A local real estate professional shares some of her favorite architects from Savannah’s long history.
Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER
AFTER MOVING TO SAVANNAH’S National Historic Landmark District 20 years ago, Staci Donegan immediately fell in love with both the historic architecture and the quality of life she enjoys there. Donegan is an associate broker at Seabolt Real Estate, a member of the invitational Christie’s Masters Circle, and a Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist.
She is passionate about sharing the area’s architectural history and character with her clients. “I love showing buyers where Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe originally founded the city on a high bluff over the Savannah River, and taking them south because it’s a lesson in history,” she says. “You see how the architecture changes with the times as you travel south through Savannah’s historic neighborhoods.”
Staci Donegan, associate broker at Seabolt Real Estate // Courtesy Staci Donegan
Savannah is fortunate to have so many impressive 19th-century homes — and even a few historic 18th-century homes that date back to the colonial era, notes Donegan. She says legacy homes can be found in the National Historic Landmark District as well as other local historic neighborhoods like Ardsley Park, Gordonston, the Victorian District, and the Starland District.
Two of the most prominent early architects in Savannah include Isaiah Davenport and William Jay. Born in Rhode Island, Isaiah Davenport (1784-1827) was a master builder who is best known for the iconic circa-1820 Davenport House on Columbia Square, and “Laura’s Cottage,” built circa 1808 and later moved to 416 E. State St.
William Jay (1792 or 1793-1837) was a talented British architect whose legacy can be seen across the Landmark District in elegant buildings like the Owens-Thomas House (1819); the William Scarbrough House (1819), now the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum; the Alexander Telfair House (built between 1818 and 1820), now the Telfair Academy; a mansion for Archibald Bulloch (circa 1818) that was razed around 1916; and the Bank of the United States (1821), a Greek Revival building that was razed in the 1980s.
Donegan is also a big fan of Savannah architect and New York City native John Norris (1804-1876). He is “the mastermind behind the Andrew Low House, the Mercer House, Massie School, and the Green-Meldrim House, as well as a number of private homes throughout the Landmark District,” she explains.
She also highlights the work of a more recent architect, John LeBey (1905-2002). He “stands apart as a legendary Savannah architect and preservationist who shaped the local built environment and was responsible for designing some of the most elegant, stately 20th-century homes in the Landmark District, Ardsley Park, Gordonston, and surrounding neighborhoods,” she says. A Georgia Tech grad and Savannah native, LeBey completed more than 60 projects in the National Historic Landmark District.
As much as Donegan loves Savannah’s distinctive Georgian, Federal, Regency, Greek Revival, and Victorian architecture, she says there is an additional factor that makes our area so desirable. The Oglethorpe Plan — the urban layout system dating to 1733 — continues to provide our city with green space and walkability, setting it apart from other historic cities. “Although Savannah’s urban plan was originally developed in the 18th century,” she notes, “it continues to appeal and adapt to the needs of 21st-century residents.”
Before You Buy …
If you’re interested in buying a historic home in Savannah, here are a few things to consider:
1. This is a niche market, so work with a real estate expert who has extensive expertise with historic real estate. “Buying a home that was built in 1853 is very different from buying a home that was built in 2023,” says Staci Donegan. “The construction methods and materials used in the 18th and 19th century were truly impressive, from hand-made Savannah grey brick to heart pine flooring crafted from old-growth forests that no longer exist. If you buy a historic home in Savannah, it’s in many ways a labor of love because you’re essentially agreeing to serve as a caretaker for a legacy property. You’ll be one of a few select owners who have the opportunity to preserve and protect a historic home for future generations, which is truly an honor.”
2. A historic home will need ongoing upkeep and repair, so build those expectations into your financial projections. “There’s no formula for how much to pay annually for maintenance on an older home,” says Donegan, “but it’s smart to plan in advance for anticipated costs like exterior painting, roof repairs, and electrical and plumbing system updates.”
3. Don’t forget to factor in insurance costs. “Insurance companies consider the age and condition of the home that they’re insuring, including the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems,” says Donegan. “I find that working with a local insurance company that understands the needs of historic homeowners can be advantageous.”
4. Expect historic preservation requirements. “If you’re buying a home in the Landmark District, any modifications you make to the exterior of your home are going to require Historic District Board of Review (HDBR) approval,” says Donegan. “Even changing the exterior paint color of your home, for example, will require HDBR approval.”
5. Pricing will vary based on many factors. The location, features, and condition of the home are all considerations that go into pricing historic properties, notes Donegan. Additionally, “Some buyers love the opportunity to purchase a newer home in a historic neighborhood, while others prefer an older home with original period details. It’s really a question of personal preference.”