617 Colorado Design Commission September 30, 2020 1 Aerial – Site Vicinity 2 Current Use Surface parking lot. 4 Zoning CBD 5 Property Facts Address: 617 Colorado Street Lot Size: 0.23 acres / 10,018 square feet CBD Entitled Height: Unlimited Proposed Height: 192 feet / 17 floors CBD Zoning Entitled FAR: 8:1 Proposed DDBP FAR: 13:1 6 Project Facts 132,655 total Gross Square Feet (GSF) • Bonus Area = 52,511 GSF Hotel: 119,401 GSF • Includes lobby space • 344 rooms Cocktail Lounge/Community Amenity Space: 4,827 GSF Outdoor Terrace: 482 SF 7 Gatekeeper Requirements 1. 2-Star AE Green Building • Project plans to achieve 3-Star AE Green Building Status 2. Great Streets Compliance 3. Substantial Compliance with Downtown Design Guidelines 8 9 10 11 LOBBY/ ENTRY 12 13 14 15 free passes for teachers: 5 passes each day • • must show ID as an Austin area teacher 16 Area Wide Guidelines Create dense development • AW 1: Create Dense Development AW.1 • AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development Create mixed-use development AW.2 Limit development which closes Downtown • AW 3: Limit Development Which Closes Downtown Streets AW.3 streets • AW 4: Buffer Neighborhood Edges Buffer neighborhood edges AW.4 • AW 5: Incorporate Civic Art in Public and Private Incorporate civic art in both public and private Development AW.5 development • AW 6: Protect Important Public Views AW.6 Protect important public views • AW 7: Avoid Historical Misinterpretations AW.7 • AW 8: Respect Adjacent Historic Buildings AW.8 • AW 9: Acknowledge that Rooftops are Seen from Other AW.9 Respect adjacent historic buildings Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other Buildings and the Street buildings and the street Avoid the development of theme environments AW.10 • AW 10: Avoid The Development Of Theme Environments AW.11 N/A Avoid historical misinterpretations Recycle existing building stock 17 NORTH VIEW AW 1: Create Dense Development AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development AW 3: Limit Development Which Closes Downtown Streets AW 4: Buffer Neighborhood Edges AW 5: Incorporate Civic Art in Public and Private Development AW 6: Protect Important Public Views AW 7: Avoid Historical Misinterpretations AW 8: Respect Adjacent Historic Buildings AW 9: Acknowledge that Rooftops are Seen from Other Buildings and the Street AW 10: Avoid The Development Of Theme Environments18 AW 1: Create Dense Development AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development AW 3: Limit Development Which …
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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020 3:00 PM VIA Remote WebEx MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 3:05 p.m. ✓ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) ✓ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) ✓ Samuel Franco (District 3) ✓ Josue Meiners (District 4) Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) ✓ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) • “✓” Denotes Commission Members who were in attendance CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF ✓ Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison ✓ Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether Block 16, addressed at 320 E. 2nd Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, for the City of Austin; Todd Runkle Gensler, Richard Suttle Armbrust & Brown, PLLC., Cameron Campbell; Campbell Landscape Architecture Todd Runkle presented and answered questions from Commissioners. Commissioner A. Coleman – Made the motion that the project substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines with the caveat to study the circulation path along 2nd Street. Commissioner B. Whatley Seconded the motion The motion was approved on a vote [6‐1‐2]. Page 1 of 2 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the July 17th meeting minutes; The motion to approve the minutes as drafted was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner M. Gonzalez. The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [9‐0‐0]. b. Discussion and Possible action to appoint a Working Group to specifically address updates to the Urban Design Guidelines Chairman D. Carroll and staff discussed updating the Urban Design Guidelines; Commissioner E. Taniguchi, Commissioner J. Rollason, J. Meiners, and A. Coleman volunteered to join the newly appointed Working Group” c. Liaison Reports: report from collaborative commissions from their most recent meeting Chairman D. Carroll met with the Joint Sustainability committee regarding revisions to the Climate Plan. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; Welcomed New Commissioner J. Rollason b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; None; None; ADJOURNMENT at 4:35pm Page 2 of 2
