight for the library use, and special lecture events shall end by 10:00 p.m.