REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll, Howard, and Wittstruck. Discussion on conducting an analysis of the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2-1-172. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair David Carroll Conners Ladner Jenny Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Marissa McKinney – Commissioner McKinney joined the meeting at 6:16 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 03/24/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner McKinney was off the dais. Commissioners Howard, Khan, and Luckens were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. 3. 4. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Wittstruck. There was a motion to recommend to City Council that the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025, complies with and elevates the City’s Sustainability Standards and substantially complies with the City’s Design Standards; however, with respect to the unique size and civic importance of the project, the Design Commission recommends that the project team continue to strengthen the urban design for the project specifically to more ardently and comprehensively address the following Urban Design Guidelines: PS.1 – Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street, including but not limited to providing more consistent and larger awnings protecting pedestrians around the full building rather than solely at building entrances. PS.12 – Provide General Street-Level Windows, including but not limited to providing more street level fenestration in general and avoiding major grade separations between the building plinth and street. PZ.1 – Treat the Four Squares with Special Consideration, including but not limited to more strongly articulating the plaza space’s relationship to Brush Square, including for future phases; and situating outdoor seating and retail uses facing the square. PZ.2 – Contribute to an Open Space Network, including but not limited to more …
Project Case Number Project Location In Date Bonus Request (FAR) Bonus Request (Height in ft Bonused Sq. Ft. Status of Project Design Commission (Working Group Date) Date Reviewed by Design Commission Design Commission Outcome DDBP Case Tracking Aspen Heights Apartments (now Rise) SP-2013-0434C 805 Nueces Street (516 W. 8th Street) 11/1/2013 8 5th & West SP-2013-0454C 501 W. 5th Street 1/31/2014 19.7 7th & Congress (Element & Aloft Hotels) SP-2014-0068C 619 & 621 Congress Ave. (109 E. 7th Street) 5/15/2014 21.2 5th & Brazos SP-2014-0406C 501 Brazos 10/3/2014 19.7 Third and Shoal SP-2015-0346C 607 W. 3rd 4/4/2016 10.2 Waterloo Park Tower SP-2016-0106C 1201 Red River 1/25/2017 405 Colorado SP-2016-0260C 405 Colorado 7/21/2016 Marriott at Cesar Chavez SP-2016-0300C 304 E. Cesar Chavez 10/6/2016 48 East Ave Apts SP-2016-0391C 48 East Avenue 8/9/2016 15 13 15 15 1400 Lavaca (now SXSW Center) SP-2016-0452C 1400 Lavaca 10/3/2016 4.11 Town Lake Lofts SP-2017-0107C 16 N I-35 Service Dr 7/22/2016 15 700 11th St SP-2017-0166C 700 11th St 9/7/2017 10.43 6th + Guadalupe SP-2017-0301C.F1 600 Guadalupe Street 5/24/2018 Block 71 (UT System Property) SP-2017-0311C 200 W. 6th St 10/26/2017 25 25 300 Colorado SP-2018-0096C 300 Colorado Street 5/22/2018 15.71 91 Red River SP-2018-0111C 91-93 Red River Street 7/5/2018 13.12 200 430 328 420 391 371 363 381 342 171 352 344 838 555 455 326 86,840 Approved with Memo 194,854 Approved with Memo 11/25/2013 2/24/2014 Recommendation of Compliance with additional recommendations (see letter) Recommendation of Non-Compliance with list of means for compliance (see letter) 145,977 Approved with Memo 5/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 408,999 Approved with Memo 10/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 77,720 Approved with Memo 4/25/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 133,140 Approved with Memo 3/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 85,634 Approved with Memo 1/9/2017 4/24/2017 & 5/22/2017 Recommendation of Non-Compliance 243,677 Approved with Memo 05/22/2017 & 6/05/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 125,055 Approved with Memo 1/23/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 66,600 Approved with Memo 11/28/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 109,214 Approved with Memo 12/19/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 85,702 Approved with Memo 10/23/2017 Motion for Recommendation of Compliance failed for lack of votes 565,109 Approved with Memo 8/27/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 1,296,080 Approved with Memo 11/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 191,424 Approved with Memo 6/25/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 164,768 Approved with Memo 9/24/2018 Recommendation of Compliance City of Austin - Planning Zoning Department - Urban Design Division - December 2018 The Travis Ph.1 SP-2018-0159C 80 Red River Street 2/22/2019 The Travis Ph.2 SP-2018-0159C …
DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM (DDBP) SUBMITTAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS A property owner (Owner) or his/her representative (Applicant) acting on behalf of the Owner can initiate an administrative request to the Director of Planning (Director) seeking additional Floor-to-Area (FAR) entitlements as outlined in 25-2-586 Downtown Density Bonus Program. In order for the Director to conduct an administrative review, the requirements listed below must be submitted. Once an application is deemed complete, the Director will inform the Applicant of review commencement. The following submittals are required in a complete PDF package of no more than 10 Mb in size with sheets no larger than 11x17 inches: 1. Completed DDBP Application; 2. Vicinity plan/aerial locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project; 3. Location and nature of nearby transit facilities; 4. Drawings (submitted drawings should demonstrate compliance with Subchapter E Design Standards, as applicable): o Site plan; o Floor plans; o Exterior elevations (all sides); o Three-dimensional views; 5. As part of the gatekeeper requirements, submit copy of the projects signed Austin Energy Green Building Letter of Intent; and 6. Other items that may be submitted but not required: Narrative / graphics / photos to further describe the project. 7. Coordination memo acknowledgment from the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department (NHCD) detailing affordable housing community benefits. Please contact Ms. Jessi Koch at NHCD for more information. DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM (DDBP) SUBMITTAL APPLICATION 1. Project Name: 2. Property Owner Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: 3. Applicant/Authorized Agent Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: 4. Anticipated Project Address: Page 1 of 7 5. Site Information a. Lot area: b. Existing zoning (include any zoning suffixes such as “H,” “CO,” etc. If the property has a conditional overlay (CO), provide explanation of conditions (attach additional pages as necessary) : c. Existing entitlements: i) Current floor to area (FAR) limitation: ii) Current height limitation (in feet): iii) Affected by Capitol View Corridors (CVCs) Yes/No? Yes No If yes, please list specific CVC and allowable maximum height. 6. Existing Deed Restrictions If any, detail existing deed restrictions on the property that impact height and/or density: Page 2 of 2 7. Proposed Project Information a. Total square footage - Only include the square footage that counts towards FAR; see LDC 25-1-21(40), (44), and (45): b. Gross floor area devoted to the different land use categories included in the project (e.g., …
405 Colorado Street W. 5th St Congress Ave Brazos St Lavaca St W. 4th St Colorado St 1001 Congress Ave., Ste. 250 Austin, TX 78701 512-212-4114 405 Colorado - B-Cycle Sta(cid:415)on Loca(cid:415)ons Nueces St. San Antonio St. Guadalupe St. W. 2nd St Cesar Chavez St. Lavaca St. W. 4th St. Colorado St. W. 5th St. Congress Ave. E. 6th St. Brazos St. E. 3rd St. E. (cid:1012)th St. E. 7th St. San Jacinto St. Trinity St. Neches St. 1001 Congress Ave., Ste. 250 Aus(cid:415)n, Texas 7(cid:1012)701 512-212-4114
WEST EAST BUILDING ELEVATIONS JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET EAST - WEST NORTH - SOUTH BUILDING SECTIONS JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET FRANK RESTAURANT PARKING ACCESS T E E R T S O D A R O L O C t n e m h c a o c n E r y p o n a C ” 0 - ’ 5 CONCIERGE/ SECURITY DESK LOBBY 3,373 SF RETAIL 3,010 SF SHUTTLE ELEVATORS LOADING AREA Y E L L A C L B U P I Canopy Encroachment 1,265 SF 8’-0” Canopy Encroachment 5’-0” Canopy Encroachment WEST 4TH STREET SCALE: 1/32”=1’-0” SITE PLAN SUBMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET MAY17, 2016 PROPERTY LINE MECH. FIRE/ SERVICE MEN WOMEN TELECOM. ELEC. JANITOR OFFICE 18,841 GSF 5’-0” West Encroachment 5’-0” East Encroachment 5’-0” Max. South Encroachment MAX. ENCROACHMENT AREA 1,088 GSF LEVEL 19 GREATEST CANTILEVER SITE PLAN SUBMISSION SCALE: 1/32”=1’-0” 405 COLORADO STREET MAY17, 2016 L24 L23 L22 L21 L20 L19 L18 L17 L16 L15 L14 SKY LOBBY P12 P11 P10 P9 P8 P7 P6 P5 P4 P3 P2 P1 M L24 L23 L22 L21 L20 L19 L18 L17 L16 L15 L14 SKY LOBBY P12 P11 P10 P9 P8 P7 P6 P5 P4 P3 P2 P1 M SITE PLAN SUBMISSION SCALE: 1/64”=1’-0” 405 COLORADO STREET MAY17, 2016 LOBBY PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET EAST - WEST STREET SECTION COLORADO STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET EAST - WEST STREET SECTION COLORADO STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET NORTH- SOUTH STREET SECTION 4TH STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET NORTH- SOUTH STREET SECTION 4TH STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET (cid:29)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:4) (cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:5)(cid:3) (cid:29)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:4) (cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)(cid:4)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:10)(cid:11) (cid:12)(cid:2)(cid:13)(cid:14)(cid:5)(cid:10)(cid:15)(cid:16)(cid:2) (cid:23)(cid:15)(cid:22)(cid:24)(cid:7)(cid:21)(cid:22) (cid:27)(cid:5)(cid:25)(cid:2)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:2) (cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:5)(cid:3) (cid:18)(cid:2)(cid:6)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:7)(cid:21)(cid:22) (cid:28)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:14)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:2) (cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:7)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:2)(cid:3) (cid:23)(cid:17)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:5)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:7)(cid:1)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:2)(cid:13) GARAGE LEVEL - ENTRY JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET SOUTH ELEVATION 4TH STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET WEST ELEVATION COLORADO STEET PLAN JUNE 14, 2016 405 COLORADO STREET BIKE RACKS LIGHT POLE CONCRETE DRIVEWAY CONCRETE SIDEWALK FACING BENCHES STREET TREE (SHUMARD RED OAK) IN IRON TREE GRATE EXISTING SCULPTURE CONCRETE PAVERS (OLD TOWN BLEND) CONCRETE PAVERS (GRAY CITY STONE) LIGHT POLE RECYCLING CAN TRASH CAN FACING BENCHES CONCRETE PAVERS (OLD TOWN BLEND) BIKE RACKS CAFE TABLES LIGHT POLE BUILT-IN BAR/WALL STONE PAVERS CONCRETE PAVERS (ANTIQUE TERRA COTTA) AT-GRADE PLANT BED STREET TREE (CEDAR ELM) IN HIDDEN PAVER GRATE 1,239 SF 405 COLORADO : SITE RENDERING WITH …
405 Colorado Design CommissionMeeting Austin, Texas 04-24-2017 Project Team • Brandywine Realty Trust • Land Use Solutions, LLC • Duda|Paine Architects, LLC • Coleman and Associates • Stantec DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Request • Design Commission review for substantial compliance with Urban Design Guidelines • Density Bonus: 13:1 FAR • Staff Approved Great Streets • 2-star Austin Energy Green Building (LEED Silver) DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Proposed Project Density Bonus Request: CBD Zoning FAR: Maximum FAR: Requested FAR: 8:1 25:1 13:1 DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Project Overview Surface parking lot – 18,439 sf Existing: Proposed: Office: 230,000 sf Details: DESIGN COMMISSION Restaurant: 3,665 sf 25 levels • 13 levels of office, restaurant and amenities • 1 sky lobby • 1 ground floor restaurant • 11 levels ofparking • 1 level mezzanine 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context - Property Location DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context - Property Location DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context – Small Site SMALL SITE 18,439 SF Coffee DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Existing Conditions LOOKING WEST ON 4TH STREET DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Existing Conditions LOOKING EAST ON 4TH STREET DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Existing Conditions LOOKING NORTH ON 4TH STREET DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context – Capitol View Corridor DOWNTOWN WAREHOUSE DISTRICT DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context DOWNTOWN WAREHOUSE DISTRICT DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 C i t y C o n t e x t - Downtown Plan CORE/WATERFRONT DISTRICT DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context - Warehouse District DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 City Context AREA AMENITIES DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Support - Downtown Plan • Office and Restaurant: • • Promote ground-level retail and restaurant uses along particular Downtown streets. Provide incentives for Downtown office and employment uses. • Parking Available to Public: • Public parking facility is the third-highest scoring need for the Core/Waterfront District. • Warehouse District and 2nd Street District need more parking, particularly at night, per the Walker Study. DESIGN COMMISSION 405 COLORADO STREET APRIL 24, 2017 Public Outreach • Downtown Austin Alliance • Downtown Austin NeighborhoodAssociation • 6ixth …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Site Plan and Building Permit Case Managers FROM: Gregory I. Guernsey, AICP, Director of Planning, Planning and Zoning Department DATE: June 19, 2015 RE: Density Bonus for 5th & West multifamily development, SP-2013-0454C, Expected address: 718 West 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701 final FAR calculations and contributions to affordable housing and other community benefits. This memorandum grants approval for modifications