BRUSH SQUARE REHABILITATION PHASE ONE DESIGN COMMISSION 30 SEPTEMBER 2020 1 Original plat Seba Boggart Brush/Alliance Cotton Yards (cir. 1874-1900) Southern Pacific locomotive moved to site (1956, since removed) Central Fire Station(constructed 1938) O. Henry Pun-Off, 2018 2 SITE CONTEXT B R U S H S Q U A R E! City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ADOPTED MARCH 28, 2019 Brush Square Master Plan 3 2019 BRUSH SQUARE MASTER PLAN ENGAGEMENT TO DATE • Community Meeting 1 - April 7, 2018, Susanna Dickinson Museum • Community Meeting 2 - June 17, 2018, Brush Square • Downtown Austin Alliance Future of Downtown Parks - October 31, 2018, Sunset Room • Two online surveys (373 responses) • Downtown Farmer’s Market & 2018 O. Henry Pun-off • Technical Advisory Group • Planning Partners Group • Presentations to Downtown Commission, Historic Landmark Commission, Design Commission, PARD Land & Facilities Committee, Parks Board, Waller Creek LGC & Planning Commission • Adopted by City Council - March 28, 2019 MASTER PLAN - PHASE ONE MASTER PLAN - PHASE TWO 5th St. . t S y t i n i r T . t S s e h c e N Hilton . t S y t i n i r T 1 2 5 3 4 5th St. 5 3 2 1 4 5 . t S s e h c e N Hilton East 4th St. Plaza East 4th St. Plaza Downtown Station Downtown Station Austin Convention Center Austin Convention Center PHASE ONE 1 Enlarge event lawn Demolish and relocate existing parking lot 2 3 4 Create accessible, shaded pathways into park Renovate Fire Station for public use Provide seating, lighting, and site furnishings Expand lawn and performance area 5 Protect Heritage trees Complete Great Streets 0 25’ 50’ Demolish Fire Station annex and create north entrance to park PHASE TWO 1 Remove parking lot 2 3 4 5 4 MASTER PLAN PHASING MASTER PLAN PHASE ONE SITE PLAN East 5th St. East 5th St. 1 7 . t S y t i n i r T 4 3 5 2 4 5 2 5 1 6 3 1 . t S s e h c e N Hilton . t S y t i n i r T 7 3 4 6 . t S s e h c e N Hilton 2 4 3 5 2 5 5 8 1 Armstrong …
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 …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200826-2A Supporting the Austin Climate Equity Plan WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20150604-048 adopting the Austin Community Climate Plan and creating the Joint Sustainability Committee; and WHEREAS, the Austin Community Climate Plan includes a schedule for reporting and updates, with a full plan revision in 2020; and WHEREAS, the harmful effects of climate change, including floods, droughts, heat waves and wildfires, are worsening in the Austin area and around the world; and WHEREAS, the “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” issued in 2018 by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change illustrates that keeping the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius will help to avoid severe effects of climate change, including ecosystems collapsing, that will very likely occur if warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius; and WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color in Austin and around the world are the most impacted by extreme weather and pollution despite having contributed least to the drivers of climate change and pollution; and WHEREAS, harmful land use and the refusal to create or enforce real environmental regulations continue to disproportionately expose communities of color to environmental harms, leading to unjust quality of life outcomes both historically and today; and WHEREAS, low-income communities and communities of color must be prioritized to receive the disproportionate benefits of the transition to a pollution-free society to remedy disproportionate harm done historically and presently; and WHEREAS, if we design and implement programs to serve low-income communities and communities of color, we will positively impact all residents in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change set a goal of “keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius”; and WHEREAS, current international, federal, state and local commitments to greenhouse gas reduction fall short of what is needed to keep average global warming to either 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius and the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s “Emissions Gap Report 2019” illustrates the significant magnitude in the gap between international commitments and needed emissions reductions; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is a member of C40 Cities, a network of global cities committed to addressing climate change; and WHEREAS, C40 Cities has developed guidance for cities on setting greenhouse …
2020 Austin Climate Equity Plan September 2020 Thank you for having us ● We’ve been revising the Community Climate Plan ● Draft for Public Comment out now ● Council in October/November ● We’re looking for your: ○ Comments ○ Areas of Interest ○ Pledge of Support 2 2015 Community Climate Plan Adopted by Council in June 2015 Electricity & Natural Gas Transportation & Land Use Materials & Waste Management 135 qualitative actions directed at departments 2017 Travis County Carbon Footprint 12.