ACT Design Commission January 27, 2020 1 Agenda ● Purpose, Scope and Deliverables ● Existing Conditions ● Public Engagement Approach ● Project Schedule 2 Purpose, Scope and Deliverables 3 Purpose 2011 2009 ● Update to the 2002 Downtown Access and Mobility Plan and Downtown Austin Plan’s 2011 Transportation Framework ● Update the transportation vision for downtown to align with the goals in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Identify priority transportation projects in downtown 2002 4 4 2001 Recent Projects & Initiatives MoPac Express Lanes 2018 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2019 Project Connect Vision Plan 2018 Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative 2019 Downtown Austin Parking Strategy 2018 5 Transformative Projects ● Project Connect ● Capital Express Project (I-35) ● MoPac Express Lanes ● Congress Avenue 6 Urban Design Guidelines ● Recommendation 20191216-05E: Design Commission provided a recommendation to Council to update the Urban Design Guidelines: ○ …the Design Commission respectfully requests that City Council direct staff to initiate a revision process to the Urban Design Guidelines to better align them with Austin’s adopted policies; including, but not limited to: The Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Austin Plan, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the Austin Core Transportation Plan, Vision Zero, and the Austin Community Climate Plan. 7 Scope ● Phase 1: Data Collection (Completed FY19) ○ Multimodal Cordon Line Study ○ Project Database TDM Workshop ○ ● ○ ○ Phase 2: Plan Development (Began FY20) Task 1: Data Collection and Review Task 2: Existing and Future Conditions Assessment Task 3: Policy Review Task 4: Plan Development Task 5: Plan Compilation Task 6: Public Engagement Task 7: Advanced Renderings ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 8 Major Deliverables Plan Document Comprehensive List of Projects Signature Projects Modeling and Visualizations Supporting text and policy framework An aspirational list of projects in varying stages of project development The most transformative and effective projects in achieving the vision for downtown and the city Updated analysis of the street network and visualizations of recommendations 9 Comprehensive List of Projects Database of projects identified in Phase I Reviewing and updating to reflect ASMP, Street Impact Fee, recent developments Corridor Improvements Systemic Improvements ● One-way to two-way conversions ● Dedicated transit lanes ● Corridor reconstruction ● New street connections • Safety improvements • Pedestrian amenities • Bicycle & scooter facilities • Placemaking • Wayfinding • Signalized intersections • Curb management 10 Existing Conditions 11 Existing Conditions • Existing …
David Carroll, Chair Martha Gonzales, Vice Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Katie Halloran Ben Luckens Josue Meiners 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 20200127-03A February 13, 2020 Date: Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the City of Austin Marshalling Yard project located at 904 US Highway 183 South. Bart Whatley Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Beau Frail Melissa Henao-Robledo Josue Meiners Motioned By: Amendment 01: Amendment 02: Amendment 03: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends approval of the City of Austin Marshalling Yard project, located at 904 US Highway 183 South, as presented on January 27, 2020 with the three amendments listed below. Rationale: This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation of the City of Austin Marshalling Yard project, as presented to the body on January 27, with the following amendments: 1. Recommend that the design team and City Project Manager contact the Art in Public Places program staff about how to better engage the planned hike and bike trail with public art instead of building façade. 2. Recommend the design team reviews the pedestrian circulation through the site. Priority has been given to vehicles, but the drivers of those vehicles must be able to safely get to the waiting areas. 3. Recommend that the City Project Manager, and design team, engage the adjacent neighborhood about how to better provide them with connectivity to the future hike and bike trail. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Bart Whatley, Katie Halloran, Martha Gonzalez, Evan Taniguchi, Beau Frail, Melissa Henao- 9 - 0 - 0 Robledo, Josue Meiners, Ben Lukens Absent: Aan Coleman, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for City of Austin Marshalling Yard Page 1
DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:00 p.m. COMMISSION MEMBERS x David Carroll, Chair (District 1) x Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Samuel Franco (District 3) x Josue Meiners (District 4) x Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) x Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) x x x x Beau Frail (District 6) Katie Holloran (District 7) Aan Coleman (District 8) Bart Whatley (District 9) Ben Luckens (District 10) • “X” Denotes Commission Members who were in attendance CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF x Jorge E. Rousselin, Executive Liaison x Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison x Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison x Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison 1. Roll Call None. 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: Page 1 of 4 3. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The Marshalling Project, addressed at 904 US Highway 183 S, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, for the City of Austin. Anthony Collier (Convention Center); Cris Ruebush (PGAL Architects) Cris Ruebush (PGAL Architects), Anthony Collier (Convention Center), Allison (Public Works), Elsa Franks (Student Architects), Thomas Duval (Def Car Engineering), and Trish Tatro (City of Austin Convention Center) presented and answered questions from Commissioners. The motion to support the project was made by Commissioner B. Whatley; and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. Commissioner B. Frail - Made a friendly amendment to request that the applicants consider a speaking to AIPP “Art In Public Places” how the funds can be directed for the hike and bike trail area, and to orient the art to be viewed. Commissioner B. Whatley accepted. Commissioner M. Henao-Robledo - Made a friendly amendment to review the pedestrian circulation. Commissioner B. Whatley accepted. Commissioner J. Meiners - Made a friendly amendment to continue conversations with the adjacent neighborhood on how to better incorporate them with the project. Commissioner B. Whatley accepted. Commissioner E. Taniguchi seconded the acceptance of all the amendments. The motion and friendly amendment were approved on a unanimous vote [9‐0‐0]. b. Staff briefing on the Austin Core Transportation Plan to be presented by Cole Kitten and Liane Miller from the Austin Transportation Department (ATD).); Cole Kitten presented and answered questions from Commissioners. No action taken. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and possible Action): 4. None. Page 2 of …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 COMMISSION MEMBERS David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Beau Frail (District 6) Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Katie Holloran (District 7) Samuel Franco (District 3) Aan Coleman (District 8) Josue Meiners (District 4) Bart Whatley (District 9) Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) Ben Luckens (District 10) Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) CITY OF AUSTIN PLANNING & ZONING STAFF Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins, Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga, Staff Liaison AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 3. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action to evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether The 90 Rainey project, addressed at 90 Rainey Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines, a gatekeeper requirement for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (LDC §25‐2‐586(C)(1)(a)(ii)) Amanda Swor Drenner Group; Carson Nelson, Nelson Partners; Daniel Woodroffe, DWG) 4. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): b. None; Page 2 of 3 5. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the November 25, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Discussion and possible action on 2020 Downtown Density Bonus Working Group Schedule c. Liaison Reports; d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; e. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); Urban Design Guidelines 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. Courtesy Briefing of the Austin Core Transportation Plan from Austin Transportation Department 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 8. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Aaron Jenkins in the Planning and Zoning Department Aaron.Jenkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2752, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 3 of 3 Design Commission: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives and Liaisons Committees 1. Executive Committee: D. Carroll (Chair), …
David Carroll, ChairMartha Gonzales, Vice ChairAan ColemanBeau FrailSamuel FrancoKatie HalloranMelissa Henao-RobledoBen LuckensJosue MeinersEvan TaniguchiBart WhatleyJorge Rousselin,Executive LiaisonAaron D. JenkinsStaff LiaisonPatrick ColungaStaff LiaisonDesign Commission - Recommendation for 17th and Guadalupe Apartment ProjectPage 1 City of Austin Design Commission 1 of 1 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191216-03A Date: December 19, 2019 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the project located at 90 Rainey Street, to determine substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Motioned By: Aan Coleman Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Recommendation: The Austin Design Commission recommends that the 90 Rainey Street project, as presented on December 16, 2019, is in substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Further, the Commission agreed that additional Community Benefits should be required for this project, beyond the onsite affordable housing, for exceeding the maximum 15:1 FAR allowed in this district by more than 