Grant and Claire founded Wonderland Photo Studios with the belief that creativity and inspiration are essential to a fulfilling life. Combining Grant’s talents in carpentry and photography with Claire’s experience as an interior designer…Wonderland Photo Studios was born right here in Savannah, GA.
We are excited to announce the opening of Savannah’s newest event venue located at West Broad. Savannah Bottle Works is a beautiful space for hosting weddings, corporate events, private parties and more. The space is now booking events for Fall 2023 and beyond.
The community at West Broad continues to grow. As more and more businesses take up residency in this historic redevelopment, a vibrant community of businesses and local residents grows brighter and brighter. It’s incredible to watch.
History lives in our stories. The narratives we pass down from one generation to the next. Stories of heroes, triumphs, tragedies, and movements that we use to teach our children and remind ourselves of the perils of previous mistakes. These stories live in books, blogs, films, and even in the very places we live, work, and walk by every day. History lives in spaces like West Broad. A history we endeavor to preserve, protect, and share.
Our historic redevelopment project, West Broad, is located within Savannah's rapidly reemerging Westside. As the area springs back to life, we are striving to foster and nurture a vibrant and dynamic business community here. It’s been a long road, but activity is growing and a community has risen around it to match.
This truly is an incredible time for West Broad.
We are proud to provide a distinctive space with unparalleled conveniences and design at West Broad in the historic heart of Savannah. Not only have we redeveloped one of Savannah’s most historic buildings, but we’ve also cultivated a thriving, vibrant local business community. This is our mission, our passion, and one of the best ways to serve our local community.
But none of that would be possible without some incredible tenants. We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to some new ones and a few coming soon.
Enjoy!
Enjoy a high-quality salon experience right here at West Broad! Featuring a team of incredible stylists, Chic and Co. Salon will treat you to your perfect style while you relax in unparalleled comfort. If you’re looking to try something new or just refresh your current look, Chic and Co. is the place for you. Come on by and take a look at what this incredible studio can do for you.
Image: Weezie Towels
We’re very excited to welcome Weezie Towels newest offices to West Broad. Weezie Towels bring joy to your bathroom with high-quality towels and robes that make every day a special occasion. They make the perfect terry, the finishing touches are up to you. If you haven’t yet, take a look at their website and find something you like. We’re proud to have them as part of our community.
Photo: Wicker Park Capital Management
Wicker Park Capital Management is a privately-held real estate investment firm focused on multi-family, retail, office, and mixed-use properties in the Southern United States. With multiple offices in Savannah, Birmingham, and Atlanta, we’re thrilled to welcome them to our West Broad business community and look forward to great things from them.
Photo: Chuck Chewning Interiors
Our next new community member is one that has made an impact on both historic Savannah and the world through interior design. Chuck Chewning has more than thirty years of experience in luxury residential, hospitality, and preservation interior design. An alumnus of The Savannah College of Art and Design, Chuck became the first recipient of the SCAD Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008 and wrote a forward to the Assouline book SCAD: The Architecture of a University.
Chewning has won awards for his work at The Prince de Galles in Paris, The Grande Bretagne in Athens (Architectural Digest, March 2004) the One & Only Kanahura in the Maldives, as well as the Hospitality Design Award (2006) the European Design Award (2003 and 2004) and the Golden Key Award (2004 and 2006.) His contributions to the design world have been recognized in countless publications including Blue Cameron’s 2014 book Conversations: Up Close and Personal with Icons of Fashion, Interior Design, and Art.
There’s more to West Broad than just these new businesses. We also have a variety of office spaces available for lease on the second and third floors of our development. These spaces strike an incredible balance in preserving the historic elements of this building and its place in Savannah as well as offering modern, convenient office space for businesses of all sizes and missions.
If you’d like to be part of this vibrant, growing business community in a historic redevelopment, why not come by and take a look today? Enjoy what we already have to offer and consider if West Broad is the right space for you.
To learn more about West Broad Savannah, please connect with us through our contact form. For leasing information contact Info@JudgeCommercial.com or call 912.236.1000.
In 2019 we completed our historic redevelopment project, West Broad, located in the center of Savannah’s rapidly reemerging Westside. As this neighborhood springs back to life, we’re aimed at fostering and nurturing a local business community in this incredible space. It’s been a long road, but activity is growing and a community has risen around it to match. This truly is an incredible time for West Broad.
Our goal with West Broad has been to not only redevelop one of Savannah’s historic spaces for business but also to create and nurture a local business community. By providing a unique space with distinctive history as well as unparalleled convenience and design we create spaces for businesses of all shapes, sizes, and missions. This makes our local community more vibrant.
