TMGOC Ventures (TMGOC) has broken ground on The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Savannah Downtown, marking the start of construction on the luxury brand’s first hotel in the city. The 168-room property is set to occupy the historic “Savannah Skyscraper.”
Approved by the Savannah Historic Board of Review in fall 2023, the hotel is slated to open within the first quarter of 2028. It is planned to feature a signature restaurant; a lobby lounge; a rooftop bar and pool; a 5,000-sq.-ft. spa and wellness center; and more than 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
“Bringing the first Ritz-Carlton to Savannah is a transformative moment for the city’s skyline and a defining milestone for TMGOC Ventures,” said Sunju Patel, cofounder/managing partner, TMGOC. “We are proud to serve as the bridge between Savannah’s historic legacy and its future as a global luxury destination. By revitalizing the iconic ‘Savannah Skyscraper,’ we are delivering a world-class experience that honors the past while setting an entirely new standard for elegance.”
Glenn Alba, cofounder/managing partner, TMGOC, said, “Creating Savannah’s premier luxury hotel destination—one that sets a new standard in the market and serves as a source of community pride—is our priority. “Savannah’s allure as a top travel destination is well‑recognized, and this new hotel is designed to meet the growing demand for both leisure and business travel. We’re excited to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton to deliver an experience that combines distinctive, anticipatory service, standout amenities and the vibrant energy of this remarkable city.”
The hotel will be owned by TMGOC and operated by The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott International’s luxury brands. New York and London-based interior designer Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) and Miami-based architecture firm Studio Mc+G Architecture will oversee the design process.
“I always strive to create unique spaces in incredible places,” said Martin Brudnizki, MBDS founder. “The Ritz-Carlton has always stood out to me as embodying old-world elegance. It is a brand synonymous with old-time grandeur, where exceptional service is at the heart of the business. It is an honor to be tasked with bringing this European sensibility to Savannah and to design for esteemed hosts who share our collective vision of crafting spaces that create inimitable experiences. I hope everyone who enjoys this unique space takes away wonderful memories, in a place that honors this historical Southern city.”
The MBDS design will merge heritage and modernity, using rich materials, layered textures and bespoke detailing to create a warm, elegant and distinctly Savannah experience, according to the company.
“We are thrilled to reach this important milestone for The Ritz-Carlton Savannah, Downtown,” said Jake Pinsof, VP, development, Marriott International. “This project represents a meaningful addition to our portfolio, and we look forward to working with TMGOC to introduce The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service to one of the South’s most storied destinations, delivering an experience that celebrates Savannah’s rich history while upholding the renowned standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand.”
