REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Vacancy, District 6 The first five speakers signed up *prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on October 23, 2023. 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Staff briefing regarding the Urban Design Guidelines Update. Presented by Sophia Benner, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Commissioner McKinney DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project 14th and Lavaca, located at 301 West 14th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin. Presented by Leah Bojo, Drenner Group, PC. Discussion and possible action on the creation and membership of working groups. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Commissioner McKinney Discussion and possible action on the 2024 Design Commission meeting schedule. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding updates to the guidelines. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding last meeting. Update from representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding last meeting. Update from representative of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board regarding last meeting. 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco, in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Conners Ladner PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on October 23, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of 10/23/2023 were approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Luckens was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. 1 Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners The presentation was made by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Staff briefing regarding the Urban Design Guidelines Update. Presented by Sophia Benner, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Commissioner McKinney The presentation was made by Sophia Benner, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project 14th and Lavaca, located at 301 West 14th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin. Presented by Leah Bojo, Drenner Group, PC, Paul Suttles, STG Design, and Cameron Campbell, Campbell Landscape Architecture. The motion to recommend to City Council that the project 14th and Lavaca, located at 301 West 14th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin was approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Commissioner McKinney’s second on an 8-0-1 vote. Commissioner Carroll abstained. Commissioner Luckens was absent. Discussion and possible action on the creation and membership of working groups. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Commissioner McKinney The motion to assign Commissioner Howard, Commissioner McKinney, and Commissioner Wittstruck to the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group was approved on Chair Salinas’ motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Luckens was absent. Discussion and possible action on the 2024 Design Commission meeting schedule. The motion to approve Draft 2 of the 2024 Design Commission meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Luckens was absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding updates to the …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20231113-004 8-0-1 14th and Lavaca Vice Chair Meiners November 22, 2023 Seconded By: Commissioner McKinney Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation The Design Commission recommends to City Council that the project located at 14th & Lavaca, as presented on November 13, 2023, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin. Vote For: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wallace, Commissioner Wittstruck Against: Abstain: Commissioner Carroll Absent: Commissioner Luckens Attest: Jon Salinas, AIA, Design Commission Chair 1 of 1
Austin’s Downtown Density Bonus Program A brief overview and Design Commission’s Role Austin Skyline c. 2000 Austin’s development patterns were changing via CURE Central Urban Redevelopment Combining District (CURE) before DDBP: Modifies site development standards Modifies height and floor-to- area (FAR) ratios Modifies offsite parking and maneuvering Modifies signage, landscaping, and screening Central Urban Redevelopment Combining District (CURE) after DDBP: Modifies site development standards Modifies height and floor-to- area (FAR) ratios Modifies offsite parking and maneuvering Modifies signage, landscaping, and screening Inclusionary vs. Incentive Zoning Inclusionary vs. Incentive Mandatory zoning regulations requiring that a certain number of affordable units are included in developments as a condition of development approval A voluntary zoning regulation (or program) in which, an incentive such as a relaxation in zoning restrictions are offered to a developer in exchange for providing public benefits 2008 City Council direction Supports continued healthy growth DDBP Was based on economic conditions and reflective of the Market Preserves our cultural and natural resources Downtown Affordable Sustainable Authentic Is predictable and transparent Results In clear and quantifiable community benefits City Council direction 2008 2009 2011 2013 Initiation of a Downtown Density Bonus Program Report and Analysis Findings and recommendations