ABIA Cargo Facility Application — original pdf

Approved Minutes

City of Austin - 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 ii 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. Destiny Bonus projects (see page iv 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 ii 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. 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. https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Boards_and_Commissions/ Design_Commission_urban_design_guidelin es_for_austin.pdf 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) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) Completed Project Review Application (p.1-6) Existing zoning classification, adjacent zoning & uses, future land use map classification, topography Vicinity plan, including public transportation and connectivity on-site and within quarter mile Site plan and landscape plan Ground level, basement plan, and typical floor plan Elevations and/or 3d views Any letters of support or findings by other commissions Staff reports, if any Records of public participation Design Commission - Project Review Application i  PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS: CITY PROJECTS 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). 1. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Office of the City Architect prior to submitting a Project Review Application, especially if seeking Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) under Subchapter E Design Standards. (See Staff Contacts on page iv.) 2. Applicant submits completed Project Review Application, including Exhibits, to Commission Liaisons a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the Design Commission meeting. (See and Calendar of Regular Meetings and "Exhibits to Present" on page i) 3. Commission Liaisons review Project Review Application for completeness. Once the Application is deemed complete, the project will be added to the agenda. (Agendas are posted online 72 hours prior to the meeting.) 4. Commission Liaisons post backup, including complete Project Review Application and letters/decisions from other Boards and Commissions, the Friday before the meeting. (See Meeting Documents website.) 5. Design Commission meets and hears a 15 minute presentation by the Owner/Applicant/Architect. The Commission asks questions and makes recommendations. At the end of the project review, the Design Commission may rely on the recommendations recorded in their meeting minutes or submit a Project Review Letter to City Staff in Development Services Department. 6. Design Commission may direct a Working Group to write the Project Review Letter. The Working Group will take comments from the full Design Commission meeting, add their comments, and coordinate with the Design Commission Chair to issue a Letter to applicable Development Services Department Staff. The Working Group shall meet prior to the next regularly-scheduled Design Commission to finalize comments on any project submittal. The goal is for this to happen in a one (1) month time frame. 7. Commission Liaisons will forward approved meeting minutes or Project Review Letters to applicable Development Services Staff. 8. Design Commission may request that an Owner/Applicant or City Staff submit an update report in the future so that the Commission can review progress as a project is further detailed. Design Commission - Project Review Application ii PROJECT REVIEW PROCESS: DENSITY BONUS PROJECTS The Design 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. 1. Six weeks prior to the target Design Commission meeting: Applicant will contact Density Bonus Liaison with intent to schedule project on the next Design Commission agenda. a. Density Bonus Liaison will provide application and submittal documentation to Applicant and notify Commission Liaisons. 2. Five weeks prior to the target Design Commission meeting: Density Bonus Liaison will contact Chair of Working Group to schedule a meeting, copying Commission Liaisons. 3. By the end of the fourth week (24 calendar days) prior to the target Design Commission meeting: The Applicant will submit all completed application requirements to Density Bonus Staff Liaison. 4. By the end of the third week (17 calendar days) prior to the target Design Commission meeting: Design Commission Working Group will meet to review Project Review Application and evaluate Applicant’s presentation detailing substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. a. Working Group will provide Applicant comments and suggestions on improving presentation and issue a recommendation to the Design Commission on achieving substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. 5. By the end of the second week (10 calendar days) prior to the target Design Commission meeting: Chair of the Working Group will send the Density Bonus and Commission Liaisons the Working Group’s written recommendation to the Design Commission containing specific feedback given to the Applicant and, if lacking, detailing items to address to achieve substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. 6. One week (7 calendar days) prior to the target Design Commission meeting: Once the Density Bonus Liaison receives the revised project submittal from the Applicant and the Commission Liaison receive the written recommendation from the Working Group Chair, the Commission Liaison will place project on Design Commission agenda for discussion and possible action. 7. Design Commission meeting: At the meeting, Design Commission will review the project for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin based on Working Group recommendations and issue a final recommendation detailing to Planning and Zoning Department Staff items needed to be addressed in order to achieve substantial compliance. 