REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 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 June 23, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion of the draft Urban Design Guidelines. Discussion of analysis on the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on outcomes. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. Discussion and action to select a member for the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Wittstruck. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2-1-172. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. 9. Update from the representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on July 16, 2025, and August 20, 2025. Update from the representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding the meeting on June 25, 2025. 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Howard – Commissioner Howard joined the meeting at 6:23 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on May 19, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 05/19/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Howard and Murkes were off the dais. Commissioners Khan, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion regarding Staff’s response to Resolution 20241121-073 on Bird Friendly Design. Presented by Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection Department. 1 3. 4. The presentation was made by Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection Department. Presentation and discussion regarding the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Discussion of analysis on the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. The item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project 307 E 2nd St to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Commissioner Carroll’s motion, Commissioner Wittstruck’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Khan, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project Hanover Republic Square to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Commissioner Gelles’ motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Khan, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. 6. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2-1- 172. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Update from the representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on May 21, 2025, and …
Contents - The previous draft of guidelines and core principles can be found at this link Assignments KEY- David Marissa Kevin Brendan Sophia WORKING DRAFT1 Introduction PURPOSE APPLICABILITY These categories determine if a project must comply with a specific design guideline. Private Projects Applies to: ● All projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP), and ● All private projects for which the City Council or the Planning Commission requests a review by the Design Commission. The applicability extends to these projects regardless of their participation in a density bonus program. The Design Commission will advise the Planning Commission and City Council based on the values and intent of the Urban Design Guidelines as is applicable or appropriate to the project. . Public Projects Applies to all municipal buildings and associated site development including any components of these projects that include Alternative Equivalent Compliance. The Design Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site development projects 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). Public Infrastructure Applies to all infrastructure projects commissioned by the City of Austin. (Resolution 20100819-035) All projects requiring a right-of-way vacation are required to be reviewed by the Design Commission (Council Resolution No. 20100805-028). Infrastructure is the constructed physical and biophysical elements, facilities, and systems of the built environment that provide a shared foundation for sustaining the health, safety, and welfare of a community. Infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects of WORKING DRAFT2 planning and design: air quality management, communication, energy production and transmission (chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal), public safety (support for policing and fire suppression), transportation and movement, waste management (refuse recycling and disposal; sewage treatment), and water management (storage, conveyance, distribution, purification). SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE In order for a project to be considered in Substantial Compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines, projects must address each core principle by complying with All Tier 1 Design Guidelines applicable to their project type as well as 12 of the Tier 2 Design Guidelines applicable to their project type. PRIORITIES Tier 1 Tier 1 indicates design guidelines that are mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all Tier 1 Guidelines applicable to their project type. Tier 2 Tier 2 indicates design guidelines that are optional but highly recommended. Applicants may choose which …
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 the Downtown Density Bonus Program as approved by Ordinance No. 20140227-054. 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 locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project; Location and nature of nearby transit facilities; 3. 4. Drawings (submitted drawings should demonstrate compliance with Subchapter E Design Standards, as applicable): o Site plan; o Landscape 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. Sandra Harkins at NHCD for more information. ATTACHMENT A DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM (DDBP) SUBMITTAL APPLICATION 1. Project Name Hanover Repulic Square 2. Case Number 3. Property Owner Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: Simms & Stein Family Trust/ Three D Properties Limited 3682 Birdsong Ave., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360/ 4014 Medic 4. Applicant/Authorized Agent Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: Michele Rogerson Lynch 221 W. 6th Street, Suite 1300, Austin, Texas 78701 512-404-2251 mlynch@mwswtexas.com 5. Anticipated Project Address: 305 W 5th Street Page 1 of 8 6. Site Information a. Lot area (also include on site plan): 17,785 SF 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): CBD c. Existing entitlements: I. Current floor to area (FAR) limitation: 8:1 II. Current height limitation (in feet) : n/a III. Affected by Capitol View Corridors (CVCs) Yes/No? Yes No If yes, please provide specify height allowed under CVC: …
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 …
PROTECT Protection from the elements Protection from motor vehicles Guideline 1 : Protect pedestrians and cyclists from amplified wind Guideline 6: Guideline 2: Protect pedestrians from precipitation Provide driveway and intersection design that clearly indicates and enforces sidewalk and bikeway users have the right of way Guideline 3: Protect sidewalk and bikeway users exposure Guideline 7: Minimize crossing distances and from the sun and heat Guideline 8: Guideline 4: Design to mitigate heat island effect Guideline 5: Minimize the impact of vehicular access on the streetscape Guideline 9: Guildeline 10: Provide self enforcing physical barriers between motor vehicles and sidewalks and bikeways Slow motor vehicles to safe speeds using environmental design Ensure visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, especially at intersections, curb cuts, and areas of modal conflict P1 Guideline 1 : Protect pedestrians and cyclists from amplified wind. Encourage safe, comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable environments for pedestrians and cyclists by mitigating, disrupting, or minimizing amplified wind conditions such as down- draught (“downwash”), funneling (“channeling”), acceleration around corners (“Venturi Ef- fect”), and height/speed differential while still encouraging prevailing cool breezes during warmer months. Conditions • Structures with large flat facades, sharp corners, and simple geometries must include design interventions that demonstrate a detectable mitigation of wind amplification effects. • Wind amplification effects must be mitigated wherever they are likely to impact the sidewalk, bikeways, and other public outdoor amenity spaces, especially publicly accessible open spaces. All sides of the building must be considered. • On-site and off-site impacts of wind amplification must be considered. • Special attention should be paid to historical wind patterns, including prevailing wind direction, speeds, and seasonal variations. Examples • Street trees that buffer against wind speeds. • Ground-level wind breaks such as vegetation, furniture, or shielding structures. • Large vertical canopies at the bottom of flat facades where downdraughts may occur. Downdraught Conditions Funneling Conditions Solutions Solutions Principle 2 Activate and Engage the Public Realm To make Austin more walkable, there must be functional reasons to be on the sidewalk, and sidewalks must be visually interesting and social, with high visual and physical connectivity from the sidewalk to active ground floor uses. In addition to the sidewalk being a functional, comfortable, exciting, social, and safe environment, the experience of the non-motorist user both inside and out of a building should be pri- oritized. The pedestrian, and cyclist experience should receive at least as much con- sideration …