from HR&A Advisors Infusion of DDBP recommendations into Downtown Austin Plan DDBP Code amendments modifying CURE and creating 25- 2-586. Ordinance No. 20130627-105 * * 2013 Ordinance established initial development conus fees that were in use until May 2021 City Council direction 2014 2021 2021 Modifications to 25-2-586 to specify community benefits Direction to implement interim revisions to the in-lieu affordable housing fees for residential and non-residential development for the DDBP and Rainey Density Bonus Program (Resolution No. 20210422-039)* Ordinance No. 20210520-009 implements interim development bonus fees Downtown Density Bonus in-lieu fees Overview of 25-2-586 and role of Design Commission Downtown Density Bonus Program - Key Definitions BONUS AREA means the greater of: (a) The gross floor area that exceeds the maximum allowable floor-to-area ratio allowed with the site's primary entitlements; or (b) The gross floor area contained within the portion of a structure that exceeds the maximum height allowed under the site's primary entitlements. COMMUNITY BENEFIT is a public amenity that exceeds the Gatekeeper Requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program that is provided by an applicant in order to obtain bonus area. DEVELOPMENT BONUS FEE means the dollar amount an applicant pays to the City per square foot of bonus area. …
An Overview of the Urban Design Guidelines Presented by Sophia Benner, Principal Planner Creation of Austin’s Design Commission §2-1-130 - Design Commission (A) The Design Commission membership should include a diverse group of persons having expertise in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, civic art, real property development, construction, and economic development. (B) The commission shall provide advisory recommendations to the city council as requested by the city council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. (C) The commission shall: (1) offer policy recommendations regarding specific issues of urban design; (2) participate in developing design guidelines; (3) unless otherwise directed by the city council, for projects that require the approval of the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission: (a) review a project only after a formal request by the project sponsor or applicant; and (b) complete the review before the respective Planning or Zoning and Platting Commission takes final action; (4) provide citizen education and outreach regarding quality urban design; (5) provide a venue for citizen input on the design and development of the urban environment; (6) maintain liaison relationships with city staff and other boards and commissions; and (7) perform other activities as directed by the city council. (D) The commission may appoint one or more of its members to serve as liaison to a project-specific community advisory group addressing urban design and planning issues at the formal request of the project sponsor. Design Commission Workflow City Council directs the workflow of the Design Commission through ordinances and resolutions DDBP Gatekeeper Requirement: “The Design Commission shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines and the director shall consider comments and recommendations of the Design Commission.” § 25-2-586 – Downtown Density Bonus Program Items requested by City Council or project sponsor § 2-1-130 Municipal AEC rule: Requires all municipal buildings and associated site development which include AEC components to seek Design Commission review Resolution No. 20100923-086 UDG Update: Resolution directing the update to the Urban Design Guidelines Resolution No. 20210902-046 Infrastructure guidelines: Resolution directing staff to work with the Design Commission on recommendations for design guidelines for infrastructure projects commissioned by the City of Austin Resolution No. 20100819-035 City buildings & development: Resolution directing staff to present plans for all municipal buildings & associated site development to the …
14th & Lavaca | Austin, TX Downtown Density Bonus Program Application Package TABLE OF CONTENTS APPLICANT SUMMARY LETTER DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS APPLICATION VICINITY PLAN NEARBY TRANSIT FACILITIES SITE PLAN FLOOR PLANS EXTERIOR ELEVATION PLANS ARTISTIC RENDERINGS DEVELOPMENT BONUS COMMUNITY BENEFITS GREAT STREETS EXHIBIT URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES MATRIX SIGNED AUSTIN ENERGY GREEN BUILDING LETTER November 1, 2023 Via Electronic Delivery Ms. Rosie Truelove Planning Department City of Austin 1000 E 11th Street Austin, TX 78702 Dear Ms. Truelove: Re: 14th & Lavaca – Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”) Application and Summary of Compliance with the City of Austin’s Urban Design Guidelines for a hotel tower project located at 303 and 301 W 14th Street and 1304 and 1308 Lavaca Street related to site development permit application case SP-2022-0550C. On behalf of the property owner, Pearlstone Partners, LLC (“Owner”), please accept this letter and supporting documentation as a true and complete submittal application for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”) for the property located at the southwest corner of 14th Street and Lavaca Street in Austin, Texas (the “Property”) submitted