REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH, 23rd, 2026, 6:00 P.M. 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 Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8333 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 or special called meeting on February 23rd, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program gatekeeper requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Howard. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion of the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown to match the Central City District Plan and how that affects Design Commission scope and rewrite of and Howard. urban Sponsors: Commissioners Gelles guidelines. design Discussion on the future of the Downtown Density Bonus Program and integrating urban design guidelines, principles, and standards into that process. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Carroll. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Nash Hernandez Building Renovation, located at 1621 Nash Hernandez Senior Road in Holly Shores/ Edward Rendon Sr. Metropolitan Park at Festival Beach, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Philip Reed, Levy Dykema Architects. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH, 23rd, 2026, 6:00 P.M. 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 Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8333 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard STAFF BRIEFINGS Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck AGENDA ADDENDUM 8. Staff briefing on Concourse M improvements at Austin Bergstrom Airport. Presented by Pradeep Ramadoss, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Sponsors: Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Howard. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Chad Sharrard at Austin Planning at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Design Commission, please contact Chad Sharrard at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov.
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Commented [NC1]: Please correct to February 23, 2026, Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Ramachandra Aradhyula David Carroll Kevin Howard Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Conners Lander Marissa McKinney Jenny Murkes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commented [NC2]: Should be bold 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission special-called meeting on February 2, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission special called meeting on February 2, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’s second on a 7-0-1. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners Khan and Wittstruck were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. Discussed. Commented [NC3]: Comma instead of period Commented [NC4]: All motions need to list absent commissioner and commissioners who abstained or recused from the vote. The commissioners first name are not used here. It should read, Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 7-0- 1 vote. Commissioner Howard abstained. Commissioners x, y, and z were absent. Commented [NC5]: No space between item and action Commented [NC6]: No space between item and action 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project ABIA Retail Center, located at 2703 Spirit of Texas Drive, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Mirza Tahir Baig, Professional StruCIVIL Engineers, Inc. This item was withdrawn without objection. COMMITTEE UPDATES Commented [NC7]: No space between item and action Commented [NC8]: Perfect! 3. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on February 18, 2026. Update was given by Commissioner Gelles. Commented [NC9]: No space between item and action FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on Downtown Density Bonus Program Gatekeeper Requirements. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Vice Chair Meiners.. Discussion on the future of the Downtown Density Bonus Program and integrating urban design guidelines, principles, and standards into that process. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Carroll. Discussion on the implications of expanding the boundaries of Downtown …
Prereq Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required V4 LEED v4.1 BD+C: Core and Shell Project Checklist ? N Y 1 Credit Integrative Process 11 0 26 Location and Transportation 20 Credit LEED for Neighborhood Development Location Credit Sensitive Land Protection Credit High Priority Site and Equitable Development Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses 6 Credit Access to Quality Transit Credit Bicycle Facilities Credit Reduced Parking Footprint Credit Electric Vehicles 2 2 Sustainable Sites Credit Site Assessment 2 Credit Protect or Restore Habitat Credit Open Space 2 Credit Rainwater Management Credit Heat Island Reduction Credit Light Pollution Reduction Credit Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines 2 3 Water Efficiency Prereq Outdoor Water Use Reduction Prereq Indoor Water Use Reduction Prereq Building-Level Water Metering 1 1 Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction 3 Credit Optimize Process Water Use Credit Water Metering 3 21 Energy and Atmosphere Prereq Fundamental Commissioning and Verification Prereq Minimum Energy Performance Prereq Building-Level Energy Metering Prereq Fundamental Refrigerant Management 6 Credit Enhanced Commissioning 14 Credit Optimize Energy Performance Credit Advanced Energy Metering Credit Grid Harmonization 3 Credit Renewable Energy 1 Credit Enhanced Refrigerant Management 11 2 Y 1 1 0 Materials and Resources Prereq Storage and Collection of Recyclables Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction Credit Environmental Product Declarations Credit Sourcing of Raw Materials Credit Credit Material Ingredients Construction and Demolition Waste Management 6 0 Indoor Environmental Quality Prereq Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance Prereq Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control Credit Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies Credit Low-Emitting Materials Credit Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan Credit Daylight 2 1 3 1 1 6 1 1 1 6 Y 1 1 2 1 1 5 Y Y Y 1 3 1 9 Y Y Y Y 4 1 2 2 6 1 1 1 2 5 Y Y 1 2 1 Regional Priority V4 RP - 1PT RP - 2PT RP - 2PT RP - 4PT RP - 10PT RP - 2PT 1 20 20 2 3 6 6 1 1 1 11 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 V4 1 2 1 3 2 1 1 11 Required Required Required 3 4 3 1 33 Required Required Required Required 6 18 1 2 5 1 14 Required 6 2 2 2 2 10 Required Required 2 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 Credit Quality …
NASH HERNANDEZ GREEN BUILDING FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM NATURAL GAS AVOIDANCE AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY ELECTRICAL VEHICLE CHARGING STATION OCTOBER 29, 2025 PREPARED BY: ACR Engineering, Inc. 3001 South Lamar, Ste. 210 Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 440-8333 OVERVIEW In accordance with the project scope and the city of Austin policy, ACR has conducted an evaluation of “Green Building” features for consideration in the renovation of the Nash Hernandez Facility. The renovation of municipal facilities, such as Nash Hernandez, require a Green Building Feasibility Analyses as outlined in a City of Austin Memorandum dated June 12, 2020, and further detailed in the accompanying FINAL City of Austin Green Building Policy Update. See appendix A. The proposed final policy includes requirements for mandatory feasibility analyses for: 1. Rooftop solar installation. 2. Avoidance of natural gas. 3. Use of auxiliary water supply. 4. Provision of EV charging stations. This report presents the results of a high-level evaluation of these potential Green Building features for Nash Hernandez facility. These analyses are intended as a guide for the Owner to consider and determine which features to include, if any, in the plans for the current project and/or future development. 1 SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the Solar-Ready Zone Area within the mandatory “Reserved for Future Solar Installation” at the Nash Hernandez facility. The analysis utilized 3D roof views in conjunction with the 2D roof plan (see figure below). The Solar-Ready Zone is defined as 50% of the Potential Solar Area, identified as the red-shaded region. The Potential Solar Area is defined as free from obstructions such as, but not limited to, vents, pipes, ducts, and other equipment and must comply with access, pathway, smoke ventilation, spacing, and other requirements of the city of Austin Land Development Code. The red outline of the roof shall be reserved for future solar installation. Code Compliance Data (per C402.8 & C402.8.1): • Total Potential Solar Area: 5,796 sq ft • Total Solar-Ready Zone Area: 2,955 sq ft 2 Code Compliance Data (per C405.15.1): • Total Conditioned Space: 9,160 sq ft • Required Onsite Generation: 0.75 W/sq ft • Total Generation Required: 6,870 W • Generation per Panel: 340 W • Estimated Number of Panels: ~20 panels Electrical Provisions The electrical design for the Nash Hernandez project includes provisions for both future and solar photovoltaic (PV) installation to meet code requirements. A minimum generation …
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application The 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 3 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. Density Bonus projects (see page 4 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 3 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. Page 2 Design Commission - Project Review ApplicationPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin 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. 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 …
