Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Visitor Experience Renovation
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA
Greenline was hired by the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace to renovate and update the historic home of Girl Scouts founder, Juliette Gordon Low, located on Oglethorpe Avenue in Savannah’s Historic District and to create a new visitor experience and circulation strategy for this historic property, which welcomes up to 30,000 visitors per year. The home was originally built in 1821 and The Girl Scouts of the USA purchased the birthplace in 1953 and after an extensive renovation project opened the birthplace in 1956. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1965 and has welcomed more than a million visitors since opening.
The much anticipated renovation will provide better accessibility and inclusion for Girl Scouts and visitors from around the world. The Outbuilding East, previously only for activities with no ADA access to the second floor, will become the ticketing area on the ground level with activity area on the second floor. The Outbuilding West will house the relocated gift shop on the ground level with further programmed activity spaces on the second level.
The two historic buildings will be linked by a new structure which contains an elevator and other modern support spaces to enhance the site’s functions. The garden was redesigned to facilitate visitors’ traversing the site and learning about Juliette Gordon Low along the Legacy Walk. This area will also serve as a space for gatherings and ceremonies, as well as Troop/Group waiting and activities. Construction is due complete in Spring 2021.