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide-equivalent Industrial Processes 3 How was this plan created? • 24 City Staff • 120 Community Members (NGO, Govt, Business) • 12 Ambassadors • 4 Equity Trainings • 5 Community Workshops (over 250 attendees) • 14 Steering Committee Meetings • 60+ Advisory Group Meetings • 50+ Interviews by Ambassadors 4 Steering Committee Members Co-Chairs Mayuri Raja, AZAAD, Google Shane Johnson, Sierra Club Katie Coyne, Asakura Robinson Susana Almanza, PODER Joep Meijer, Citizen Jim Walker, Univ. of Texas Rocio Villalobos, Equity Office Drew Nelson, Mitchell Foundation Rodrigo Leal, Navigant Consulting Rene Renteria, Citizen Kaiba White, Public Citizen Lauren Peressini, Sunrise Movement Shawanda Stewart, Huston-Tillotson Univ. Kenneth Thompson, Solar Austin Ben Leibowicz, Univ. of Texas Suzanne Russo, Pecan Street Inc. Pooja Sethi, Sethi Law Darien Clary, AISD Alberta Phillips, Joint Sustainability Committee, ECHO Also: Nakia Winfield, Brandi Clark Burton, Kurt Stogdill 5 Equity & Climate Health Hazards ● ● ● ● ● The Austin 1928 Master Plan divided the city along racial lines,forcibly displacing Blackresidents into specific, undesirable areas. The Tank Farm fuel storage facility, Eastside Landfill, and the Holly Power Plant exposed people of color to toxic pollution in East Austin neighborhoods. Gentrification is taking place in parts of the city where low-income people and people of color have been forced to live, the African-American share of the Austin population declined from 12% in 1990 to 7.7% in 2010. As of 2015, 52% of white Austin residents were homeowners, only 27% of African-American and 32% of Hispanic/Latinx residents owned homes. Cases of COVID-19, hospitalization and mortality rates are disproportionately affecting Latinx and Black communities 6 We are Changing the Earth’s Climate Warming over 2℃ could be catastrophic to life on earth 7 Climate Projections for Austin Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate hazards ● Experience climate shocks on top of existing economic stressors ● Have less resources to bounce back from …
617 Colorado – Downtown Austin Design Guidelines Density Bonus Application AW.1 Area-Wide Guidelines Urban Design Guideline Create dense development Achieved? YES Applicant's Comments This project will deliver 132,655 square feet of hotel space comprising 344 rooms within Downtown Austin by utilizing additional FAR through the Downtown Density Bonus Program to 13:1. The project is situated on a very small site (+/- 10,000 sf) and will replace what is currently a surface parking lot. The development will contain 332 rooms of hotel space and 4,827 SF of community amenity space and cocktail lounge. Free use of this community amenity space will be made available to local teachers. No streets will be permanently closed with this project. The project will comply with applicable ordinances and regulations. The project will incorporate a mural sourced from local artists at the pedestrian level, both within the lobby along the Colorado façade and on the exterior of the building along the 7th Street façade. The project is not located in a Capitol View Corridor. This project is not designed to replicate any historical styles. The project is not adjacent to any historic buildings. The rooftop partially serves as an amenity deck for guests, providing a landscaped area that is visually appealing to both guests and adjacent buildings. Equipment on the rooftop will be screened on all sides either with parapet walls or architectural louvers integrated into the overall building design. This will not be a themed development. No buildings exist on the property, therefore building stock cannot be recycled. AW.2 Create mixed-use development YES AW.3 AW.4 AW.5 AW.7 AW.8 AW.9 Limit development which closes Downtown streets Buffer neighborhood edges Incorporate civic art in both public and private development YES YES YES AW.6 Protect important public views YES adjacent historical Avoid misinterpretations Respect buildings Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other buildings and the street historic YES YES YES AW.10 AW.11 the development of Avoid theme environments Recycle existing building stock YES N/A 617 Colorado – Downtown Austin Design Guidelines Density Bonus Application Public Streetscape Guidelines Urban Design Guideline Protect the pedestrian where the building meets the street Achieved? YES PS.1 PS.2 PS.3 Minimize curb cuts Create a potential for two-way streets YES YES PS.4 Reinforce pedestrian activity YES PS.5 Enhance key transit stops YES PS.6 Enhance the streetscape PS.7 PS.8 conflicts Avoid pedestrian equipment Install street trees and between utility YES YES YES PS.9 PS.10 Provide …
August 14, 2020 City of Austin Design Commission Planning & Urban Design Working Group Date: To: From: Re: Density Bonus Working Group review of 617 Colorado Street for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines August 7, 2020/11:00 am Leah Bojo- Drenner Group Meeting date: Applicant: The project location is 617 Colorado Street. The project includes mixed uses of retail (4,827 sf) and a hotel (119,401 sf), totaling 124,228 sf. The applicant is seeking a density bonus to raise the FAR from 8:1 to 13:1 (maximum allowance). The site area is 10,018 sf (0.23 acres), and the total project area is 124,228 sf. The total building height is 271’-0” (17 floors). The maximum height achievable under the density bonus program in this portion of Downtown is unlimited. The additional square footage made available by the FAR & height density bonus is 50,060 sf. The current 8:1 FAR yields 80,096 sf. Per ordinance, the applicant is required to provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages consistent with the Great