Savannah Square Finally Reopens

By: Alice Massimi | WSAV-TV
Published: March 11, 2010

The weather almost rained on the parade of the Savannah City Council today.
A grand opening ceremony was planned for Ellis Square this evening but because of the rain the festivities were cut back.
City Council held a ribbon cutting just about a half hour ago....
The 30-million dollar project has taken about a year and a half longer than expected.
Understandably folks aren't just relieved the project is done... they're also excited.
"3 on your side" Community Reporter Alice Massimi has more how what was once Savannah’s oldest square is now it’s newest.

Ellis Square was one of the original four squares General Oglethorpe laid out in 1733.
While most of us remember a large rather unattractive parking garage some remember this area as being a much more vibrant place.
“They sold everything. You could get everything and marvelous produce from the region.”
It's how Emma Adler remembers Ellis square... not as the parking garage, but as home to the market.
A beautiful big brick building full of hustle and bustle in its heyday.
“I just remember it as a wonderful building and a part of Savannah that was full of activity,” recalls Adler.
It was a place to see friends and do your daily shopping.
“I went with my mother whenever she went downtown and in those days any lady going downtown would wear a hat and gloves.”
It wasn't the first market to occupy the square as City Planner Christian Sottile explains.
“Around 1760 a beef market with a small square building is built in the middle of Ellis Square,” says Sottile.
The market Emma remembers was the fourth to occupy the square.
One Sottile says was a work of art.
“This was the first market that really became an icon of civic architect for savannah the city was incredibly proud of it.”
Pride that obviously wore off as time passed... in 1954 the city decided to demolish the building.
Making way for a parking garage, the end Emma says of an era.
“It was a terrible sad thing and citizens of Savannah thought my lord how can they tear down the market. People were still going to it. It was a wonderful place.”