20201123-01A: Recommendation for The East Tower project, located at 84 North Interstate 35 Highway. — original pdf

Recommendation

David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201123-01A Date: November 30, 2020 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for The East Tower project, located at 84 North Interstate 35 Highway. Aan Coleman Josue Meiners Seconded By: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the East Tower project, located at 84 North Interstate 35 Highway, as presented on November 23, 2020, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the East Tower project, located at 84 North Interstate 35 Highway, as presented to us on November 23, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following: 1. This project could not provide compliance with the Great Streets Program or the Urban Design Guidelines related to street trees and furniture due to TxDOT restrictions in the ROW. We understand that City Council is evaluating an ordinance to allow a Great Streets fee-in-lieu for projects hindered with these circumstances. a. The project has proposed small trees, landscaping, and street furniture along the eastern edge of the property since TxDOT will not allow these in the ROW. 2. The project proposes an art gallery, and street level wall mural, in the back alley that will be open to the community via a public access easement connecting to Rainey Street. 3. The project proposes 9,586 square feet of onsite affordable housing and $833,017 fees-in-lieu to NHCD. 6 - 0 - 0 Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Aan Coleman, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Beau Frail, David Carroll, Josue Meiners Against: NA Abstain: NA Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez, Ben Luckens, Jessica Rollason, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for East Tower Page 1