SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Savannah’s Southside residents have a chance to speak directly with city leaders about a handful of projects. Alderman Kurtis Purtee is hosting a town hall this evening – with big updates on everything from a new community center to the future of the Savannah Mall.

The Savannah Mall – once a landmark for Southside shoppers – may not be here in the next five to ten years. City leaders say the site could soon be transformed into a walkable town center filled with shops and green space. On Wednesday, residents will have a chance to learn more about that plan at a town hall.

Residents will get an update on the Windsor Forest Community Center – including new renderings, project timelines, and details on programs for youth and seniors. Alderman Kurtis Purtee says the center’s mid-century modern design reflects the character of the neighborhood while adding a much-needed space for recreation and community events. He’ll also outline the Southside retrofit plan – a long-term vision to redevelop the former Savannah Mall property into a vibrant town center with shops, green space, and up to 400 affordable housing units.

“Community voices are extremely important. One thing – and I will tell you – the projects that we have on the Southside and many projects that we have in the city are citizen-driven. In order for these projects to be successful, we have to have people there,” said 6th District Alderman Kurtis Purtee.

If you want to attend the meeting, it’s happening tonight, starting at 6 p.m. at the Windsor Forest High School Auditorium. That’s on Largo Drive on the Southside.

The city is exploring partnerships and potential SPLOST funding to move the mall project forward. They’re in early talks with developers on what could become one of the city’s largest redevelopment projects in decades.

Alderman Purtee believes the Southside of Savannah will look transformed come 2035. The Savannah Mall space is becoming a new walkable town center for thousands of residents.

“When they cross the Forest River Bridge to come into Savannah, it’s going to be the first thing you see. We want to make sure that we are doing ourselves a service by really promoting that space there and helping to develop to the best of our capability that we can,” said Alderman Purtee.

For those who attend today’s meeting, Alderman Purtee says the new Windsor Forest Community Center will feature a mid-century modern design inspired by the character of nearby homes. Residents can expect to see updated renderings of the center and learn more about where it will be located, the timeline of development, and discuss programming that may take place there.

While some parts of the mall may be demolished, anchors like Target and Dillard’s are anticipated to remain and be integrated into the new project. A $15 million SPLOST item is currently under consideration to help fund planning and partnerships tied to the mall redevelopment. Alderman Purtee says the City of Savannah’s role is to connect developers, businesses, and community groups, while also leveraging federal grants and other resources to support the project. Stakeholders involved include local universities, hospitals, neighborhood associations, and the current mall owners.

Both of these projects are being shaped by tonight’s District 6 Town Hall input. For those who can’t attend it is encouraged to stay involved through the city website, social media, or by reaching out directly to Alderman Purtee’s office.

You can contact Alderman Purtee at 912-346-3305 or by email.