(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Enmarket and Bethesda Academy, both prominent organizations with century-plus histories in Savannah, Ga., have entered into an innovative agreement that will bring a new Enmarket store and a Bethesda Welcome Center to the Skidaway Island area.
The new store will be located at the intersection of Diamond Causeway and Ferguson Ave., and will offer a variety of convenience items, including fresh food, beverages, and fuel. The Bethesda Welcome Center will be located adjacent to the store and will provide visitors with information about the school’s history, programs, and admissions process.
Bethesda Academy, established in 1740 as an orphanage and school by renowned evangelist George Whitefield, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating child-caring institution in the United States. Over its rich history, Bethesda Academy has educated and nurtured countless individuals, fostering a legacy of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. Now, it is an independent private day school for young men in grades six through twelve.
Bethesda holds extensive acreage, some of which is already under commercial use near the planned Enmarket development, including the Kroger shopping center at the south end of Ferguson Ave. and Diamond Causeway intersection, a commercial partnership established for over 40 years. The Enmarket leasing agreement will provide a sustainable funding source allowing Bethesda Academy to offer exceptional educational programs for generations to come. The store’s design will complement Bethesda Academy’s historic campus, ensuring a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
“We are excited to develop this property which will give our students more opportunity,” said Dr. Mike Hughes, president of Bethesda Academy. “Enmarket is a family-owned and operated business that shares Bethesda Academy’s commitment to community engagement and enriching the lives of those it serves. This partnership with Enmarket aligns seamlessly with Bethesda Academy’s values and vision.”
The mature live oaks on the adjacent Old Bethesda Road will be preserved, and future developers are forever prohibited from cutting trees over 16 inches in diameter unless approved by Chatham County’s arborist.
“As a nonprofit school, Bethesda is dependent on community support. We are proud to partner with Bethesda Academy to offer sustainable funding support for the school’s future,” said Matt Clements, president of Enmarket.
Lease proceeds will help to support the work of a learning specialist and student success center that work to develop and implement individualized learning plans for every student. Bethesda Academy recognizes the unique teaching and learning approaches that work best with boys.
Enmarket signed the lease deal with Bethesda Academy a couple of years ago. As lingering right-of-way issues have been resolved, Enmarket is prepared to begin its development in early 2024.
ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Bethesda Academy is a private day school for young men in grades six through twelve in Savannah, Ga. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Bethesda Academy offers small class sizes, individualized learning plans (ILP), and a student success leadership program. Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. The 650-acre campus allows Bethesda Academy to offer a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and outdoor learning experience with a college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.
ABOUT ENMARKET
Enmarket employs more than 1,300 people and operates 130 convenience stores that include 29 Eatery locations in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company also operates 16 restaurants branded as Subway, Larry’s Giant Subs, Baldino’s, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, as well as 25 Marketwash car washes. The company was founded as Interstate Stations by Robert Demere in 1964. Enmarket is committed to giving back to the community through many charitable contributions and volunteer efforts; and to offering fresh food, healthy snacks, and competitively priced quality fuel as part of its mission to enrich life. Enmarket secured the naming rights in 2021 for the Enmarket Arena. www.enmarket.com