The Urban Savannah Advertise
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MLK Jr. Civic Center — Civic Legacy Arena Removal

301 W. Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA View map ↗

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson removes a brick from the MLK Jr. Civic Center arena wall at the City's pre-demolition ceremony.
PhotographA brick is removed from the MLK Jr. Civic Center arena wall during Savannah's August 20 pre-demolition ceremony.City of Savannah

Overview

Savannah's Civic Legacy project removes the MLK Jr. Arena while keeping the Johnny Mercer Theatre and associated spaces operating.

Residential units
250
Retail
45,000 sq ft
Estimated cost
$10.9M
Expected to open
May 1, 2027

Project information checked Sep 15, 2026

Updates

Newest first

Photos and renderings 1

Source graphic tracing the Civic Center site's history from Savannah's 1733 town plan through the 1970s arena and the 2026 interpretive fence panels.
ImageThe Civic Center fence panels trace the site from Elbert and Liberty squares through the arena era and into the current redevelopment.Urban Savannah / Savannah Agenda / City of Savannah
Project image