Streets Standards, and the applicant shall commit to a minimum of 2-star green building rating (3-star proposed). The Mayor and Council and the Planning & Development Review Director is to determine appropriate bonus area and in light of community benefits to be provided. Positive attributes of the project are that it is densifying and activating a site that is currently a surface parking lot. In addition, the hotel project is not providing parking and recognizes the utilization of multi-modal and public transportation for hotel guests, the community, and employees. Furthermore, most of their public amenity/retail space is located on the 2nd Floor (atypical) but this allows a nice mix of activating spaces that include a bar, outdoor terrace and “we work” areas that will be available to the public (not free) but a lottery process for public school teachers will be implemented. Also, some type of public art will be utilized on much of the 7th Street 1st Floor exterior walls that contain back-of-house functions. Concerns primarily center on the lack of ride-share drop-off/pick-up areas since no parking is provided. Also, the treatment of bare exterior walls along Colorado, housing back-of-house functions requires more attention. And the proposed public art itself; how will it be selected? Hopefully it will provide opportunities for local, talented, historically underutilized artists to exhibit their work. Usually, multi-tenant, pedestrian-oriented development at the street level is encouraged, …
617 Colorado Design Commission September 30, 2020 1 Aerial – Site Vicinity 2 Current Use Surface parking lot 4 Zoning CBD 5 Property Facts Address: 617 Colorado Street Lot Size: 0.23 acres / 10,018 square feet CBD Entitled Height: Unlimited Proposed Height: 192 feet / 17 floors CBD Zoning Entitled FAR: 8:1 Proposed DDBP FAR: 13:1 6 Project Facts 132,655 total Gross Square Feet (GSF) • Bonus Area = 52,511 GSF Hotel: 119,401 GSF • Includes lobby space • 344 rooms Cocktail Lounge/Community Amenity Space: 4,827 GSF Outdoor Terrace: 482 SF 7 Gatekeeper Requirements 1. 2-Star AE Green Building • Project plans to achieve 3-Star AE Green Building Status 2. Great Streets Compliance 3. Substantial Compliance with Downtown Design Guidelines 8 9 10 11 LOBBY/ ENTRY 12 13 14 15 free passes for teachers: 5 passes each day • • must show ID as an Austin area teacher 16 Area Wide Guidelines Create dense development • AW 1: Create Dense Development AW.1 • AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development Create mixed-use development AW.2 Limit development which closes Downtown • AW 3: Limit Development Which Closes Downtown Streets AW.3 streets • AW 4: Buffer Neighborhood Edges Buffer neighborhood edges AW.4 • AW 5: Incorporate Civic Art in Public and Private Incorporate civic art in both public and private Development AW.5 development • AW 6: Protect Important Public Views AW.6 Protect important public views • AW 7: Avoid Historical Misinterpretations AW.7 • AW 8: Respect Adjacent Historic Buildings AW.8 • AW 9: Acknowledge that Rooftops are Seen from Other AW.9 Respect adjacent historic buildings Acknowledge that rooftops are seen from other Buildings and the Street buildings and the street Avoid the development of theme environments AW.10 • AW 10: Avoid The Development Of Theme Environments AW.11 N/A Avoid historical misinterpretations Recycle existing building stock 17 NORTH VIEW AW 1: Create Dense Development AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development AW 3: Limit Development Which Closes Downtown Streets AW 4: Buffer Neighborhood Edges AW 5: Incorporate Civic Art in Public and Private Development AW 6: Protect Important Public Views AW 7: Avoid Historical Misinterpretations AW 8: Respect Adjacent Historic Buildings AW 9: Acknowledge that Rooftops are Seen from Other Buildings and the Street AW 10: Avoid The Development Of Theme Environments18 AW 1: Create Dense Development AW 2: Create Mixed-Use Development AW 3: Limit Development Which …
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 Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200930-01A Josue Meiners Seconded By: Design Commission recommendation for the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street. Date: October 05, 2020 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented on September 30, 2020, substantially complies with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented to us on September 30, 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: Jessica Rollason 1. The project proposes no parking, which means it will reduce the amount of parking currently on site. 2. The project proposes street level public art, which complements the adjacent art museum. 3. The project proposes a designated rideshare drop off, outside the thru-lanes of traffic. 4. Proposed amenities on the second level will be open to the public with an intent to have a special discount program for local area teachers. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue 8 - 0 - 0 Meiners, Beau Frail Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for 617 Colorado Page 1
