
Moon River Beer Garden






Project Location:
2 Whitaker Street
National Historic Landmark District
Savannah, GA
Client:
CRS Property Holdings, LLC
Type of Services:
New Construction, Architecture, Engineering
Date Completed:
2013
Long a vacant corner within Savannah’s Landmark Historic District, this site offered a great opportunity to develop an outdoor dining and beer garden area next door to a successful local brewery and restaurant. The project was to incorporate an enclosed bar, support kitchen area and restrooms. Primary food preparation would be from the main restaurant kitchen. The majority of the site was to be devoted to the trellised garden, protected from street traffic but enticingly inviting to the passing public. Construction on the historic district site was subject to approval by the Historic District Board of Review.
The design utilized the typical structural grid pattern of the district as a framework within which to work and this is reflected in the rhythm of the brick pilasters, elements of the building, and paving and trellis pattern. The bar area has roll-up garage doors so that it can be open in good weather and closed when the weather is uninviting. A variety of table and congregating areas are provided within the garden. Definitely contemporary in design, the project received unanimous approval from the Historic District Board of Review.
The building structure is load-bearing concrete masonry with brick veneer and a wood frame roof. Small split system HVAC units and ceiling fans are used to heat and cool the bar when needed. The trellis is constructed of cedar and incorporates lighting, ceiling fans and vines. Brick pilasters with metal infill enclose the garden. The cost was approximately $950,000 including furniture, fixtures and equipment.