The Gamble Municipal Building (GMB) is located at 6 E. Bay Street and positioned along River Street at the Bull Street Ramp next to City Hall. The underlying site fronts River Street, Bull Street (ramp), and Factors Walk. The property contains approximately 7,070 square feet (0.16 acre) with dimensions of approximately 101 feet x 70 feet. The site has convenient access to Bay Street via pedestrian bridges, as well as prime frontage and access to the Savannah River and adjoining riverwalk. The intersection of Bay Street and Bull Street is signalized. The property is currently zoned B-B within the “Downtown” future land use district. 

According to historical records, the six-story building on the site was originally developed by Eugene Kelly and is believed to have been completed in the 1870s. It offers Italianate styling with views of the Savannah River, Bay Street, and City Hall. The building contains approximately 44,000 square feet of gross building area. The City of Savannah purchased the building in 1943 for the purposes of administrative offices. Currently, the bottom two floors are leased with long-term tenants in place.

If declared surplus and available for sale, staff will prepare and issue a request for proposals (RFP) soliciting a buyer for the property. The property is a prime redevelopment opportunity located along the prime tourist corridor of River Street along the Savannah River, and the heavily traveled East Bay Street. Proposals will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of staff, and a recommendation of the highest responsible bidder will be made to City Council for award.

The assessed market value of the property, as of January 2, 2017, as established by the Chatham County Board of Assessors, is $6.925 million. Staff will procure a current appraisal of the market value of the property to assist in evaluating proposals received.

Approval