TMGOC Ventures Breaks Ground on First Ritz-Carlton in Savannah at Historic Downtown Building

TMGOC Ventures broke ground April 2, 2026, on The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Savannah, Downtown, marking the start of construction on the first hotel bearing the iconic luxury brand name in the city. The 168-room property will occupy the historic 15-story "Savannah Skyscraper" at 2 E. Bryan St. in downtown Savannah, Georgia, with an anticipated opening in the first quarter of 2028.

The hospitality real estate development was approved by the Savannah Historic Board of Review in fall 2023. The property will be owned by TMGOC Ventures and operated by The Ritz-Carlton, one of Marriott International's luxury brands.

Project Details and Planned Amenities

The full-service hotel is planned to feature a suite of luxury amenities, including a signature restaurant, a lobby lounge, a rooftop bar and pool, a 5,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, and more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space.

New York and London-based interior design firm Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS) and Miami-based architecture firm Studio Mc+G Architecture are overseeing the design process. MBDS's approach is described as merging heritage and modernity through rich materials, layered textures, and bespoke detailing intended to create what the firm characterizes as a distinctly Savannah experience.

"I always strive to create unique spaces in incredible places," said Martin Brudnizki, founder of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. "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 honour 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."

Developer and Brand Perspectives

Sunju Patel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of TMGOC Ventures, framed the groundbreaking as both a civic and commercial milestone. "Bringing the first Ritz-Carlton to Savannah is a transformative moment for the city's skyline and a defining milestone for TMGOC Ventures," Patel said. "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, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of TMGOC Ventures, cited growing travel demand as a driver of the project. "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," Alba said. "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."

Marriott International's Vice President of Development, Jake Pinsof, also commented on the groundbreaking. "We are thrilled to reach this important milestone for The Ritz-Carlton Savannah, Downtown," Pinsof said. "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."

Historic Preservation and the 'Savannah Skyscraper'

The building at 2 E. Bryan St., originally constructed circa 1913, has long been recognized as a landmark in Savannah's downtown core. The project's approval by the Savannah Historic Board of Review in fall 2023 required the development to meet preservation standards, blending historical architecture with contemporary luxury hospitality programming.

The 15-story structure — historically referred to as the "Savannah Skyscraper" — will be revitalized as part of the real estate development effort, with MBDS's design intended to complement the building's original grandeur.