Perched on the corner of West Bay and Jefferson Streets overlooking Ellis Square in the heart of Savannah's National Landmark Historic District sits a 19th century, sprawling architectural masterpiece that once housed famed Georgia merchant Simon Guckenheimer's business operations. Today, it stands as Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, a charming, boutique hotel that effortlessly combines modern luxury, contemporary design and respectful nods to its impressive past.

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The site consists of two originally separate buildings—one dating back to 1851 and the other a seven-story addition built in 1981. The original four-story structure, known affectionately as the Guckenheimer Building, is deeply rooted in Savannah’s history. Initially constructed as a produce and dry goods warehouse, the shop served a critical function in what was the city’s main mercantile area. The project aimed to transform an existing mid-scale hotel into a unique, boutique property under the Hotel Indigo flag. Responding to the brand’s emphasis on local flavor, the design team drew on the building’s history, culture and neighborhood to tell a new story. The goal was to return key building elements back to their original beauty, counterposed with contemporary and whimsical elements that reference the building’s history as an important part of Savannah’s original marketplace.

 

Each of the property’s 252 guest rooms were completely renovated to display the building’s architectural heritage featuring exposed brick and arched windows. All guest rooms feature locally-inspired artwork, including murals depicting antique bottles from the Savannah Bottling Company. The Barnard Street façade features a one-of-a-kind public art piece under a collaborative effort between the design team, owner and Savannah College of Art and Design, the sculpted art piece is inspired by the intricate wrought ironwork found throughout Savannah’s Historic District.