SAVANNAH, Ga. -- It's been years in the making, but crews are now putting the finishing touches on the new Ellis Square in downtown Savannah.
The City Market parking deck used to be there. It was destroyed in 2006 to make way for an underground parking deck and park. The square features lots of green space, a visitor's building, and a statue of Savannah's own Johnny Mercer.
The City of Savannah will be officially dedicating the square on Thursday, March 11. For the businesses around the square, it's a reason to celebrate.
The folks at Cafe Gelatohhh say the past 4+ years have been exhausting.
"Noise, lots of noise, lots of dirt, lots of dust, and... lots of business interruptions. It's been a long long haul. We're really glad it's over," said Joel Caplan, owner of Cafe Gelatohhh.
Caplan said he is looking forward to the construction fence coming down
"It's taken a lot out of us, but it's really nice that it's done. The park is pretty, and the fountain is really nice," he said.
"Hallelujah," was the reaction from Nicole Curreri, owner of Kitchens on the Square. Her business suffered most through the recent closure of Congress and Barnard Streets.
"The local residents didn't want to come downtown when they just thought it was going to be a construction site and too difficult to get around. Now it's all gone," she said.
With the square complete in time for spring, it may just be the boost these small businesses need.
"We are thrilled to have the city back the way it belongs with this new addition," said Curreri.
"Everybody says I'm sitting on a gold mine, and I tell them from your mouth to God's ears," said Caplan.
The official grand opening of Ellis Square is set for March 11 starting at 5:00 p.m. The program will include the premiere of a documentary about the history of Ellis Square.
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