But none of that would be possible without some incredible tenants. We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to some new ones as well as a few coming soon. Enjoy!
Photo: Savannah Square Pops
We’re very excited to welcome Savannah Square Pops to the West Broad community. Offering up hand-crafted ice pops named for one of the 22 historic squares in Savannah, these are not to be missed. Featured on Food Network, these amazing pops are something truly unique. Enjoy the refreshing Calhoun Square (Blackberry Lemonade), the decadent Pulaski Square (Salted Caramel, dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in pretzel pieces), or marvel at the perfect slice of kiwi in the Wright Square Pop.
Come explore their offerings today!
Photo: AMPT Savannah
Everyone wants to find their path to better fitness and a healthier life. But often that journey can be stressful. AMPT does fitness a bit differently. Their unique method combines fitness and mindfulness practices, bringing a more holistic approach to your personal development journey. More meaning, longer-lasting results, and a healthier, happier you are what you can look forward to with AMPT.
Continue, or start, your fitness journey with this amazing new member of our community.
Photo: Gregory Piper/Coral Reef Image Bank
One of the most distinctive features of Savannah is its glorious coastline and marine environments. This natural beauty is a central part of the amazing place we live. That’s why we’re happy to welcome the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to West Broad. Acting as a leading voice for protected waters in the U.S., this incredible organization works with communities to help preserve, protect, and expand these breathtaking places for a healthy ocean and coast.
Opening later this year – we invite you to learn more about this incredible organization’s important mission.
Photo: Smithereens
Come release your stress and have some fun with Smithereens! As Savannah’s premier smash/rage room, Smithereens offers a fun and safe place to unleash your anger and stress in a unique way. Offering safety equipment for folks of all shapes and sizes, Smithereens is an experience for everyone.
With a one of a kind historic location in our space, consider Smithereens for your date night, birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, corporate events, and much more. We’re very excited to have this smashing new tenant in our space and look forward to what’s next for them.
These new businesses join our long-term favorites as well as some new lease signees to form a fully leased first floor, but there’s more to West Broad than retail. We also have a variety of office spaces and co-working spaces available for lease on the second and third floors of our development. These spaces strike an incredible balance in preserving the historic elements of this building and its place in Savannah as well as offering modern, convenient office space for businesses of all sizes and missions.
If you’d like to be part of this vibrant, growing business community in a historic redevelopment, why not come by and take a look today? Enjoy what we already have to offer and consider if West Broad is the right space for you.
To learn more about West Broad Savannah, please connect with us through our contact form. For leasing information contact Info@JudgeCommercial.com or call 912.236.1000.
Preserving historic spaces is important, especially in historic cities like Savannah. Connecting with our history is something that should be central to all of us. Too often historic buildings suffer neglect and poor planning, erasing valuable bits of the historic record forever.
You can see how passionate we are about this issue.
So for this Throwback Thursday, we wanted to revisit our 2021 Award for Excellence in Rehabilitation from The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. This award recognizes significant contributions to the protection of Georgia’s historic resources. In our case, this was the rehabilitation of West Broad.
But just what did we do? Here, let’s take a look.
The 300 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd (once West Broad St) is home to a unique collection of urban mercantile buildings. Originally constructed between 1910 and 1922, this block was the home to Savannah’s iconic Thrifty Supply Center hardware store for nearly 60 years. Prior to that, this block was the center of a vibrant urban district.
This district served as the hub for Savannah’s African-American business community. It provided homes for a diverse mix of small retail and commercial spaces. In the 1960s, it entered a cycle of decline following the demolition of old Union Station to make way for the I-16 interchange.
What followed was the decline of the neighborhood. Over time, the Thrifty Supply Center consolidated most of the property. Internal property lines we dissolved. Upper office spaces were converted to warehouse storage and a few residential apartments. Storefronts were replaced with concrete block walls or boarded up, and the impacts of time and disinvestment took their toll.
In 2015 Thrift Supply Center closed for good. A new owner purchased the majority of the block and the process of rehabilitation began.
There are always challenges in rehabilitating any historic building.
With this particular space, there was a huge challenge in dealing with extensive structural deterioration resulting from many decades of deferred maintenance. Many of the roofs throughout the block were close to collapse from rot and water damage. Additionally, one of the masonry facades had detached and was progressively tilting away from its supporting structure. This presented an imminent danger of façade collapse into the street.
So we went to work.
