A multipurpose arena helps revitalize a historic African American community in Georgia

In Savannah, Ga., Enmarket Arena, a multipurpose arena that opened last year, has helped revitalize the city’s historic Canal District—home to a largely African American community that has been historically separated from the rest of downtown.

The project helps realize Savannah’s new Canal District Master Plan, which aims to ensure socially equitable economic growth in the area for the next 50 years. The plan was designed in collaboration with city officials, local planners, and community members.

Located on Springfield Canal, the 149,000-sf, 9,500-seat venue has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors who have watched hockey, musical acts, and other live events.

Enmarket is now home of the ECHL Ghost Pirates, a recently launched professional minor league hockey team, and will host all of the team’s home games, as well as other sporting events.

Enmarket Arena Savannah, Georgia, Perkins&Will, Goode Van Slyke Photo Jonathan Hillyer — Enmarket is now home of the ECHL Ghost Pirates, a recently launched professional minor league hockey team, and will host all of the team’s home games, as well as other sporting events. Photo: Jonathan Hillyer

Designed by Perkins&Will in partnership with Goode Van Slyke, Enmarket Arena has an interior design concept that references Savannah’s natural and architectural features. The lobby stairs takes inspiration from the historic steps connecting River Street to Bay Street.

Ceiling and light elements suggest Spanish moss and light filtered through tree canopies, and carpet and floor patterns echo River Street’s cobblestone. Expansive exterior terraces provide event spaces while taking advantage of the area’s warm climate. And as a color accent, the project uses “haint blue,” a traditional color palette used in the South to ward off spirits.

The arena also features clubs, restaurants, bars, and concessions near the main event area.

On the Building Team:
Owner and developer: City of Savannah
Architect: Perkins&Will
Associate architect: Goode Van Slyke
Landscape architect: Mandel Design, LLC
MEP engineer: ME Engineers
Structural engineer: Walter P Moore
Civil engineer: Hussey Gay Bell
General contractor/construction manager: AECOM Hunt
Audiovisual: WJHW

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