200%. Rationale: Honorable Mayor, City Council Members, Planning Commission, and Director of Planning and Zoning, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the 90 Rainey Street project, as presented to the body on December 16, 2019 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The Commission also feels strongly that the Planning Commission, and City Council, should request additional Community Benefits from this project, beyond the onsite affordable housing being proposed, for exceeding the 15:1 FAR maximum in this district. These additional Community Benefits could include: 1. Mobility: Address mobility and pedestrian safety issues that will be exacerbated by this project putting thousands of more people on Rainey Street. These could focus on alternative modes such as pedestrian, rideshare, scooter, bicycle, etc. (It should be noted that the TIA results for this project were not available at the time this project was reviewed by the Design Commission.) 2. Food: Offer expanded hours and low-cost food options at the food service window being proposed. 3. Public Services: Consider providing a water bottle filling station, open to the public, for trail users and for late night users needing to hydrate. 4. Public Streetscape: Ensure an openness to the Bar component design to provide a connection to the public realm that reflects the character of the Rainey district. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: 7 - 0 - 0 For: David Carroll, Aan Coleman, Katie Halloran, Evan Taniguchi, Beau Frail, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue Meiners Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez, Ben Lukens, Samuel …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20191216-05E December 20, 2019 Re: Update to the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, The Design Commission prides itself in assisting the development of public policy and promoting excellence in the design of the urban environment in Austin. Thanks to our collective expertise, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission helps shape the future of downtown through our shared vision found in the Urban Design Guidelines. That being said, since the Urban Design Guidelines were adopted by City Council in 2009 Austin has experienced tremendous growth and rapid change. During this time, Council has adopted many new policies that have influenced the vision of our urban core and the now ten-year-old Urban Design Guidelines no longer reflect Austin’s current values. Consequently, the Design Commission respectfully requests that City Council direct staff to initiate a revision process to the Urban Design Guidelines to better align them with Austin’s adopted policies; including, but not limited to: The Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Austin Plan, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the Austin Core Transportation Plan, Vision Zero, and the Austin Community Climate Plan. Further, the Design Commission requests to be an integral part of this revision process. We offer our expertise to work alongside staff crafting these revisions and it is our hope that by updating the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect Austin’s current policy goals we will have a better tool to influence the design of our urban core. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to supporting Urban Design Guidelines that promote Austin’s vision of a world class urban environment. Sincerely, David Carroll, AIA Chair, City of Austin Design Commission
1/4 MEMORANDUM Date: November 27, 2019 To: City of Austin Design Commission From: Planning & Urban Design Working Group Subject: Downtown Density Bonus Program review of 90 Rainey Street project for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Meeting Date: November 21, 2019; 12:00 pm, One Texas Center, Room 500 Applicant: Amanda Swor – Drenner Group Architect: Nelsen Partners The project is located at the corner of Rainey and Davis Streets. Existing zoning for the property is CBD. It lies within the boundary of the Rainey Street Subdistrict of the Waterfront Overlay and the Rainey Street District of the Downtown Austin Plan. The lot area is 0.3674 acres (16,004 SF) and the total proposed project area is 582,513 square feet. The proposed FAR for this project is 36.7:1, this is more than the base 8:1 FAR allowed and more than the maximum 15:1 FAR administratively allowed so City Council must approve an increase in FAR of 28.7:1. The proposed building height is 606 feet with 53 floors. The proposed breakdown of areas is Residential: 227,180 SF, Hotel: 349,508 SF, & Restaurant/Bar: 5,825 SF. Per the Density Bonus Program ordinance, the applicant is required, at a minimum, to meet the three gatekeeper requirements: 1. Substantially comply with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines 2. Provide streetscape improvements that meet the Great Streets Program Standards. 3. Commit to a minimum of 2-Star rating under Austin Energy’s Green Building Program. WORKING GROUP COMMENTS REGARDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES AREA WIDE GUIDELINES 1. Create dense development- 36.4:1 FAR being requested. Height is also taller than most building in this area. Project complies with this section. 