Utilizing selective and careful reinforcement and reconstruction, we were able to rehabilitate the roofs and prevent collapse. This provided increased protection for the interior and gave us the freedom to begin work inside the building. State-of-the-art structural interventions helped prevent façade collapse and stabilize them, allowing us to then work towards their full restoration.
Additionally, unique items contributing to the distinct history of this place such as signs and exterior details were painstakingly restored and preserved, connecting this building to its rich history.
This restoration helped save these historic buildings from the very real possibility of permanent loss. None of these humble mercantile buildings are high-style historic architecture. Instead they are vernacular fabric buildings representing a significant portion of Savannah’s history. Tragically, buildings such as this have been largely lost over the years.
But West Broad lives on.
Now exterior storefronts have been reestablished along all three of the primary block faces. Individual retail and upper level offices make up the interior. There is even a rooftop common area and a courtyard available for event rental. New businesses are moving into the area, reinvigorating the community and providing new life to a valuable piece of Savannah history.
We’re proud of this space, of the work we’ve done to preserve this historic site, and the awards that have come as a result. To everyone involved, we owe you a tremendous thanks. One person alone never accomplishes projects like these. We couldn’t have done it without a remarkable team.
For those of you who haven’t seen the space…why not come by today and take a look at this fabulous property. We think you’ll like it.
To learn more about West Broad Savannah, please connect with us through our contact form. For leasing information contact Info@JudgeCommercial.com or call 912.236.1000.
West Broad Savannah would like to announce the opening of West Broad Workspaces, co-working, office spaces for individual users. These are 7 smaller units that are ideal for independent contractors, freelancers, service providers, and others.
Located on the second floor, the workspaces have a keypad entry with access to shared restrooms and a kitchenette. Each private office unit has its own lock. Your internet and utilities are included in the cost of your space.
Each space is equipped with access to 1G Internet. This is one of the fastest internet speeds available. It is also the most popular option among internet users. With 1 gigabit speeds, a high-definition video conference or hour-long webinar takes only a few seconds to download. So, you won’t have to worry about slow downloads while being in a shared building.
In addition to lightning-fast internet speeds and inclusive utilities, West Broad Savannah offers a pleasant and tasteful esthetic that is a joy to work in. If you have days in which you have client meetings, you can entertain your clients with ease. We boast a fantastic location and additional amenities that your clients can enjoy. You will also enjoy being part of a community of other business owners.
West Broad Savannah is an ideal space for coworking. We are conveniently-located in Downtown Savannah with close proximity to the amenities desirable for small and larger businesses, alike. If you’d like to work in your office, you have all the privacy you need. You can also choose to work outdoors on the rooftop to catch a cool breeze and some sun. Or, take an afternoon stroll.
We are offering flexible lease terms at flat, monthly rates. If you’d like to stay with us for three months, we can accommodate your request. And, our rates start as low as $375 per month. Our largest, individual office is $650 and we have various prices in between.
Although the individual offices do not offer all of the amenities of an executive suite, they are a great alternative if you’d like to spend some time away from your home office, while remaining safe from COVID. Another benefit of our shorter leases is you don’t have to be tied into a long-term commitment. If you are a corporate employee and your office plans to reopen in 2021, you can rest assured that you have a short-term lease and can go back to your corporate location when the main office opens.
To learn more about the individual, coworking spaces at West Broad Savannah, please connect with us through our contact form. You can also email us at Info@JudgeCommercial.com or call 912.236.1000.
West Broad Savannah had the pleasure of being the venue for the The 5th Annual Holiday Fair hosted by Make Savannah and Hostess Provisions. The holiday market took place on November 14, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The vendor market was a huge success and brought local makers and vendors to West Broad in order to sell their wares. The market was an effort between local businesses, including Salacia Salts, Satchel and West Broad Savannah. The turnout was amazing with the highlights being great food, good music, and a wonderful sense of camaraderie.
The goal of the market was to bring makers, artisans, and others in the community together. Now, more than ever, makers need the support of their neighborhood and the City of Savannah. Other vendors included Grey Market and Origins Coffee. In total, there were over 30 artisans and food vendors that participated in the afternoon festivities. And, their wares ranged the gamut from food to apparel to accessories to bath and body and natural products.
West Broad Savannah was an ideal space for the Market. We have large, open spaces which are ideal during these times of social distancing. And, the spaces are perfect for large gatherings and events during other times, as well. The outdoor area usage, in conjunction with the indoor areas, is ideal for all functions.
Hostess Provisions was the host of the event and they knew that West Broad was a great selection to have the Holiday Fair. “My business partner, Meta, and I were thinking of a way to bring some holiday cheer during these tough times, and bring makers together, and we’ve always loved this space,” said Nicole Elliot, co-owner of Hostess Provisions.
