Renovation of the St. John’s Garden Mall
After a lengthy design process, the Vestry has approved plans for the renovation of the Garden Mall between the Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church, to make this important space in our historic church campus beautiful, functional and durable. Thanks to a generous major gift, half the funding is already in place, and donations in any amount are being accepted to complete the funding. Be a part of a transformational project for our parish!
To learn more about giving opportunities contact Office Manager Janice Woods jwoods@stjohnssav.org or (912) 232-1251. Gifts may be made online at stjohnssav.org/give/ (Click on “Special Collections” and type “Mall” in the Memo line.)
Details of the project were presented at the Parish Forum on December 15, and are summarized below. A larger version of plan drawing is available for viewing at St. John’s Church office.
The process leading to the plan was led by Vestry members Sherry Holtzclaw and Terry Pindar. The final plan was prepared by Landscape Consultant John McEllen, who is known throughout Savannah for his work on both public and private landscapes and gardens, and who maintained the present mall for over two decades. Inspired by the architectural importance of the Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church his plan seeks to unify the space and complement the existing architecture.
- The existing hedge surrounding the mall will be rejuvenated and pruned, with larger openings to facilitate movement in and out of the space. Four cast-stone benches will provide seating inside the enclosure, in a warm ivory tone chosen to complement the paint colors of the Green-Meldrim House doors and church’s window trim.
- The existing fountain (with its safety hazards) will be replaced by a cast-stone fountain (of the same color as the benches) whose design nods to the Gothic decorative detail of the Green-Meldrim House and the Church’s baptismal font. (Acknowledgment of the donors of the existing fountain will be retained.) Stone pavers to match those already in place – some of which have been sourced from another historic Savannah property – will surround the fountain to provide for a central gathering spot.
- As natural grass is problematic in this site (especially in muddy seasons), water-permeable synthetic turf – already in use at the Ships of the Sea Museum and the Mercer House, as well as other private properties in the historic district – will be installed on either side of the fountain hardscaping. This will result in a surface that is handsome, durable and functional, with lower maintenance costs and color throughout the year.
- At the east end of the site, a semi-circular stone exedra provides a space for conversation, contemplation, or performance. The flagpole will be repositioned at the west end of the space to eliminate a tripping hazard. Both ends of the mall will be framed by plantings of classic white sasanqua camellias.
- Low-voltage ground level lighting will enhance and define the space, provide improved safety and showcase the architectural details of the north wall of the Church.
- As part of the overall commitment to the project, an endowment will be established to provide in perpetuity for the site’s ongoing needs, maintenance and upkeep.
Because of the generosity of a parishioner family’s major gift, we are poised to break ground on the project as early as January 2025. The Church is seeking additional funding, and soliciting donations of any amount. A few on-site donor recognition opportunities have been designated and are set forth below. All gifts are needed and will be celebrated and recognized at an appropriate time and manner in a written listing of donors.
On-Site Donor Recognition Opportunities
FOUNTAIN – Recognition for the central fountain measuring approximately 4.5 feet in height on base measuring approximately 6.5 feet in width.
EXEDRA – Recognition for the exedra space – intended as one for reflection and/or performance and composed of a large semi-circular bench, stone hardscaping and plantings.
ENDOWMENT – Recognition for an endowment to provide funds in perpetuity for the ongoing needs of the garden mall space.
LIGHTING OF ST. JOHN’S – Recognition for the illumination of the mall’s interior space, its exterior boundaries and the details of the north wall of St. John’s church.
BENCH – Recognition for one bench which will be placed within the north and south peripheries of the mall.
To give online for this project, please go to the church’s website (stjohnssav.org/give/) and click on GIVE at the top above the banner. Then follow the prompts to Special Collection and type “Mall” in the memo line. To learn more about these donor opportunities, contact Janice Woods at jwoods@stjohnssav.org or (912) 232-1251.