Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2019 AT 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members _____ David Carroll, Chair (District 1)_____ Aan Coleman (District 8) _____ Martha Gonzalez, Vice‐Chair (District 2)_____ Beau Frail (District 6) _____ Samuel Franco (District 3) _____ Katie Halloran(District 7) _____ Melissa Henao‐Robledo (District 5) _____ Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff _____ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) _____ Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison _____Bart Whatley(District 9) _____ Nichole Koerth, Staff Liaison _____ Josue Meiners(District 4) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the 17th & Guadalupe Apartments project, addressed at 313 W. 17th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Brockett Davidson, Rhode Partners); b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Michael Schooler, GDA Architects; Anna Hoge, Consort, Inc.); c. Discussion and possible action on the Pedestrian Advisory Council recommendations for the Congress Avenue Urban seeking support from the Commission. Presenter: Vice‐Chair Adam Greenfield; Page 2 of 3 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; 4. COMMISSION‐SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the June 24, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Liaison Reports; c. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; d. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice‐Chair M. Gonzalez); 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:02 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Henao-Robledo X Martha Gonzalez – Vice-Chair X Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco X Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Nichole Koerth (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ) Commissioner B. Frail arrived at 6:07 p.m. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the 17th & Guadalupe Apartments project, addressed at 313 W. 17th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Brockett Davidson, Rhode Partners); Brockett Davidson presented and answered questions from Commissioners. The motion to recommend the project as it complies with the Urban Design Guidelines was made by Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez and seconded by Commissioner J. Meiners. A friendly amendment regarding the possibility of contracting local artists for their exhibit area, and the decoupling of parking, to be included in the lease agreement, was made by Commissioner S. Franco; and accepted by Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez and Commissioner J. Meiners. Page 2 of 3 The motion, with friendly amendments, was approved on a vote of [10-1-0]. Commissioner A. Coleman opposed. b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Michael Schooler, GDA Architects; Anna Hoge, Consort, Inc.); Leah Bojo presented, with assistance from Michael Schooler and Mike Fraze (Studio Outside) The motion to postpone this item until the September 23rd Design Commission meeting was made by Chair D. Carroll and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of [11-0-0]. c. Discussion and possible action on the Pedestrian Advisory Council recommendations for the Congress Avenue Urban seeking support from the Commission. Presenter: Vice-Chair Adam Greenfield; Adam Greenfield presented. The motion to support the project was made by Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. …
David Carroll, ChairMartha Gonzales, Vice ChairAan ColemanBeau FrailSamuel FrancoMartha GonzalesKatie HalloranMelissa Henao-RobledoBen LuckensJosue MeinersEvan TaniguchiBart WhatleyJorge Rousselin,Executive LiaisonNichole Koerth,Staff LiaisonDesign Commission - Recommendation for 17th and Guadalupe Apartment ProjectPage 1 Austin Design Commission 1 of 1 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20190826-02A Date: August 28, 2019 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the 17th and Guadalupe Streets apartment project, located at 313 West 17th Street, to determine substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Motioned By: Vice-Chair Martha Gonzales Seconded By: Josue Meiners Amendment By: Samuel Franco Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that 17th and Guadalupe apartment project, as presented to us on August 26, 2019, is in substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the 17th and Guadalupe apartment project, as presented to the body on August 26, 2019 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. In addition to this finding, the Commission also passed the following recommendations: 1. Recommend that the owner/operator look at ways to partner with local artists to lease the gallery space. 2. Recommend that the developer look at the feasibility of decoupling the parking spaces from the apartment units as a separate rental option. For further details on substantial compliance, please see the Planning & Urban Design Working Group Recommendation Letter, dated June 14, 2019. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: 10 - 1 - 0 For: David Carroll, Samuel Franco, Katie Halloran, Evan Taniguchi, Ben Lukens, Beau Frail, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzales, Josue Meiners Against: Aan Coleman Abstain: n/a Absent: n/a Recused: n/a Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission
