Leopold’s Ice Cream sign approved in Starland District

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - An iconic Leopold’s Ice Cream sign could soon be installed about two miles south from its flagship shop downtown.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Savannah Historic Preservation Commission approved a new sign for the Starland District.

The agenda item said, “The proposed sign consists of aluminum channel letters with enclosed neon illumination and a total sign area of approximately 29.66 square feet.”

The sign approval was part of a consent agenda that moved quickly through the meeting. A timeline for when the sign will be built and when a new Leopold’s will officially open has not been announced.

The proposed location is in the Starland District, 2400 Bull Street, in the same building as Sola Salon, F45 Training, Brochu’s Family Tradition, and Garden Square. It is around the corner from Starland Yard, Two Tides Brewing Company, and many other businesses, bars, restaurants, and neighborhoods.

Brianna Reese, a SCAD student, said a new Leopold’s location could help businesses in the area, noting the downtown shop on East Broughton Street often has long lines.

“It could help business down there because not as many tourists, probably, go down that way,” Reese said.

Currently, there are three Leopold’s locations scattered throughout the area. In downtown, on Whitemarsh Island, and at the kiosk/shop inside the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Chris Hirata, who works at Seasons of Japan, said he understands the tradition of visitors stopping downtown, but said changes could bring in new customers.

“I also think it’s nice to see a new renovated building or just a new style,” Hirata said. “There are people who do go to Leopold’s just for the nostalgia, but also, I don’t think it brings a lot of new people in. Especially the younger crowd.”

Hannah Eyre, who lives near Victory Drive, said she would like to have ice cream nearby, but also raised other neighborhood needs.

“What would be cool is if we had a grocery store right, but if it’s ice cream, it’s ice cream,” Eyre said. “It’s good that it’s not an out-of-town business, I suppose, in terms of gentrification.”

Some nearby residents also raised questions about parking enforcement and parking availability in an area with limited spots.