20220228-1C: Block 150 Project Recommendation Letter — original pdf

Recommendation

David Carroll, Chair Jessica Rollason, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Aan Coleman Samuel Franco Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jon Salinas Evan Taniguchi Jen Weaver Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Gunner Garnos Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220228-1C Date: March 07, 2022 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street. Seconded By: Commissioner Henao-Robledo Motioned By: Commissioner Meiners Friendly Amendment: Commissioner Franco Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street, as presented to us on February 28, 2022, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines, with the additional recommendation that the proposed public art space prioritizes underserved artists in the community. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Block 150 project located at 402 & 416 West 12th Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, with the additional recommendation listed above. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. For community benefits, the project proposes public art gallery, outdoor garden, public restaurant with outdoor seating, sculpture garden, and a public terrace. 2. Project engages the A.O. Watson house as an amenity 3. Proposed design places all utilities in alley 4. Proposed design does not place any curb cuts on 12th Street, which has a steep grade. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Jen Weaver, Josue Meiners, David Carroll, Jon Salinas, Samuel 7 - 0 - 0 Franco Against: None Absent: Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Bart Whatley Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission Recommendation 20220228-1C Block 150 Project