David Carroll, ChairMartha Gonzales, Vice ChairAan ColemanBeau FrailSamuel FrancoMartha GonzalesKatie HalloranMelissa Henao-RobledoBen LuckensJosue MeinersEvan TaniguchiBart WhatleyJorge Rousselin,Executive LiaisonNichole Koerth,Staff LiaisonAaron D. Jenkins,Staff LiaisonDesign Commission - Recommendation for Pedestrian Advisory Council Congress Avenue Urban Design InitiativePage 1 Austin Design Commission1 of 1 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20190826-02C Date: August 30, 2019 Honorable Mayor, City Council Members, and Planning & Zoning Department Staff, This letter is to confirm that the Design Commission has taken action to support the Pedestrian Advisory Council’s recommendations for the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative, as outlined in their letter dated May 6, 2019. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Motioned By: Vice-Chair Martha Gonzales Seconded By: Ben Luckens Vote: 10 - 0 - 1 For: David Carroll, Samuel Franco, Katie Halloran, Evan Taniguchi, Ben Lukens, Beau Frail, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Martha Gonzales, Josue Meiners, Aan Coleman Against: n/a Abstain: Bart Whatley Absent: n/a Recused: n/a Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission
i City of Austin - Design Commission Project Review ApplicationThe Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1.City projects (see page ii for process)The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086).2.Destiny Bonus projects (see page iv for process)The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program.3.Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page ii for process)The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission's review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Boards_and_Commissions/Design_Commission_urban_design_guidelin es_for_austin.pdf The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1)Completed Project Review Application (p.1-6)2)Existing zoning classification, adjacent zoning & uses, future land use map classification, topography3)Vicinity plan, including public transportation and connectivity on-site and within quarter mile4)Site plan and landscape plan5)Ground level, basement plan, and typical floor plan6)Elevations and/or 3d views7)Any letters of support or findings by other commissions8)Staff reports, if any9)Records of public participationDesign …
80 Red RiverDesign Commission Working GroupApril 25, 2019 DAVIS STRAINEY STRED RIVER ST Property FactsLot Size: 2.291 acres / 99,796 square feetEntitled FAR: 8:1*Entitled Height: 40 feetUp to 15:1 FAR and unlimited height allowed in the Rainey Street district with participation in the Downtown Density Bonus Program*8:1 FAR achievable with compliance with Waterfront Overlay Rainey Street subdistrict affordable housing provision requirements. Project Facts1,236,806 total square feet13:1 total proposed FARPhase I –575 feet in heightPhase II –695 feet in heightApartment -662,636 Gross SFCondo -377,247 Gross SFHotel -194,523 Gross SFCoffee/Bar -2,400 Gross SF Gatekeeper Requirements1.2-Star Green Builder2.Great Streets Compliance3.Substantial Compliance with Downtown Design Guidelines Affordable Housing•24,518 SF of new affordable housing in the Rainey Street Subdistrict.•Affordable housing fee-in-lieu is $2,070,767. Downtown Urban Design Guidelines Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense development Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use development Residential (Rental)Hotel/Residential(Condo) Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streets Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edges Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private development Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public views Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public viewsAW.7Avoid historical misinterpretations Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public viewsAW.7Avoid historical misinterpretationsAW.8Respect adjacent historic buildings Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public viewsAW.7Avoid historical misinterpretationsAW.8Respect adjacent historic buildingsAW.9Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and the street Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public viewsAW.7Avoid historical misinterpretationsAW.8Respect adjacent historic buildingsAW.9Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and the streetAW.10Avoid the development of theme environments Area Wide Guidelines AW.1Create dense developmentAW.2Create mixed-use developmentAW.3Limit development which closes Downtown streetsAW.4Buffer neighborhood edgesAW.5Incorporate civic art in both public and private developmentAW.6Protect important public viewsAW.7Avoid historical misinterpretationsAW.8Respect adjacent historic buildingsAW.9Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and …