8. Within one week after Design Commission meeting: The Chair will issue a formal written recommendation based on the action taken by the by the Commission detailing to Planning and Zoning Department Staff items needed to be addressed in order to achieve substantial compliance. Design Commission - Project Review Application iii GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Incomplete Applications Should Commission Liaisons determine that the Project Review Application is incomplete, the Application shall be returned to the Applicant and the project will not be posted on the agenda for consideration by the Commission. Submissions without the required Adobe PDF electronic file shall be deemed incomplete. Public Notice Posting of public notices on the proposed project site or giving notice to adjacent property owners is not required by the enabling ordinance of the Design Commission. The posted agenda for the Design Commission meetings serves to inform the public of subjects considered by the Commission. The Applicant shall note that the concomitant regulatory procedures by other boards and commissions have legal public notice requirements. Actions taken by the Austin Design Commission shall be in respect of and in compliance with such local ordinances and project review procedures. Limits on Resubmissions Applicants are limited to two (2) resubmissions per design phase (as described herein) and shall notify Commission Staff of the intent and desire to resubmit project(s) for review within seven (7) days of the action vote by the Commission. The Commission shall consider such resubmissions prior to issuing the Project Review Letter. Rebuttal of Project Review Letter Since the Commission issues advisory recommendations only, there is no instance for appeals to the Commission. Rebuttals of such advisory recommendations may be made by the Applicant to the applicable city department, planning commission, or City Council in accordance with applicable standard processes and procedures. STAFF CONTACTS By appointment, City Staff is available for consultation on submittal requirements. To schedule a pre-submission conference or for information on any of the above submittal requirements, please contact: City of Austin, One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704 Commission Liaisons: Executive Liaison: Staff Liaison: jorge.rousselin@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-2975 aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-1243 art.zamorano@austintexas.gov , (512) 974-3583 Urban Design Division, Planning and Zoning Department, 5th floor City Architect: Janice.White@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7997 Office of the City Architect, Public Works Department, 9th floor Density Bonus Program Coordinator: jorge.rousselin@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-2975 Urban Design Division, Planning and Zoning Department, 5th floor Design Commission - Project Review Application iv A. PROJECT INFORMATION Project Name The Death Star Project Type: Infrastructure Private project Other City building & site Density bonus Project Location/Address 1 Imperial Avenue, Galactic Empire, Austin, TX 78704 Applicant Darth Vader, Sith Lord Property Owner Darth Vader, Sith Applicant Mailing Address 1Imperial Avenue Austin, TX 78704 Applicant Telephone Number 999-999-9999 Property Owner Mailing Address 1 Imperial Avenue, Austin, TX 78704  Property Owner Telephone Number 999-999-9999 Project Start Date January 2017 Project Completion Date March 2018 Applicant’s Architect Darth Vader, Sith Lord; ABC Architect Applicant’s Engineer Darth Vader, Sith Lord Engineering Company Design Commission - Project Review Application 1 of 6  1] Indicate if proposed Project is required by City Ordinance to be reviewed by the Design Commission. Yes, the project is required to be reviewed by the Design Commission. 2] Describe the recommendation that you are requesting from the Design Commission. We are looking for a recommendation of support from the Design Commission for the project as well as Alternative Equivalent Compliance for setbacks and missing sidewalks. 3] Current Design Phase of Project (Design Commission prefers to see projects right after approved schematic design). Schematic design phase 4] Is this Project subject to Site Plan and/or Zoning application approvals? Will it be presented to Planning Commission and/or City Council? If so, when? Yes, the project is subject to Site Plan approvals and Zoning approvals. We anticipate presenting to the Planning Commission in mid-May and City Council in late June. 5] Does this Project comply with Land Development Code Subchapter E? List specifically any Alternative Equivalent Compliance request if any. Please refer to website for Alternate Equivalent Compliance (AEC) requirements. https://www.municode.com/library/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT25LADE_CH25- 2ZO_SUBCHAPTER_EDESTMIUS Yes, the project generally complies with SubChapter E with 8 foot sidewalks, street trees, and street furniture. However, we need alterative Equivalent Compliance for encroachment into setbacks. Design Commission - Project Review Application 2 of 6  B. PROJECT BACKGROUND 6] Provide project background including goals, scope, building/planning type, and schedule. Broadly address each of the “Shared Values for Urban Areas” that are listed on Page 6 of the Urban Design Guidelines. Attach additional pages as needed. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 7] Has this project conducted community/stakeholder outreach? If so, please provide documentation to demonstrate community/stakeholder support of this project. Yes, the project has conducted 6 months of community outreach including 4 workshops and 2 listening sessions. Is this project submitting for the Downtown Density Bonus Program? If so, please provide a completed Downtown 8] Density Bonus Application. Yes, the project is submitting for Downtown Density Bonus program. See attached. 9] Has the project been reviewed by COA Department (i.e. DAC) Staff? If so, please describe and cite any relevant comments or feedback that the Commission should be aware of. Yes, the project has been reviewed by COA staff. DSD staff mentioned wanting to see wider, straighter sidewalks. We are working with PAZ staff on the number and placement of new trees and preserving six heritage trees. 10] Are there any limitations to compliance or planning principles due to the specific requirements of this project that the Commission should be aware of? Limitations include Design Commission - Project Review Application 3 of 6  C. EXISTING CONDITIONS AND CONTEXT Identify connectivity to public transportation including, bicycle and pedestrian routes and/or multi-modal transportation. 