2. Create mixed-use development- The project has residential, hotel, and restaurant/bar use. This project complies with this section. 3. Limit development which closes downtown streets- This project is not proposing to permanently close any streets. Project complies with this section. 4. Buffer neighborhood edges- Project is not on neighborhood edge. Section not applicable to this project. 5. Incorporate civic art in both public and private development- Project is proposing wall mural along Rainey Street. Project complies with this section. 6. Protect important public views- Project is not within the Capitol View Corridor and does not encroach ROW. This project complies with this section. 7. Avoid historical misrepresentations- Project design is a modern style. Project complies. 2/4 8. Respect adjacent historic buildings- Project complies. 9. Acknowledge that rooftops are …
Page 1 of 2 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair Carroll at 6:05 PM. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Hanao-Robledo Martha Gonzalez – Vice-Chair Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco Josue Meiners Katie Halloran Vice-Chair Gonzalez and Commissioners Frail, Halloran, Luckens and Meiners were absent. Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Art Zamorano (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Patrick Colunga (Staff Liaison; PAZ) 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: None. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Courtesy briefing of the Waller Creek/Palm District Planning Initiative (Stevie Greathouse, COAPAZ); Stevie Greathouse provided a briefing on the Waller Creek/Palm District Planning Imitative No action was taken 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and possible action): None; 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the October 28, 2019 meeting minutes; Instead say “The motion to approve the minutes, as drafted, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. The motion was approved on a vote of [6-0-0]. Page 2 of 2 b. ” Liaison Reports; Commissioner Hanao-Robledo- Was not present for the Downtown commission meeting, but was informed that they discussed the following; Capitol Complex North Congress Ave Project Connect Downtown Crime and Clean Up Chair Carroll – Huston-Tilloston University study on Affordability and housing in East Austin. Land Development Code with a focus on the environmental aspect c. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; Chair Carroll- 2020 working group status; nothing yet d. This item has been postponed to the next meeting as Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez was not available to present” however comments were made by the following commissioners: Commissioner E. Taniguchi – made comments on the wording of some of the bullet points in the letter Commissioner B. Whatley – wants the document to be flexible and not to be too specific, however keeping the focus on the principles of the design commission such as human scale Commissioner A. Coleman – Expressed concern about the timing of the letter and recommended setting a deadline 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Chairman D. Carol requested Future briefing of Austin Core Transportation Plan 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements: Chairman – D. Carrol requested …
Working Group MeetingDesign Commission MeetingWorking Group MeetsWith ApplicantChair Finalizes Working Group MemoBackup Materials DueWorking Group Memo Posted Regularly-Scheduled Design Commission Meeting25-27 Days(4 weeks before)21 Days before(3 weeks)7 Business Days BeforeDesign Commission72 Hours BeforeDesign Commission4th Monday of Month*No SessionNo SessionJanuary 15th No SessionJanuary 27th January 30th February 3rdFebruary 12thFebruary 21stFebruary 24thFebruary 27thMarch 2ndMarch 11th March 20thMarch 23rdApril 2nd April 6thApril 15th April 24th April 27th April 23rd April 26thMay 13thMay 15th*May 18thMay 28th1-JunJune 10thJune 19thJune 22ndJune 25th July 2-5July 30thAugust 3rdAugust 12th August 21stAugust 24th September 3rdSeptember 7thSeptember 16thSeptember 25th September 28th October 1stOctober 5thOctober 14th October 23rd October 26th October 22ndOctober 21stNovember 4th November 13th*November 16th November 19thNovember 23rdDecember 2nd December 11th *December 14th * Except in May, November, and DecemberNO JULY MEETING2020 Design Commission Downtown Density Bonus Working Group Calander and Deadlines
