Plant Riverside District on River Street
Located on the edge of the Savannah River, and sitting directly on one of Savannah’s most happening streets, River Street, is the city’s newest entertainment district. Anchored by a new JW Marriott hotel, the Plant Riverside District is easy to find and definitely worth a visit.
This vibrant district filled with new shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues and is exactly what the city craved as it made a push toward creating a community near the water’s edge. This area was significantly transformed from its roots as a power plant in the early 1900’s to what it is today - a central hub for residents and visitors to get a taste of the many facets of the city all in one place.
This development was one of the city’s biggest undertakings for the three years prior to its grand opening in July of 2020. The Riverside District was developed by well renowned hotelier Richard Kessler, and came in at a cost of just over $375 million. As a Savannah city native, Kessler developed the concept for this project, and followed it through to execution, with a goal of leaving a legacy in his name for his hometown. What could have just been a hotel development transformed into something bigger, and better for the city.
The Riverside District development is now owned and operated by the adjacent JW Marriott hotel. It sits on a 400-acre property that was once one of Georgia’s power plants, and boasts dozens of food and beverage retailers, as well as a common plaza space presenting waterworks shows at the newly constructed fountain. Not only is it fun and entertaining, but it also created historical remembrance moments within its new spaces. An honorary monument for Martin Luther King Jr. sits at the waterfront park, and a custom bust of Mr. King is set to arrive in 2022.
There is something for children and adults of all ages to enjoy in this new space that is surely becoming a focal point in the city. The quarter mile riverwalk provides ample space for strolling, biking, and relaxation, while the many bustling businesses are eager to show off their customized offerings from food and snacks to custom artwork.
With a central location on River Street, the Plant Riverside District is accessible to both pedestrians and commuters alike. Stop by and enjoy a nice walk through the district, topped off with tasty concoctions at a rooftop bar. Or, if the kids are coming along, make a stop at the Natural Science exhibit where they can interact with fossils, artifacts, and learn all about the dinosaurs that once walked the Earth.
The newly developed District is an admirable addition to the waterfront landscape, providing a deep connection with the surrounding context, and celebrating one of Savannah’s most treasured natural elements. By actively bringing the city’s livelihood to the edge of the Savannah River, both residents and visitors have the opportunity to connect with the city in a new way, deepening their understanding and appreciation for its roots and what makes it unique.