11] Does the project comply with ADA requirements? Provide a site context map and attach additional pages as needed. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. Identify and describe any existing features that are required to be preserved and/or protected such as heritage trees, 12] creeks or streams, endangered species (flora and/or fauna)? Attach additional site diagrams as needed. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. Is this project within any City of Austin planning district, master plan, neighborhood plan, regulatory district, overlay, etc.? 13] If so, please illustrate how this project conforms to the respective plan. Attach additional pages as needed. (See below for requirements.) The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 14] List any project program and/or site constraints that should be considered. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. Design Commission - Project Review Application 4 of 6  D. RELATIONSHIP TO PUBLIC REALM Public realm is defined as any publically owned streets, pathways, right of ways, parks, publicly accessible open spaces and any public and civic building and facilities. The quality of our public realm is vital if we are to be successful in creating environments that people want to live and work in. 15] The shared values outlined in the Urban Design Guidelines include Human Character, Density, Sustainability, Diversity, Economic Vitality, Civic Art, A Sense of Time, Unique Character, Authenticity, Safety and Connection to the Outdoors. How is the project addressing these unique community characteristics? Is the project developing any public amenities for urban continuity and vital place making? The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 16] Does this project encourage street level activity to engage and respond to functional needs such as shade, rest areas, multi-modal transportation storage and paths? The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 17] How will the project be a good neighbor to adjacent properties? For example, describe the treatment of the transition area between properties, i.e. fence, landscape improvements, etc. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. Design Commission - Project Review Application 5 of 6  E. ENVIRONMENTAL/SUSTAINABLE ISSUES The Austin Urban Design Guidelines set a goal that, "All development should take into consideration the need to conserve energy and resources. It should also strive for a small carbon footprint." 18] Please list any significant components of the project that contribute to meeting this goal. If the project has been designed to accommodate future inclusion of such components (for example, by being built "solar ready") please list them. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 19] If the project is being designed to meet any sustainability/environmental standards or certifications (for example, LEED Silver), please list them here and attach relevant checklists or similar documents that demonstrate how the standard or certification will be achieved. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. 20] If the project contains other significant sustainability components not included above that the Commission should note, please list them here. The Empire will rule the entire galaxy with ruthless power. They will crush the Rebellion and Skywalker will become one of them. Design Commission - Project Review Application 6 of 6  APPENDIX A INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS Design Commission - Project Review Application APPENDIX B DENSITY-BONUS PROJECTS Design Commission - Project Review Application APPENDIX C IMAGINE AUSTIN RELATED POLICIES Land Use and Transportation Building Block LUT P30: Protect and enhance the unique qualities of Austin’s treasured public spaces and places such as parks, plazas, and streetscapes; and, where needed, enrich those areas lacking distinctive visual character or where the character has faded. LUT 31: Define the community’s goals for new public and private development using principles and design guidelines that capture the distinctive local character of Austin. LUT P35: Infuse public art into Austin’s urban fabric in streetscapes along roadways and in such places as parks, plazas, and other public gathering places. LUT P41: Protect historic buildings, structures, sites, places, and districts in neighborhoods throughout the City. LUT P43: Continue to protect and enhance important view corridors such as those of the Texas State Capitol District, Lady Bird Lake, and other public waterways LUT P44: Preserve and protect historic parks and recreation areas. Economy Building Block E P6: Support up-to-date infrastructure, flexible policies, and programs, and adaptive reuse of buildings, so that local, small, and creative businesses thrive and innovate. Conservation and Environment Policies Building Block CE P3: Expand the City’s green infrastructure network to include such elements as preserves and parks, trails, stream corridors, green streets, greenways, and agricultural lands. CE P11: Integrate development with the natural environment through green building and site planning practices such as tree preservation and reduced impervious cover and regulations. Ensure new development provides necessary and adequate infrastructure improvements. City Facilities and Services Building Block CFS P14: Integrate erosion, flood, and water quality control measures into all City of Austin capital improvement projects. CFS P24: Increase the share of renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and biomass, used by Austin Energy to generate electricity, including infrastructure for on-site sources throughout the City. CFS P29: Increase the use of joint or shared facilities between public safety and other service providers, when possible, to provide residents with efficient services, reduce costs, and maintain public safety infrastructure. CFS P35: Distribute public buildings where neighborhood services are located and other accessible locations throughout the City. Design Commission - Project Review