Archaeological Survey of the Proposed HOPE VI Development, Savannah, Georgia

In April 2003 Southern Research, Historic Preservation Consultants, Inc. conducted a Phase I archaeological survey for the Housing Authority of Savannah, City of Savannah of proposed Hope VI development. The study area is located in the northeastern part of Savannah, southwest of the intersection of Wheaton Street and the Harry S. Truman Parkway (Figure 1). This project employed shovel testing and surface reconnaissance to identify the archaeological sites in the study area. The Housing Authority of Savannah has committed to build a mixed income community in the Benjamin Van Clark Park area of Savannah. This Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) project, which replaces the old Garden Homes site, will include 273 dwellings comprised of 24 market rate units, 108 affordable rental units, Ill public housing apartments and 30 affordable rate homes. Also included in the project area will be a 13,000 square foot Neighborhood Resource Center and 15,000 square foot of retail space (Housing Authority of Savannah http://www.savannahpha.com/ facts.htm). The survey resulted in the location of three archaeological sites. Two of these sites lacked integrity or any substantial research value and were deemed ineligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The third site, named the Waldburg Street Site, contained a buried deposit of early historic artifacts, midden and features that promises to enlighten our society on early life on the outskirts of Savannah. The potential for important Revolutionary War and Civil War components also was recognized from historical research, although no artifacts or features specifically linked to these events were identified. The Waldburg Street site is recommended eligible for inclusion in the NRHP at the state level of significance under Criterion D. The Housing Authority of Savannah has determined that it is not feasible to avoid the Waldburg site and has agreed to sponsor archaeological data recovery to resolve the adverse effect if the State Historic Preservation Officer concurs with the findings and recommendations of this report.