Restore Savannah Development, LLC. : : Savannah Georgia : : Preserving Architectural Integrity for the Future

Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA) , 02/08/2006

Gas Station Fuels 37th Street Renovation
© 2006 Savannah Morning News
Byline: Morgan Winsor

When developer Don Reinke heard the old gas station at the corner of Bull and 37th streets was on the market, he telephoned his realtor and made a full-price offer: $275,000.

"I heard talk of it becoming a convenience store," said Reinke of Restore Savannah Development LLC. "That's one thing this town doesn't need: another convenience store."

Reinke has big plans for the little station, which sits on the street he said was once known as "millionaires' row."
The original went up in 1933. Reinke's restoration plans are two-fold and will fold in a bit of the station's Art Deco style.

The structure has been used as a full-service gas station, a car wash and an auto detail shop. In nine months, it will reopen as a high-end deli.

Just behind the deli will be three, triple-decker townhomes that range from 1,000-1,500 square feet.

Each residence will be characterized by geometric lines and angular shapes, zigzags and bold colors.

"My motto is preserving architectural integrity for the future," Reinke said.

After buying the building, Reinke turned to longtime friend and designer Al Faragalli, who he asked to put some ideas on paper.

Faragalli, who designs most of Reinke's projects, redesigned the double bay garage doors as windows. More windows will be added along the 37th Street side of the building. The old gas tanks will remain underground and will be filled with sand.

The station will add to Reinke's list of renovations along 37th, including the continuing work on the historic Tison House. Another of his projects, the French Mansard mansion, is near the Tison.

He sees 37th Street as "the last corridor left in the city of Savannah where renovation really needs to take place."
"I'm just trying to improve the neighborhood," he said. "You really have to make an impact statement in a particular area to perceive the notion that things are going north rather than south."

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Savannah Morning News (Savannah, GA) , 09/27/2005

Developer Don Reinke is seeking approval from the city to convert a former service station on the corner of Bull and 37th streets into a "high end" gourmet deli.

Reinke said he plans on turning the 73-year-old building, previously a carwash, into a "mini fresh market" that sells panini, steak and cheese and Tennessee-style steamed sandwiches.

Reinke also wants to construct an addition to the original building that will house three apartments. The three-level apartments would be built over individual car garages and feature garden patios.

Reinke, who is also renovating the historic Tison House across 37th Street, said he bought the property about five months ago.

"It's going to change the whole complexion of the neighborhood," Reinke said. "It has to because I've got so much money invested here."

Lee Webb, the assistant preservation officer at the Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission, said the building originally opened as Minute Service Gas and Service Oils in 1932.

Webb said he's pleased with Reinke's plans to renovate the historic structure and retain its streamlined "art-deco" style.

Webb said Reinke is going through the city's permit process and awaits formal approval. He wasn't sure when a decision would be made.

David Shackley said he's lived next door to the former service station since 2000 and was thrilled that Reinke bought the property. Shackley said he's enthusiastic about Reinke's plan to open a deli and construct apartments, although almost any new business is better than the previous tenant.

Before it was sold, Shackley said he had to contend with illegal gambling operating out of the building 24 hours a day. Shackley added he feels more secure now.

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