Historic Smithfield Cottage
Part of the Savannah College of Art and Design's revitalization of downtown Savannah began with the university's founding in 1978 by president Paula Wallace (learn more about SCAD's history and Wallace's role in founding the arts college at SCADstory, the new interactive exhibition at SCAD that debuted in spring 2019 to commemorate the school's 40th anniversary) and SCAD's effort to reclaim historic buildings. The meticulously restored 1888 Victorian mansion in the Queen Anne-style Smithfield Cottage in downtown Savannah is a guest house for SCAD visitors (actress Salma Hayek and designer Derek Lam have stayed at Smithfield while in town), and is a billboard for SCAD's creative side. The home is filled with artwork by SCAD alums. Paula Wallace and her designer husband, SCAD grad and the university's chief operating officer Glenn Wallace have integrated Asian elements and historic touches at Smithfield to create a sublime blend of the contemporary and the timeless in this beautiful space.