One of the four original squares laid out in 1733, it was commonly called Marketplace Square, later named for Henry Ellis, Georgia's second Royal Governor. In 1954, the old City Market building was torn down and replaced by a parking garage in an attempt to encourage more downtown shopping. In 2005, the parking garage was torn down and replaced by an underground parking structure developed through a public-private partnership. This provided the opportunity to restore a public square at ground level above the parking structure. After extensive public input, in 2010 Ellis Square was resurrected and became an urban plaza that could accommodate a variety of uses. Today, the dynamic public space includes a visitor center, restrooms, an interactive fountain, a variety of seating options, and space for music and other performances. It also features a bronze statue of Savannah native and well known songwriter Johnny Mercer.