About the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District

Identified as a National Historic District in 1997, the Thomas Square Streetcar Historic District is named after Thomas Square Park and the streetcar lines that ran from the River Street area to Victory Drive.

In 1888, the city electrified and extended the street car line all along Whitaker Street, which runs north and south through Thomas Square. At the time of the neighborhood’s development, the area was popularly known as the “extended limits,” the "southern suburbs,” or the “new section south of Anderson.”

The area was considered an airy, green space respite from the busy, crowded downtown area, and became a desirable place for middle and working-class Savannahians to move.

Source: Savannah Historic Society

Neighborhood at a Glance

1000+
Historic Buildings

There are approximately 1,100 historic buildings in Thomas Square, making it one of the largest historic districts in Savannah.

Nationally Recognized
Community

Several national media outlets such as Southern Living and Travel & Leisure have voted our neighborhood one of the best in the south on multiple occasions.

50+
Shops &
Resturants

With so many local shops and restaurants in our neighborhood residents and visitors alike enjoy a very walkable experience.

One Community, Many Names

Locals have many names for areas of our neighborhood -- From Thomas Square, to Starland, Metropolitan, and the Streetcar Historic District.

Streets Lined with

Historic Homes

Thomas Square

Developed in the late nineteenth century, Thomas Square is bounded by Anderson Lane on the north, East Broad Street, Victory Drive on the south, and Montgomery Street on the west. The streetcar lines were removed in 1920 due to the increased use of the automobile. The area boasts significant examples of Queen Anne, Folk Victorian, Italianate, Neoclassical Revival, Colonial Revival, Greek Revival, and Craftsman style residential architecture. This area is also rich in community landmarks, such as the Little Sisters of the Poor complex and Herme’s Bakery, the only store remaining from a shopping center at the corner of 32nd and Bull streets.

Murals in the Starland Arts

District

Starland District

The Starland District is the creative hub of the city and easily wins as Savannah’s most eclectic neighborhood. It’s where you’ll find a thriving art scene and a diverse mix of families, students, and creative professionals. The Starland District gets its name from the old Starland Dairy. It operated out of a two-story building located on Bull Street between W 40th and W 41st streets. John Deaderick and Greg Jacobs are the two SCAD graduates credited with the creation/revitalization of the area known as the Starland District. They purchased the Starland Dairy in 1999 with plans to convert it into a gathering place for the community. The building and surrounding buildings are a favorite meetup spot now boasting Two Tides Brewery and Smol Bar, Bloom Coffee Shop, Graveface Records and more! Its exterior is covered in colorful murals and makes a fun stop if you’re going on a photo walk! Over the past 20 years, the area has grown and changed significantly and is currently still in the process of revitalization.