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Council approves design contracts for Springfield Terrace school rehabilitation and Georgetown water-reclamation work
Summary
SavannahCity Council authorized a $252,326 design contract for restoration work at the Springfield Terrace (Pearlie Smith) School and approved engineering design for the Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility expansion; council discussed timelines and future construction costs.
At its Feb. 13, 2025 meeting the Savannah City Council authorized a $252,326 contract with Ethos Preservation (a local DBE) for design services to document existing conditions and develop rehabilitation designs for Springfield Terrace School (the Pearlie Smith School). Council members and staff said this contract covers the design phase; construction will require a separate procurement and appropriation.
Council also authorized a contract with Hazen and Sawyer for engineering services, not to exceed $671,400, to complete phase 1 design for the Georgetown Water Reclamation Facility expansion. Council approved several other procurement items, including city‑hall exterior lighting work and engineering/maintenance contracts the manager presented on the consent/purchases calendar.
Aldermen asked for timeline clarity on Springfield Terrace. City staff said the $252,326 action funds the design phase only and that construction is expected to cost approximately $3 million; staff estimated construction completion in the spring of 2027, subject to future council approvals for construction contracts and funding. Council members asked staff to follow up with neighborhood council members with updated schedules and drainage/traffic details for related projects in the area.
Other procurement approvals included technical and maintenance contracts the city manager presented as consent items: replacement flooring for a city building ($133,125), exterior lighting repairs for City Hall (contract not to exceed $90,146), and authorization for alternative transportation services in the downtown area (contract with Savannah Downtown LLC) to provide late-night rides.
Council voted to approve the Springfield Terrace design contract and related procurements. Councilmembers said they will pursue philanthropic and grant opportunities to offset construction costs where feasible and requested staff provide updated timelines to district aldermen to share with neighborhood stakeholders.
Ending: Staff will return with procurement documents and construction contracts for council approval when design is complete; council endorsed the design-phase spending to move preservation and water‑facility planning forward.