The$proposed$Amenity$Area$in$the$Congress$Avenue$Urban$Design$Ini9a9ve$opens$up$many$possibili9es$on$Congress$ Congress$is$already$evolving…$Pocket$Pa9os$are$appearing$ …the$2018$PARK(ing)$Day$event$received$many$applica9ons$on$Congress$ We$could$use$exis9ng$parking$spaces$on$Congress$as$nonIcar$“flexiIspaces”$for:$commerce…$ …and$more$crea9ve/uncommon$uses$such$as$entertainment,$art,$relaxa9on$spaces,$and$bathrooms$ These$kiosks$are$used$at$the$Winter$Village$event$in$Bryant$Park,$midtown$ManhaUan$ These$kiosks$can$house$uses$such$as$small$businesses,$and$they$define$space$well$ Such$kiosks$could$be$used$for$many$purposes$on$Congress’s$flexiIspaces$I$eg.$tourist$info,$restaurants,$mee9ng$rooms,$etc.$ Fully$developing$the$Amenity$Area$could$eventually$produce$an$invi9ng$pedestrian$realm$as$pictured$above$ San$Francisco’s$plans$for$its$main$street$would$ban$all$private$cars…$ …So$we$can$certainly$be$more$progressive$than$just$removing$one$vehicle$lane$on$Congress$ For$instance,$a$4Ilane$street$creates$significant$amounts$of$new$space$for$pedestrians,$flexiIspaces,$and$bike$lanes$ Congress$is$clearly$a$great$place$for$street$events.$We$should$encourage$more$of$these$on$Congress$ Detroit’s$annual$Winter$Market$is$a$model$for$tes9ng$a$street$as$a$pedestrianIonly$space$for$weeks$or$longer$ This$“Fes9val$Street”$in$Portland$OR$is$designed$to$make$closing$the$street$to$traffic$easy$ Pedestrians$and$bikes$can$mix$when$the$street$is$properly$designed$ Pocket$Pa9os$$+$$PARK(ing)$Day$$+$$Street$events$$=$…?$We$don’t$know$where$an$evolving$Congress$will$take$us$but$we$should$allow$it$to$evolve$to$show$us.$ Many$worldIclass$ci9es$turned$autoIstreets$into$pedestrianIonly$public$spaces.$For$example,$New$York$City$in$the$past…$ New$York$City$today…$ CharloUesville,$Virginia$in$the$past…$ CharloUesville,$Virginia$today…$ Boulder,$Colorado$in$the$past$ Boulder,$Colorado$today…$ And$perhaps$one$day,$Congress$Avenue$could$become…$ A$carIfree$public$space.$More$informa9on$on$these$ideas:$Pedestrian$Advisory$Council’s$May$2019$recommenda9on$ Pedestrian Advisory Council (PAC) Recommendation: Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative WHEREAS, the purpose of the Pedestrian Advisory Council (PAC) is to advise the City of Austin on pedestrian planning, policy, design, funding, education, and enforcement efforts regarding the creation, maintenance, and operation of pedestrian facilities; WHEREAS, Congress Avenue is the iconic main street of Texas which should be a thriving social, civic, and commercial center but which is currently underperforming in these regards; WHEREAS, much of Congress is a poor commercial environment characterized by long blank walls, large single-use buildings with few entrances, and street-facing parking lots; WHEREAS, Congress should be a people-first street but most space is currently allocated to automobiles, even though it is not an important cross-town route and other arterial streets are located close by, which induces driving and encourages high traffic speeds while endangering pedestrians and other road-users and much or all of this road space would be better utilized for more socially and economically productive purposes; WHEREAS, many world-class cities feature centrally-located car-free public spaces in their downtown areas to facilitate basic human needs such as people-watching, making and meeting with friends, enjoying activities and culture, engaging in political activities, and shopping; WHEREAS, no matter what their age, physical ability, income level, and cultural background, all people should be equally able to safely and conveniently visit and linger on Congress Avenue and partake in a rich variety of experiences; WHEREAS, infrastructural and regulatory changes would allow a diverse array of community members to have a “right to the city” to test and integrate new ideas and perspectives on Congress on an ongoing basis, allowing the street to evolve constantly and gradually over time, such changes including reallocating travel lanes to other uses and sidewalk-area experimentations; WHEREAS, most effectively improving Congress Avenue also requires changes to the surrounding area, as well as on Congress itself; WHEREAS, a comprehensive parking strategy would utilize parking more productively near Congress and the car parking spaces on Congress would be better used for other purposes; WHEREAS, converting downtown streets from one-way to two-way can improve pedestrian safety, slow traffic speeds, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and improve business; WHEREAS, certain areas of Congress are dangerous, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists, and warrant near-term safety fixes; …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019; 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:06 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Hanao‐Robledo Martha Gonzalez – Vice‐Chair Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco X Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Staff in attendance: Benjamin Campbell (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Nichole Koerth (Staff Liaison; PAZ), Vice‐Chair M. Gonzalez and Commissioners B. Luckens and B. Whatley were absent. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Travis project, addressed at 80 Red River Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Leah Bojo, Drenner Group; Michael Schooler, GDA Architects; Anna Hoge, Consort, Inc.); Leah Bojo, representative for the applicant, said that the project will be presented at the August 26, 2019 Design Commission meeting. No action taken. b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the 17th & Guadalupe Apartments project, addressed at 313 W. 17th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) (Brockett Davidson, Rhode Partners); Page 2 of 3 Brockett Davidson presented with help from Trent Rush (Hitchcock Design Group). Discussion followed. Commissioner S. Franco motioned to recommend that the project does not comply with the Urban Design Guidelines. The motion died for lack of a second. The motion to recommend that the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, pending the inclusion of a permanent awning along Guadalupe was made by Commissioner B. Frail, seconded by Commissioner K. Halloran. A friendly amendment, recommending that if the corner space is not a gallery, that it be dedicated to publicly accessible retail/benefit/art and recommending that the outdoor space be used for public art, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman. The friendly amendment was accepted by Commissioner B. Frail. The motion to recommend that the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, pending the inclusion of the recommended awning and including the friendly amendment, failed [4‐3‐1]. Commissioners J. Meiners, S. Franco, and Chair D. Carroll voted against. Commissioner E. Taniguchi abstained. c. Discussion and possible action on …
August 20,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects are measured for substantial compliance. “Urban Design” influences the largest and most extensive part of people’s lives, it has been a tremendous challenge to approach the issue of updating the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect current needs and future conditions of our city. After numerous discussions beginning with staff and within the Commission, we have created what will be a clear process to craft the necessary changes to the Urban Design Guidelines to best serve our community. The Urban Design Guidelines have not been updated since January 29, 2009 through RESOLUTION NO. 20100819‐035 when City Council First adopted them The Urban Design Guidelines serve as recommendations for all urban development and redevelopment projects by both the public and private sector The Urban Design Guidelines recognize the significant impact of the built environment on the historic, iconic, and unique characteristics of Austin and its neighborhoods Design Commission serves as a tremendous resource to the City Council to offer expert advice on how infrastructure and urban projects can enhance the built environment to be more equitable, vibrant, inclusive, and how to successfully engage community input We request assistance rewriting the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect the rapidly evolving built environment of the City of Austin. The Design Commission requests for the Urban Design Guidelines to be incorporated into the current rewrite efforts of the Land Development Code. The document will be a relevant and complimentary fit to the Land Development Code and shape its relationship to the urban landscape without prescribing technical requirements. We request that the City Manager be directed to work with the City of Austin’s Design Commission on recommendations for design guidelines and procedures to incorporate opportunities for public notification and input. The Design Commission will continue to interface with relevant departments to ensure inclusion and understanding of The Urban Design Guidelines’ proper use. it will be very difficult complete the Guidelines in a timely manner without assistance. Thank you very much for the opportunity to explore and address such an important issue of for the City. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime. Sincerely, Martha Gonzalez Vice‐Chair City of Austin Design Commission August 20,2019