December XX, 2019 Re: Update to the Urban Design Guidelines Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members The Design Commission prides itself in assisting in developing public policy and promoting excellence in the design of the urban environment in Austin. Thanks to our collective expertise, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission helps shape the future of downtown through our shared vision of the Urban Design Guidelines. That being said, since the Urban Design Guidelines were adopted by Council in 2009 Austin has been experiencing tremendous growth and rapid change. During this time, the city has adopted many new policies that have influenced the vision of our urban core and the now ten-year-old Urban Design Guidelines no longer reflect these new values. Therefore, the Design Commission respectfully requests that City Council direct staff to initiate a revision process for the Urban Design Guidelines to better align them with the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Austin Plan, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, the Austin Core Transportation Plan, Vision Zero, and the Austin Community Climate Plan. Further, the Design Commission requests to be an integral part of this revision process. We offer our expertise to work alongside staff crafting these revisions. Our hope is that by updating the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect Austin’s current priorities, and vision, we will have a better tool to influence the future design of our urban core. We appreciate your attention to this matter……… Sincerely………. October 25,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design commission prides itself in promoting the ideals and principles set forth by Imagine Austin through contributing guidance and recommendations for future development impacting the public realm. The public realm is the most extensive and personal connection to our citizens, it creates a physical manifestation of our values and investment in community, mobility, equity, social justice, and sustainability. Thanks to the collective expertise of the board, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission’s critical evaluation of future projects protects our community from hasty and opportunistic development by providing an avenue for discourse and collaboration. The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects we review are measured for substantial compliance. The purpose of these guidelines is to hold future development to a higher standard that reflects the …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members David Carroll, Chair (District 1) Aan Coleman (District 8) Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) Beau Frail (District 6) Samuel Franco (District 3) Katie Halloran (District 7) Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Bart Whatley (District 9) Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison Josue Meiners (District 4) Aaron Jenkins, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Courtesy briefing of the Waller Creek/Palm District Planning Initiative (Stevie Greathouse, COA-PAZ); 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; Page 2 of 3 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the October 28, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Liaison Reports; c. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; d. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); Urban Design Guidelines 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Aaron Jenkins in the Planning and Zoning Department Aaron.Jenkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2752, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 3 of 3 Design Commission: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives and Liaisons Committees 1. Executive Committee: D. Carroll (Chair), M. Gonzalez (Vice Chair) Working Groups 1. Planning & Urban Design Working Group: E. Taniguchi, B. Whatley, A. Coleman, D. Carroll 2. Architecture & Development Working Group: B. Whatley, M. Gonzalez, D. Carroll, B. Frail 3. Landscape & Infrastructure Working Group: S. Franco, M. Henao-Robledo, A. Coleman, K. Halloran 4. Public Engagement Working Group: B. Luckens, S. Franco, M. Henao-Robledo 5. Infrastructure Design Guidelines Working Group: …
Waller Creek/Palm District Planning InitiativePlanning and Zoning Department Briefing to Design CommissionNovember 25, 20191Photo: Waller Creek Conservancy 2Presentation Overview•Background •Study Area•Purpose and Scope•Project Team•Timeline•Next Steps and DiscussionWork Plan:http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=329271 3BackgroundResolution 20190523-029•Palm School Negotiations •Rainey Street District Fund•Fifth Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor•Convention Center Expansion•District Planning Process•Improved Connectivity 4BackgroundPlanning History•Waller Creek Master Plan (2010)•Downtown Austin Plan (2011)•Imagine Austin (2012)•Waller Creek Design Plan (2012)•Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life (2013)•Downtown Austin Wayfinding Master Plan (2013)•Convention Center Master Plan (2015)•ESB-MACC Master Plan (2018)•Project Connect Vision (2019)•Brush Square Master Plan (2019)•UT Analysis of Convention Center Expansion (2019)•Austin Core Transportation Plan, including Rainey (Underway)….and more Study Area5Planning process will engage areas beyond the boundary, and additional planning activities could occur outside of the proposed boundary (e.g. the resolution references connectivity to the Rainey district and across IH-35) 6PurposeEngage stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, focused small area plan for an area of downtown Austin that includes Palm School, Palm Park, Waller Creek, the Red River Cultural District, the Convention Center, and the 5thStreet Mexican American Heritage Corridor. 