A Statement Regarding The Jardin Residences
The Jardin Residences are located at 2613 Montgomery St. and are owned by The Rhino Group.
On September 20, 2022, the J. Elder Design Group presented the plan for this project at the TSNA membership meeting. It was titled a “Multi-family Design Proposal.” The project called for three separate buildings, totaling 53 units with one parking spot for each unit. The main building facing Montgomery St. was the largest of the three. The other two buildings were to be smaller, townhouse-style buildings. Apartments would be primarily one-bedroom, with approximately 20% two-bedroom units. There were also plans for retail locations on the lower-level building corners.
You can view a video of this presentation on our YouTube Channel (dated 9/20/22 – Part 3). The TSNA submitted an approval letter based on this presentation, and we have copies available for anyone who would like one.
Fast-forward four years: two of the buildings are now complete. The main building (Building A), which faces Montgomery St., and a smaller building (Building B), which is next to Building A and faces W. 43rd St., opened approximately two months ago. There are no signs of the third building being constructed.
About two weeks ago, several people brought it to the attention of the TSNA Board that the project only advertised apartments for approximately a month before switching to daily rentals. In essence, it appears to be operating as a hotel.
Since the extension of the Hotel Development Overlay (HDO) incorporates Thomas Square, hotels are not permitted without the approval of the neighborhood and City Council.
TSNA reached out to Bridgit Lidy, who forwarded our concerns to Aislee Jackson, the City Zoning Use Coordinator. Mr. Jackson stated that he approved the owner's request for a change of use, claiming the buildings fall into the category of “Inns” because the larger building is technically two buildings separated by a firewall. Therefore, he concluded all buildings fall into the “Inn category” since each has fewer than 15 rooms.
The TSNA Board takes issue with this categorization due to the following:
The Jardin website does not list three distinct entities; it presents the property as a single establishment.
To qualify as an Inn, someone must reside on-site. It appears that all available rooms at The Jardin are offered as transient rentals.
According to the architectural firm that designed the project, there is no firewall in the main building that would divide it into two separate structures—there is merely a fire separation. Therefore, this building cannot fall into the “Inn category,” as it exceeds the 15-room limit.
In essence, the TSNA Board feels this may be a bait-and-switch tactic by the building owners to bypass the HDO extension without going through the proper channels.
The TSNA Board has reached out to The Rhino Group for clarification on building use but has yet to hear back. Our intent is to continue pursuing this matter. Feel free to send your comments to contact@tsnasavannah.org.
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