on November 19, 2022. The Owner is seeking to develop a 35-story hotel tower on the Property consisting of 280 hotel keys, equating to 235,325 gross square feet of hotel use with 1/3 of the ground-floor activated with pedestrian oriented uses. The Property is made up of four parcels that are currently vacant lots. The structures that previously occupied the parcels were approved to be demolished on July 21, 2021, as they were not in a condition to be incorporated into redevelopment of the Property, nor were they found to have historical or significance by the Historic Landmark Commission. The Property is located within the Uptown/Capital subdistrict of the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP). The Property is zoned Central Business District – Conditional Overlay (“CBD-CO”); the Conditional Overlay limits the issuance of a site plan or building permit to development of a use that generates more than 2,000 daily trips on the site. The Property is entitled to a floor-to-area ratio (“FAR”) of 8:1. In order to exceed an 8:1 FAR, the applicant is proposing to participate in the Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”). The gross site area for the Property is 0.41 acres or 17,838 square feet resulting in a base entitlement of 142,704 square feet. The project is seeking 17:1 FAR, which exceeds the maximum 15:1 FAR with the approval of …
Date: To: From: Subject: Nov 6, 2023 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Density Bonus Working Group review of 14th & Lavaca for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines Nov 1, 2023; 12:00 pm; Virtual Microsoft Teams Meeting Michele Leah M. Bojo- Drenner Group Meeting date: Applicant: The project is located at the corner of 14th and Lavaca The project includes mixed use of hotel (280 Units) and restaurant space (unknown sq. ft.). The project also includes unknown number of parking levels. The applicant is seeking a Density Bonus to raise the FAR from 8:1 to 17:1 resulting in a total project gross area of 303,246 gsf. The site is 17,838 sf with a current allowable building size of approx.. 142,784 sf based on the current allowable 8:1 FAR. The total proposed building height is 399’-6” (35 floors). The maximum height achievable under the Density Bonus program is unlimited. This site is affected by Capitol View Corridor height restrictions. Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required to meet the three gatekeeper requirements: Substantially comply with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines Provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages consistent with the Great Streets Program Standards Applicant must commit to a minimum of 2-star green building rating (Pursuing 3-star rating). WORKING GROUP REVIEW OF PROJECT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES AREA WIDE GUIDELINES AW.1 Create dense development: Compliant Recommendations: Density should be expressed in terms of a floor to area ratio for commercial developments and units per acre for residential developments. Standards should be consistent with LEED Neighborhood Design Standards. It is recommended that all current limits on FAR be maintained, and that developments which adopt and abide by the Urban Design Guidelines along with Density Bonus and other specified requirements should be eligible for additional density on a case-by-case basis. Comment: An increase of 17:1 far is being requested from a base zoning FAR of 8:1. Project complies with this Section. AW.2 Create mixed-use development: Partially Compliant Recommendations: At least two different uses per half block are required. Low occupancy uses such as warehouses, storage, and parking will not be counted in the evaluation of mixed use functions. Secondary uses should occur at street level and be adequate in size to create a sense of variety at street level. As the size …
2024 DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 PDC Room 1405| 6:00 PM Meeting Date Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted) January 22nd February 26th March 25th April 22nd 1May 20th June 24th July – No Meeting August 26th September 23rd October 28th 2November 11th 3December 16th Materials Deadline 10 days prior to Meeting by close of business (5:00 p.m.) (No Exceptions) Files no larger than 12MB January 12th February 16th March 15th April 12th May 10th June 14th Not Applicable August 16th September 13th October 18th November 1st December 6th 1 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 3rd Monday due to Memorial Day Holiday. Meeting location: Austin Energy, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Room 1111 2 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Thanksgiving Holiday occurring this week 3 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 3rd Monday due to Christmas Holiday. Meeting location: Austin Energy, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Room 1111 Permitting and Development Center 2024 DESIGN COMMISSION MEETING CALENDAR 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 PDC Room 1405| 6:00 PM Meeting Date Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise noted) January 22nd February 26th March 25th April 22nd 1May 13th June 24th July – No Meeting August 26th September 23rd October 28th 2November 11th 3December 9th 1 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Memorial Day Holiday 2 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Thanksgiving Holiday 3 Meeting moved from 4th Monday to 2nd Monday due to Christmas Holiday Materials Deadline 10 days prior to Meeting by close of business (5:00 p.m.) (No Exceptions) Files no larger than 12MB January 12th February 16th March 15th April 12th May 3rd June 14th Not Applicable August 16th September 13th October 18th November 1st November 29th