7Scope•Engage stakeholders•Understand existing conditions•Support coordination of related initiatives•Involve design professionals through AIA R/UDAT or other process•Amend Waller Creek District Master Plan•Amend Downtown Austin Plan•Amend Land Development Code Project Team8Project Leadership:•J. Rodney Gonzales, Assistant City ManagerExecutive Lead•Stevie Greathouse, Planning and ZoningProject Lead•Jorge Rousselin, Planning and ZoningUrban Design LeadProject Support:•PAZ Urban Design Division•PAZ Long Range Planning Division•PAZ Historic Preservation Office•Communications and Public Information OfficeCoordinating Departments:•Convention Center•Economic Development•Real Estate•Austin Transportation•Parks and Recreation•Watershed Protection•Office of SustainabilityAgency Partners•Downtown Austin Alliance•Waterloo Greenway•Capital Metro•Travis County•AIA AustinKey Stakeholders•Preservation Austin •Visit Austin •Our Austin Story •The Trail Foundation •Travis County Historical Commission •The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce •Housing Authority of the City of Austin •Movability •East Sixth Street Public Improvement District •Project Connect Advisory Net •Hispanic Austin Leadership •Hispanic Advocates Business Leadership of Austin •The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association •Mexic-Arte•La Peña •Texas Department of Transportation •The Red River Cultural District •The Raza Roundtable •The Rainey Neighbors Association •The East Cesar Chavez NPCT •The Rainey Business Coalition •The Town Lake Neighborhood Association •The Austin History Center Association •The Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce •City of Austin Boards and Commissions ….and more Timeline9 10Next Steps•Inventory existing conditions•Initial outreach and development of public engagement plan•Continue meeting with coordinating departments and agency partners•Launch project website•Initiate AIA R/UDAT (application-based process)•Possible “early out” implementation activities•5thStreet Mexican American Heritage Corridor•Rainey Shared Streets Pilot•Convention Center activities•Palm School 11DiscussionHow can we best involve you and the stakeholders you work …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Meeting Minutes Call to order by: Chair D. Carroll at 6:03 p.m. Member List X David Carroll – Chair X Melissa Henao-Robledo Martha Gonzalez – Vice-Chair X Ben Luckens X Aan Coleman X Evan Taniguchi X Beau Frail X Bart Whatley X Samuel Franco Josue Meiners X Katie Halloran Support Staff in attendance: Jorge Rousselin (Executive Liaison; PAZ); Aaron Jenkins (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Art Zamorano (Staff Liaison; PAZ); Vice‐Chair M.Gonzalez and Commissioner J. Meiners were absent. 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: No citizens signed up to speak. 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None. 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and possible Action): a. None. 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the September 23, 2019 draft meeting minutes; The motion to approve the minutes, as drafted, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner E. Taniguchi. The motion was approved on a vote of [9-0-0]. Page 2 of 3 b. Discussion and possible action on the 2020 Design Commission Schedule request. Commissioner A. Coleman requested that the July 27, 2020 meeting be cancelled. Commissioner B. Frail requested that the November 23rd meeting be moved, staff suggested moving to November 16, 2020. The motion to approve the 2020 Design Commission schedule with changes, as suggested, was made by Commissioner A. Coleman and seconded by Commissioner B. Luckens. The motion was approved on a vote of [9-0-0]. c. Liaison Reports; Commissioner Franco: Nothing new to report from the South Central Waterfront. Commissioner Henao-Robledo: Was not present for the Downtown commission meeting, but was informed that they discussed the following; Waterloo Greenway, Downtown waste collection contract, Congress avenue Urban Design Initiative, Rainey Street Shared streets program, and Palm District Master plan. Chair Carroll: Sustainability committee meeting was cancelled. d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; None. e. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); This item has been postponed to the next meeting as Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez was not available to present. f. Discussion and possible action on the Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program (Chair D. Carroll); Commissiner B. Luckens: Suggested increasing the LEED requirements to 3 stars. Staff Jorge Rousselin: Suggested that …