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 Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200930-01B Date: October 5, 2020 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for Brush Square Phase I, located at 409 East 5th Street, to determine compliance with city design standards. Seconded By: Josue Meiners Evan Taniguchi Motioned By: Recommendation: The Austin Design Commission recommends that the Brush Square Phase I Plan, as presented on September 30, 2020, is in compliance with the city’s design standards. Rationale: Dear City Council, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Brush Square Phase I Plan, as presented to the body on September 30, 2020, complies with the city’s design standards. Positive features of the project include: Increased connection to the East 4th Street Plaza, including additional shade trees and seat walls 1. 2. Addition of two rain gardens and proposed SITES Certification 3. Protection of heritage tree along Neches Street 4. 5. Pedestrian circulation through the park Increased pedestrian deck area Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Josue Meiners, Evan Taniguchi, Ben Lukens, Beau Frail, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Jessica 7 - 1 - 0 Rollason Against: Aan Coleman Absent: Samuel Franco, Martha Gonzales, Bart Whatley Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for Brush Square Phase I Page 1
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 3:00 PM DESIGN COMMISSION VIA Remote WebEx MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 3:02 p.m. ✓ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Martha Gonzalez, (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) ✓ Josue Meiners (District 4) ✓ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) ✓ Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair (District 5) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) “✓” Denotes Commission Members who were in attendance CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF ✓ Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison ✓ Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether 617 Colorado, addressed at 617 Colorado Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, for the City of Austin; Leah Bojo Drenner Group, Drew Raffaele Drenner Group, Andrew Hartman Baskerville, Conners Ladner Design Workshop, Bailey Harrington WGINC, Roger Plourde Turn Bridge Equities. • Leah Bojo, and Conners Ladner presented and answered questions from Commissioners. • The motion to recommend the project was made by Commissioner J. Meiners and seconded by Commissioner J. Rollason. • The motion was approved on a vote [8‐0‐0]. Page 1 of 2 b. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether Brush Square, addressed at 504 E. 5th Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, for the City of Austin; Brendan Wittstruck Asakusa Robinson, Scott Sinn COA Parks & Recreation Department. • Brendan Wittstruck presented and answered questions from Commissioners. • The motion to recommend the project was made by Commissioner E. Taniguchi and seconded by Commissioner J. Meiners. • The motion was approved on a vote [7‐1‐0]. c. Staff briefing on the 5 year revision to the Austin Community Climate Plan to be presented by Zach Baumer and Celine Rendon from the Office of Sustainability. • Zach Braumer, and Celine Rendon presented and answered questions from Commissioner J. Rollason. d. Discussion and possible action to support the Joint Sustainability Committee recommendation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan. • Action to be postponed until the October Design Commission meeting 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the August 24th meeting minutes; • The motion to August 24th meeting minutes was made by Commissioner J. Meiners and seconded …
Design Commission August 24, 2020 Design Commission to be held August 24th with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (8/23/2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August Design Commission Meeting, residents must: • Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-1243 or aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. • Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov by Noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. • If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn- live SPECIAL CALLED DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020 3:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT MEMBERS: David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Martha Gonzalez (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) Josue Meiners (District 4) Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice-Chair (District 5) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District10) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion & Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether Block 16, addressed at 320 E. 2nd Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, for the City of Austin; Todd Runkle Gensler, Richard Suttle Armbrust & Brown, PLLC., Cameron Campbell Campbell Landscape Architecture 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the July 17th meeting minutes; b. Discussion and Possible action to appoint a Working Group to specifically address updates to the Urban Design Guidelines c. Liaison Reports: report from collaborative commissions from their most recent meeting 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: …
