109-119 Whitaker Street is located in Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District. The building is located in Heathcote Ward, the last of four wards to be laid out in 1733 by James Oglethorpe. The current building was erected in 1890 after the original structure was severely damaged in the Fire of 1889, resulting in its demolition and the straightening of the streets. The new building was comprised of a series of four masonry commercial storefronts facing Whitaker Street with four dwelling units above.
By 1951, the original cast-iron storefront façade was modernized. The ornate cast-iron was removed and an aluminum canopy was installed. Aluminum plate glass windows replaced the multi-paned stained glass transoms, a projecting metal canopy overtook the sign band and canvas awnings, and a continuous stucco façade obscured brick architectural features. As the economic vitality of downtown Savannah faded in the 1960’s, the building traded hands several times and fell into disrepair.
Melaver Family Properties purchased the building in 1999. The owners wanted to renovate the project in a way that would be historically accurate and serve as a benchmark for environmentally sensitive design and construction. The vision for the renovation went beyond historic preservation to high tech efficiency. The building was awarded Silver LEED Certification, the very first project in Savannah to receive this merit. Thanks to advanced design, innovative materials and high performance systems, it now uses 40% les water and 27% less power than before the renovation. Restored right down to its decorative metal work and stained glass transoms, this building is home to high-end office spaces with retail below on the street level.