In October 2006 Brockington and Associates completed archival research and cultural resources reconnaissance for approximately 37 acres in Lamar Ward in downtown Savannah, Georgia. The proposed project is a joint venture between the City of Savannah and Ambling Inc. and includes an eastern extension of the Savannah Riverwalk along with mixed commercial/residential development. The study area is supplemental to the proposed Village at Oglethorpe Landing (Permit Application #200500423) and the Riverwalk Extension (Permit Application #200415260).
The proposed development will require a Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit, because of its impact on non‑tidal wetlands. Phase I archaeological surveys are often required before upland construction, as part of the Section 404 permitting process (Clean Water Act, 33 USC 1344). Prior to the permit application, however, approximately 15 feet of fill dirt was placed on the entire study tract. In early 2006, this dirt was trucked in during excavation of~. City parking deck at Market Square in downtown Savannah. Completion of an archaeological survey within the study tract is thus problematical.
The current study tract was historically divided into two main parts, the northern waterfront tract, and the inland tract to the south. The waterfront tract was originally referred to as the "Windmill Tract;@ the area was subsequently named "Anderson's Wharf," "Gordon's Wharf,'' and the "Atlantic Coast Lines Wharf.'" The waterfront portion has been in almost continual use since 1839. The southern portion of the tract consists of land that belonged to Gazaway B. Lamar in the nineteenth century and remained in the Lamar family until the early twentieth century. The Lamar land was used for agricultural fields until it was subdivided in 1921 and used for warehousing naval stores.
It is likely that deeply buried archaeological remains are present along the waterfront However, previous archaeological investigations at an adjacent tract (Butler 1996; Butler and Pritchard 2007) suggest the remains would not likely be significant (eligible for the National Register of Historic Places [NRHP]). Also, the proposed buildings will be constructed on driven piles, and will probably have little or no impact(s) on the deeply buried deposits.
Two historic resources (Resources 1 and 2) were identified during the reconnaissance. Resource 1 is a circa 1937 brick warehouse/office building originally constructed to hold and sell naval stores (turpentine, pitch, rosin, etc.). Resource 2 consists of a series of wharf pilings along the riverbank. Resource 1 is recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), under Criterion C (significant architecture). If feasible, the proposed undertaking should avoid impacts to the building and incorporate it into the development. If avoidance is not feasible, adverse effects should be mitigated, perhaps by large format photographic documentation. Resource 2 is not recommended eligible and no further management consideration is suggested.
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