Special Meeting of the Design Commission - Remotely; Via WebEx DESIGN COMMISSION FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 3:00 PM MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 3:02 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS ✓ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) ✓ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) ✓ Josue Meiners (District 4) ✓ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) ✓ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beau Frail (District 6) Jessica Rollason (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) • “✓” Denotes Commission Members who were in attendance CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF ✓ Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison ✓ Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Courtesy briefing of the Master Plan for John Trevino Jr. Metro Park at Morrison Ranch (Charles Mabry, COA and David Malda, GGN) Charles Mabry presented and answered questions from Commissioners. No action taken. Page 1 of 2 b. Courtesy briefing for the Arts in Public Places Program by the Cultural Arts Division within the Economic Development Department (Sue Lambe, COA and Curt Gettman,) Sue Lambe, and Curt Gettman presented and answered questions and comments from Commissioners. No action taken. No Action taken. c. Discussion and possible action on Downtown Pavers. Commissioner A. Coleman and Vice Chair Robledo will be drafting a proposal which will be shared at the next Design Commission, with the intent to submit a letter to city council to request action for possible changes. 2. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Approval of the June 22nd meeting minutes; The motion to approve the minutes as drafted was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner J. Meiners. The motion was approved on a unanimous vote of [8‐0‐0]. b. Liaison Reports: report from collaborative commissions from their most recent meeting Commissioner M. Henao-Robledo met with the downtown commission and discussed the proposed convention center expansion. Chairman D. Carroll met with the Joint Sustainability committee regarding revisions to the Climate Plan with joint stain committee about climate plan revision. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; None; None; c. Items from City Staff; Working group scheduled for next Thursday, July 23rd, 2020; 14th and Guadalupe ADJOURNMENT at 4:25pm Page 2 of 2
ARMBRUST & BROWN, PLLC A T T O R N E Y S A N D C O U N S E L O R S 100 CONGRESS AVENUE, SUITE 1300 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701-2744 512-435-2300 FACSIMILE 512-435-2360 Richard Suttle, Jr. (512) 435-2310 rsuttle@abaustin.com June 17, 2020 Jerry Rusthoven Acting Lead, Assistant Director City of Austin Planning and Zoning Department 505 Barton Springs Road, 5th Floor Austin, Texas 78704 Re: Downtown Density Bonus Application for Block 16 (the "Application") Dear Mr. Rusthoven: This letter, along with the Application is submitted to apply for a density bonus for property located at 320 E. 2nd Street (the “Property”). The Property is approximately 0.8106 acres (35,309 square feet) and is currently developed with restaurant uses. The Property is zoned Central Business District (“CBD”) and within the Core/Waterfront district of the Downtown Austin Plan. The maximum floor-to-area ratio (“FAR”) for properties zoned CBD is 8:1 with no height limitation. This would yield about 282,472 square feet of building area on a 0.8106 acre site. The purpose of this Application is to request a density bonus to exceed the 8:1 FAR limitation to construct a 47-story office building with ground floor retail and structured parking (the “Project”). The building will be approximately 723 feet tall. The density bonus, if approved, would allow for a 21:1 FAR to yield approximately 741,319 square feet of building area. This is an increase of approximately 458,847 square feet. The Project shall adhere to Section 25-2-586 by meeting all of the Gatekeeper requirements. This includes, (i) a restrictive covenant committing to provide streetscape improvements along all public street frontages, consistent with Great Streets Standards, (ii) a restrictive covenant committing to achieve a minimum two-star rating under the Austin Energy Green Building program, and (iii) substantial compliance with Urban Design Guidelines as outlined in the matrix submitted with the Application. A site plan has been filed under Case No. SP-2019-0426C that provides streetscape improvements along San Jacinto Boulevard, E. 2nd Streets, and Trinity Street consistent with Great Streets Standards. The Project proposes a civically minded ground level experience with a shaded colonnade and two corner plazas that will be populated with a generous amount of public art. {W0965698.1} ARMBRUST & BROWN, PLLC Page 2 In summary, the request is to increase the allowed FAR from 8:1 to 21:1 through the Downtown Density Bonus Program. We appreciate your consideration of our Project and …
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 …