14th & Lavaca SP-2022-0550C Design Commission November 13, 2023 1 Current Zoning and Use Central Business District – Conditional Overlay (CBD-CO) • Surrounded by DMU and State- owned MF-4 parcels • Intended for office, commercial, residential, or mix of uses located in the downtown area • Undeveloped 2 3 Site & Project Facts Address: Lot Size: 301 W. 14th Street 0.41 acres / 17,838 square feet CBD Zoning Entitled Height: DDBP Max. Height for CBD: Proposed Use: Proposed Height: Unlimited Unlimited Hotel (280 Keys) 399’ 6” feet / 35 floors CBD Zoning Entitled FAR: DDBP Administrative FAR: Proposed DDBP FAR: Requested Bonus Area: 8:1, or 142,704 SF 15:1, or 267,570 SF 17:1, or 303,246 SF 160,542 SF 4 Project Compliance 1. Review Community Benefits Information 2. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(a): Substantial Compliance with Urban Design Guidelines 3. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(b): Compliance with Great Streets Standards 4. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(c): Minimum Austin Energy Green Building 2-Star Rating 5 Community Benefit Bonus Area By-Right CBD Floor-to-Area Ratio – Up to 8:1 Compliance with DDBP Requirements – 8:1-15:1 • Development Bonus Fee In-lieu of $1,605,420 § 25-2-586 (E)(1)(iii) • AEGB 3-star rating § 25-2-586 (E)(8) § 25-2-586(B)(6)(d): Additional Community Benefit – Above 15:1 • Development Bonus Fee In-lieu of $642,168 § 25-2-586 (E)(1)(iii) Total fee to Affordable Housing Trust Fund = $2,247,588 Above 15:1 8:1-15:1 Up to 8:1 6 AW.1 Create dense development AW.2 Create mixed-use development AW.7 Avoid historical misrepresentations AW.8 Respect adjacent historic buildings AW.9 Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and the street AW.10 Avoid the development of theme environments B.4 Encourage the inclusion of local character B.5 Control on-site parking B.6 Create quality construction B.7 Create buildings with human scale AW.6 Protect important public views downtown AW.9 Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and the street PZ.3 Emphasize connections to parks and greenways PZ.4 Incorporate open space into development PZ.5 Develop green roofs PZ.6 Provide plazas in high use areas PZ.9 Consider views, circulation, boundaries, and subspaces PZ.12 Use plants to enliven urban spaces PZ.15 Increase safety in plazas through wayfinding, lighting and visibility 8 PS.2 Minimize curb cuts PS.3 Create a potential for two-way streets PS.4 Reinforce pedestrian activity PS.6 Enhance the streetscape PS.8 Install street trees PS.10 Provide protection from cars/promote curbside parking PZ.6 Provide plazas in high use areas PZ.12 Use plants to enliven urban spaces PZ.14 …
1. DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco, in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Conners Ladner Commissioner Ladner joined the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Ben Luckens PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on August 28, 2023. The minutes from the meeting of 08/28/2023 were approved on Commissioner McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Howard’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ladner was off the dais. Commissioner Carroll was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing regarding the Transportation Electrification Plan. Presented by Cameron Freberg, Austin Energy. The presentation was made by Cameron Freberg, Austin Energy. Presentation by Peter Mullan, Austin Transit Partnership, regarding an update on the Light Rail program of Project Connect. The presentation was made by Peter Mullan, Austin Transit Partnership. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park - Pool Renovation, located at 7000 Ardath Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Zach Munoz, MarmonMok Architecture, and Patrick Beyer, Parks and Recreation Department. The motion to recommend to City Council that the project Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park - Pool Renovation, located at 7000 Ardath Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second on an 8-0-1 vote. Commissioner McKinney recused from this item due to a conflict of interest and left the dais. Commissioner Carroll was absent. Discussion and possible action to recommend to City Council whether the project Montopolis Neighborhood Park - Pool Renovation, located at 1200 Montopolis Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Zach Munoz, MarmonMok Architecture, and Patrick Beyer, Parks and Recreation Department. The motion to recommend to City Council that the project Montopolis Neighborhood Park - Pool Renovation, located at 1200 Montopolis Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards was approved with the following friendly amendment on motion by Chair Salinas, seconded …