Application CFS P36: Improve multimodal public transportation access to the City’s public buildings and facilities, including the Austin- Bergstrom International Airport. CFS P37: Integrate public buildings and facilities into active, walkable, mixed use neighborhoods and complete, healthy communities. CFS P38: Reduce energy consumption and waste generation in all public buildings to meet the City’s greenhouse gas reduction and zero waste goals. CFS P39: Develop public buildings and facilities that create healthy work environments and educate the public about energy-efficient, sustainable building, and greening best practices. CFS P44: Feature superior design in parks and recreational facilities and include opportunities for public art and sustainable design solutions. S P14: Locate emergency services within close proximity to all neighborhoods and continue to improve community outreach and relationships between police and neighbors S P25: Increase sidewalks and bicycle lanes in neighborhoods to create safer routes to schools, parks, and transit stops. Society Building Block Creativity Building Block C P16: Increase the availability of significant public art to designate districts and/or their entrances and to assist visitors in navigating the area. C P17: Define Austin’s sense of place through high standards for architecture and urban design, public art, public spaces and parks, and arts education. Design Commission - Project Review Application ABIA AUS CARGO EAST DEVELOPMENT - APPLICABILITY OF SHARED VALUES FOR URBAN AREAS SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR QUESTION 6 (PROJECT BACKGROUND) Humane Character The project is design to be a secured facility with an industrial use (large scale cargo processing). The nature of aircraft safety requirements and FAA security regulations significantly constrain design possibilities. The project was however designed to incorporate significant (FAA compliant) landscaping and outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of authorized users of the facility. Note that the facility will not be open to the general public. The project represents an expansion of the processing capacity of the existing cargo apron. The project intent is to maximize that capacity of the existing cargo apron without a significant expansion of the actual aircraft operating area. The intent is to the maximize the usefulness of the available area. Density concerns related to residential, retail, entertainment and recreational uses are not applicable to the project site. The project is being designed to obtain an Austin Energy Green Building Program 3-Star rating. The facility is also intended to make the maximum beneficial use of the existing cargo apron, hopefully delaying the need to construct a new cargo apron further into the future. The project will support a large-scale cargo processing operation operated by a publicly traded corporation under a lease agreement with the City. The facility is expected to create approximately 300 jobs on site and additional related jobs off-site. The facility operator is an equal-opportunity employer. The facility is expected to create approximately 300 permanent, full-time jobs on site and additional related jobs off-site. The facility will also increase the ability to move cargo both into and out of the Austin area, benefiting multiple businesses (who sell goods) and consumers. As noted previously, the project will be a secure facility which is not open to the general public. Despite this fact, three locations have been identified on the land side for the installation of art exhibits for the enjoyment of employees of the facility. The cargo apron was originally constructed by the U.S. Air Force as a staging and maintenance area for the Bergstrom Air Force Base bomber wing. The proposed improvements seek to maximize the continued use of concrete placed during the cold war as a support facility for peace-time commerce. While not seeking to preserve cold-war era policies, the improvements will seek to continue ABIA’s goal of converting former military infrastructure to civilian use. Density Sustainability Diversity Economic Vitality Civic Art A Sense of Time Unique Character The nature of the project (aviation related) and the jurisdiction of both the FAA and TSA place significant restrictions on the creativity which might be exercised by the project team. The nature of the facility (transferring cargo between large aircraft and tractor-trailer rigs) is heavily industrial and necessitates a utilitarian design. The design team has tried to soften the industrial nature of the facility through the inclusion of (FAA compliant) landscaping and break areas, however, given the “secure” nature of the facility, the general public will not be able to enjoy the facilities that are installed. The are however numerous other areas within the ABIA property which are open to the general public which are better candidates for the inclusion of more creative design features. Because the facility will be secured, the general public will not have the opportunity to engage and interpret the improvements with respect to the statement it makes about Austin as a place to live, work and prosper. The proposed facility is however authentic to its use, which is consistent with the facilities already operating on the cargo apron. Authenticity Safety As previously noted, the nature of the proposed design was heavily influenced by the need to maintain safety. Airfield security concerns (governed by the TSA) and aircraft safety concerns (governed by the FAA) effectively dictated the layout of the improvements, the grading of the site, the selection of landscape plants and the design of the connection to the existing ABIA pedestrian network. The continued safety of the flying public is the number one goal of the City of Austin Department of Aviation. A Connection to the Outdoors AS detailed previously, the fundamental nature of the proposed facility severely restricts design options. The proposed facility is surrounded by infrastructure which is closely maintained to meet FAA safety regulations. The design team has endeavored to provide two inviting outdoor spaces utilizing FAA compliant plants and approaches.