Community support through turnout was significant because many local businesses continue to struggle as the pandemic continues unabated. Make Savannah founder Cari Clark-Phelps says it was important to host the event. She says for many of the local vendors they don’t have storefronts and for most of them this is their first market of the year.
“During the holidays it’s so important for small businesses to be represented," said Cari Clark-Phelps. "Many of us don’t have store fronts and we need an opportunity to get our products in front of other people. People are looking for unique, special gifts, they’re not looking for things that they can just buy online. And, I think this time more than ever, people are realizing the importance of supporting your neighbors and the community around you.”
West Broad Savannah is committed to the support of local artisans and makers and was excited to participate in the Holiday Fair. We look forward to continuing to support the community and its makers throughout the year and through various events. We believe the City of Savannah is only as strong as the businesses that choose to launch, build, and thrive here.
For an overview of the Market, please see our coverage on WTOC Channel 11: https://www.wtoc.com/2020/11/14/make-savannah-hosts-holiday-fair.
Do you have a creative business in Savannah or are you considering opening a creative business in Savannah?
Here’s a tip for you: For any business, leasing commercial space instead of purchasing your space is a smarter move. And, location matters the most, regardless of the type of business you have.
Ideally, choose a location that is convenient for your suppliers, customers, and employees to access. And, make sure the building you’re considering has the amenities needed for your company, especially if you’re a creative business.
Photo credit: VWArtclub
If you are running a creative business in Savannah or if you’re considering running a creative business in Savannah, West Broad Savannah may be the best location for your brand, since West Broad is in the center of Savannah’s cultural and business community.
So, what types of creative businesses could potentially thrive at West Broad Savannah? We’ve compiled a shortlist of businesses that could thrive within the walls of West Broad.
Ready? Here they are:
Online Brands & Retailers
If you have an online business, such as an e-commerce brand, blog, or online consulting practice, there comes a time when operating away from your home may be your best bet. You need space to grow your company, store supplies and inventory, and want the aesthetics that can fuel your creativity. Exposed brick walls and open floor plans are just what you need.
Fashion Design Studios
Fashion designers are constantly in creative mode, but there is a business side to running a fashion studio. You need enough space for your pattern-cutting tables, dress forms, mannequins, pattern and clothing racks, and industrial sewing machines. You also may need a space where you can have private meetings and workspaces for your computers and paperwork.
Restaurants, Culinary, and Catering
If you are operating a food-based business, your commercial space needs are unique. You need to assure that your set-up is great for kitchen and dining. The layout of the space needs to be functional, spacious, beautiful, and with great accessibility.
Architecture, Interior & Urban Designer
Architecture, interior, and urban designers have a wonderful job in creating exteriors, interiors, and city designs. Although they may not need the space of a fashion designer, they do need designer workstations and spaces to meet with clients. In addition, their space needs to be visually appealing, as that is their line of work.
Traditional Retailers
If you are a company that sells clothing, accessories, baby furniture, eyewear, or any other in-demand merchandise, having street-level accessibility, along with a wonderful aesthetic is so important to the perception of your brand. West Broad Savannah offers both. Hardwood floors, wood accents, and exposed brick can bring out the branding of the brand.
When choosing a space for your creative business in Savannah, West Broad is an ideal location to grow your brand. The location, spaces, floor plans, aesthetics, and amenities make it a prime choice for any inventive company.
For more information or to inquire about our spaces, please contact us.
Finding a retail space for lease can be a challenging task. A wrong decision can bring catastrophic consequences for your business.
Regardless of the type of business, competition for choosing the best location can be high. Usually, business owners prefer locations, like downtown Savannah, that are central for business.
The process of finding a retail space for lease in Downtown Savannah can be less frustrating or intimidating with a solid plan in mind. Here are our top tips in choosing an ideal retail space for lease in Savannah:
Traffic
How’s your foot traffic? How many people naturally walk past the location you’re considering on a daily basis? How much traffic drives by your ideal, retail location? It’s important that you can rely on the natural traffic that goes by your location and not just traffic that you’re marketing to. The more eyes that naturally fall on your business, the better. Be visible with your retail business and be accessible for traffic.
Location and Ease of Access
This tip ties in with traffic. Where is the ideal retail space that you’re considering for your business? As they say in real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Having your retail business tucked away in the corner of a city or community does not help in growing your company in any way. Retail space needs to be visible and there needs to be an ease of access to your location. Don’t make your customers search for you. Can your customers easily pull up to your business? Again, make it easy for them to find you.