to the 5th & West development (the Project) subject to the stated conditions and requirements as of the date listed above. This memorandum also summarizes the requirements that must be met for the above mentioned project to be granted the entitlements listed below through the Downtown Density Bonus Program as described in City Code section 25-2-586. The entitlements described below are associated only with the Project as described in the attached documents and site plan No. SP-2013-0454C and cannot be transferred to a different project. If an applicant proposes a different project on the same site and seeks to use a Density Bonus, the applicant must re-apply for the Downtown Density Bonus Program using the rules in effect at the time of application. The entitlements granted herein do not run with the land. A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be granted for this Project until all requirements below are met. This memorandum shall be attached to all site plan applications and building permit applications and the following note shall be placed in AMANDA and on the cover of all site plan applications and building permit applications: “A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be granted for this Project until all requirements specified in the memos re: Density Bonus for 5th & West Multifamily Development dated June 19, 2015 are met.” Staff shall verify that all requirements have been met before issuing a certificate of occupancy by checking with Jorge Rousselin of the Urban Design Division, Planning and Development Review Department, at jorge.rousselin@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2975. Requirements to be fulfilled before a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) may be granted for this Project: 1. Fees to be paid: Total Development Bonus Fee of $484,031.10 to be paid to the City of Austin and deposited into the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) Office’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fee will be received in person or by mail at the NHCD offices Page 1 of 3 located at 1000 E. 11th Street, 2nd …
405 Colorado DDBP Photos taken 4-21-25 by Sophia Benner 405 Colorado DDBP Photos taken 4-21-25 by Sophia Benner 405 Colorado DDBP Photos taken 4-21-25 by Sophia Benner 5th & West DDBP Photos taken 4-21-25 by Sophia Benner 5th & West DDBP Photos taken 4-21-25 by Sophia Benner
Austin Design Commission Date: To: Subject: May 22, 2017 City of Austin Staff Review of 405 Colorado for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines Applicant: Michelle Haussmann (Land Use Solutions) DC Action: The motion to approve the working group letter, which states that the project as presented does not substantially comply with the Urban Design Guidelines, was made by S. Franco; second by E. Tani- guchi. The motion passed on a unanimous vote of [8-0]. A. Coleman recused; D. Carroll not present. David Carroll, Chair The project location is 401-405 Colorado Street. Bart Whatley, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzalez Katie Halloran Conor Kenny Melissa Henao-Robledo Existing zoning for the project is CBD. The project design includes office, retail uses and public parking. The lot area is 0.42 acres (18,439 sq ft), and the total proposed project area is 233,146 sq ft. The FAR for this project is 13:1, above the 8:1 maximum allowance for CBD zoning, so an increase in FAR of 5:1 is being requested. The proposed building height is 363 feet; essentially 13 stories of parking garage and 12 stories of office/retail. Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required to provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages consistent with the Great Streets Standards, and the applicant shall commit to a minimum of 2 star Green Building rating. The Mayor and City Council and the Planning & Development Review Director will determine appropriate bonus area in light of community benefits to be provided. Evan Taniguchi DESIGN COMMISSION COMMENTS REGARDING PROJECT’S COMPLIANCE WITH URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES Katie Mulholland, Executive Liaison Nichole Koerth, Staff Liaison 2. AREA WIDE GUIDELINES 1. Create dense development- 13 stories of parking and only 12 stories of habitable space is not increasing density as intended by the Urban Design Guidelines (UDG) of the Density Bonus Program. This section specifically encourages walkability and reduces reliance on cars. Less parking and more habitable space is preferred. The Working Group does not believe that this project complies with this section. Create mixed-use development- Only 19.5% of Ground Floor (street level) is mixed-use and only designed for one tenant. Only 1.94% of total building area is mixed-use. Buildings must Design Commission - 405 Colorado Page 1 of 3 have 25% or more of their floor area as a different use to comply. Parking is not considered a mixed-use in the …
