A Sneak Peak of Savannah's Ellis Square

It's been a long time coming...
Tonight the renovation of Ellis Square is just days away from completion...
The area was originally a market... In the 50s a parking garage was built in the downtown square and was dubbed an eyesore.
Decades later in 2005-- close to twenty-nine million dollars was dedicated to fix the square.
Not only did they tear down the old parking garage but they built an underground garage and on top of the garage, a park.
"3 on your side" Community Reporter Alice Massimi explains why this is such an exciting week for downtown.

Not just for businesses in the area but for those of us who for years have peered through the chain link fence surrounding the work site.
Many of you probably got a glimpse of this gaping hole in Ellis Square... a project that was expected to be finished about a year and a half ago.
Instead they ran into several delays: one of those sinkholes another when cracks began to appear in the walls and floors of surrounding buildings.
The problems were corrected and about a year ago the work began on the crowning glory of the project, the park.
Today we got a sneak peek at what will we’re sure become a quick hit.
Jerry Lominack has one word when asked about the completion of Ellis Square...
“Relieved,” he says with a laugh.
A good look around gives you an idea of how much work has gone in to restoring one of Savannah's original squares.
“When we first started on this project we basically had two approaches. One was a much more traditional approach and the other was a more open and less traditional.”
Looking around its obvious which design won out. A decision made with the help of the community.
“This depressed area did result from input particularly from parents with small children. It gave them a designated area for the kids to play in.”
There's also an interactive water feature, a visitor's center and restrooms.
At first glance it might look like there is no rhyme or reason to how the stones are laid out in one area but if you look close enough it illustrates Oglethorpe's plan.
“Running off from here are the ward patterns and on that end are trust lot patterns. So it’s subtle.”
One of many surprises awaiting you at Savannah's newest oasis.
To top it all off the park is environmentally friendly... the plants require little watering, the roof of the restrooms is green... and all the steel is recycled.
The park will be dedicated at five o’clock on Thursday.
We'll have coverage for you here on wsav and wsav dot com.