Aesthetics
When choosing a retail space for lease in Savannah, aesthetics should play an important part in your decision-making, especially in this beautiful city. You should want to find a space that is pleasing to the eye, yet has the functionality and amenities that are needed for your business. In retail spaces, the natural beauty of the space goes a long way.
Demographics
When choosing a retail space for lease in Savannah, you have to consider the demographic of the neighborhood you’re considering. Who is your ideal customer? Do they live in this neighborhood? How much do they earn? What do they do for a living? Where do they normally shop? What do they like to do for fun? Are they single, married, and do they have kids? Are they younger or older? All of these questions should be answered and not just for your business location consideration, but for your business, overall.
Parking
This one is simple. When choosing a retail space for lease in Savannah, make sure there is tenant parking and that parking for customers is easily accessible. Having your business in a city may mean that parking may be harder to come by, so make sure your new retail location has parking available for you and your customers.
To find a great retail space for lease in Savannah, choose West Broad Savannah. We are part of the cultural and business hub. And, we have amazing amenities to enhance your business, logistically and aesthetically.
Photo Credit: ForSight Unique Eyewear & Eyecare by Back River Photography
If you have just launched your small business, opening a physical space might not be at the top of your list at this moment.
Most of us start by using the space we already have for starting a new business. Then, we grow from there, unless the business needs to operate out of a commercial space (a restaurant, for example).
Unless you are operating a business that has to be in a commercial space, finding a perfect location may not be a necessity right now. But, as sales start to soar and you outgrow your current space, you may need to consider expanding into a commercial space.
When looking for the ideal commercial space, there are certain amenities that should be top-of-mind. Amenities such as bathrooms, break areas, access to public transit, and employee parking are factors that should be given serious consideration. Another important factor is the availability of high-speed Internet and networking capabilities within your building.
And, of course, location matters.
Why Choose Savannah for Your Business?
Savannah has a special place in the heart of small business owners. It is known as the friendliest city in the world. It is also quite business-friendly. If you live in Georgia or anywhere in the southeast and are considering starting a small business, Savannah is the perfect location.
The city has several schools, training programs, and initiatives to make businesses thrive. Savannah has given birth to many entrepreneurs and creatives. Tech, music, film, design, art, and culture – there are opportunities in just about every field.
And, the architecture of Savannah, makes it ideal for creative and traditional businesses alike. Architectural inspiration for your business abounds in Savannah! And, you can have your pick of the best locations for setting up your company.
Finding a commercial space to rent in Savannah isn’t difficult as there are many options, but choosing the perfect commercial space requires extensive planning.
As you start your search, here are the things you need to consider:
What is your monthly rental budget?
How much space do you need?
What features do you want (ceiling height, power supplies, reinforced flooring, onsite offices, etc.)
Once you have identified your needs and you have done market research, as well, begin your search by looking at websites like Loopnet.com and CityFeet.com.
If you are already operating in or considering Savannah, Georgia for your business, West Broad Savannah is the ideal location. Here, you will find plenty of budget-friendly spaces starting from 786 to 15,000 square feet.
Located in the heart of Old Savannah, West Broad has the ideal location and amazing amenities that give your business the foundation needed to flourish, while being in a historical area of the city.
West Broad is an ideal location for launching or growing your brand in Savannah. You are in an ideal location, with amazing amenities, and are able to operate within a reasonable budget. West Broad Savannah is the perfect solution if you are searching for commercial space to rent in Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah’s entrepreneurial vein runs deep. While our amazing southern and coastal city has been deemed one of the “World’s Friendliest Cities” by Condé Nast, it comes as a surprise to many that Savannah is a place that rivals bigger cities for being business-friendly. If you're considering starting a small business in Georgia, Savannah just might be the perfect city to do it.
Savannah is an ideal city to launch a small business. We have a plethora of schools, programs, centers, and initiatives designed to help fledgling businesses get off the ground and thrive. There are a huge number of resources available to the entrepreneurs and creatives of Savannah. Organizations, education, and community support abound in our historic city.
Savannah has a history that has uplifted entrepreneurs and creatives, alike. Our city honors their grit. These visionaries often have made a way out of no way. They are creative, innovative, and are determined to make their mark. But, even with the entrepreneurial determination that runs throughout the city, there still is hometown goodness that permeates who we are and how we operate.
Savannah is part of the new, entrepreneurial and highly-creative south, where art, design, film, food, music, tech, and culture come together in the most harmonious of ways.
So, what are you waiting for? Savannah is waiting for you!