October 25,2019 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The Design commission prides itself in promoting the ideals and principles set forth by Imagine Austin through contributing guidance and recommendations for future development impacting the public realm. The public realm is the most extensive and personal connection to our citizens, it creates a physical manifestation of our values and investment in community, mobility, equity, social justice, and sustainability. Thanks to the collective expertise of the board, ranging from urban and landscape design, public policy, and architecture, the Design Commission’s critical evaluation of future projects protects our community from hasty and opportunistic development by providing an avenue for discourse and collaboration. The Design Commission would like to update you on the current state of the Urban Design Guidelines, the tool by which all projects we review are measured for substantial compliance. The purpose of these guidelines is to hold future development to a higher standard that reflects the objectives of Imagine Austin’s smart growth. Through numerous discussions beginning with city staff and within the Commission, we have created what will be a clear process to craft the necessary changes to the Urban Design Guidelines to best serve our community. The Urban Design Guidelines have not been updated since January 29, 2009 through RESOLUTION NO. 20100819-035 when City Council First adopted them • The Urban Design Guidelines recognize the significant impact of the built environment on the historic, iconic, and unique characteristics of Austin and its neighborhoods • Design Commission serves as a tremendous resource to the City Council to offer expert advice on how infrastructure and urban projects can enhance the built environment to be more equitable, vibrant, inclusive, and how to successfully engage community input • The Urban Design Guidelines serve as recommendations for all urban development and redevelopment projects by both the public and private sector We respectfully request assistance rewriting the Urban Design Guidelines to reflect the rapidly evolving built environment of the City of Austin. We will need dedicated city staff members to work with the City of Austin’s Design Commission on recommendations for design guidelines and procedures to incorporate opportunities for public notification and input. The Design Commission will continue to interface with relevant departments to ensure inclusion and understanding of The Urban Design Guidelines’ proper use. it will be very difficult to complete the Guidelines in a timely manner without assistance. Thank you very much for the opportunity …
Page 1 of 3 DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2019 AT 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W. SECOND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Commission Members _____ David Carroll, Chair (District 1) _____ Aan Coleman (District 8) _____ Martha Gonzalez, Vice-Chair (District 2) _____ Beau Frail (District 6) _____ Samuel Franco (District 3) _____ Katie Halloran (District 7) _____ Melissa Henao-Robledo (District 5) _____ Ben Luckens (District 10) City of Austin Planning & Zoning Staff _____ Evan Taniguchi (Mayor) _____ Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison _____ Bart Whatley (District 9) _____ Art Zamorano, Staff Liaison _____ Josue Meiners (District 4) ____ Aaron Jenkins, Staff Liaison AGENDA CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 1. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL a. The first five speakers, who shall sign up prior to the Call to Order, will each have three minutes to speak regarding items not on the agenda; 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; 3. OLD BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. None; Page 2 of 3 4. COMMISSION-SPECIFIC BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action): a. Discussion and possible action on the September 23, 2019 meeting minutes; b. Discussion and possible action on the 2020 Design Commission Schedule request c. Liaison Reports; d. Appointment of Committee/Working Group members by Chair; e. Discussion of a letter to City Council regarding updating the Urban Design Guidelines (Vice-Chair M. Gonzalez); f. Discussion and possible action on the Memo Recommending Code Amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program (Chair D. Carroll); 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: a. None; 6. ANNOUNCEMENTS: a. Chair Announcements; b. Items from Commission Members; c. Items from City Staff; 7. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Aaron Jenkins in the Planning and Zoning Department Aaron.Jenkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2752, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. Page 3 of 3 Design Commission: Committees, Working Groups, Representatives and Liaisons Committees 1. Executive Committee: D. Carroll (Chair), M. Gonzalez (Vice Chair) Working Groups 1. Planning & Urban Design Working Group: E. Taniguchi, B. Whatley, A. Coleman, D. Carroll 2. Architecture & Development Working Group: B. Whatley, M. Gonzalez, D. …
1/2 DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: November 04, 2019 Re: Land Development Code amendments related to the Downtown Density Bonus Program Honorable Mayor Adler and City Council Members, In Austin, high-rise projects that comply with the current Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) can be awarded more than three-times the floor area than the base zoning allows in exchange for what today are considered modest design improvements. The Design Commission is a strong advocate for downtown density, but we also find that the DDBP is dated and does not create public benefits comparable to the entitlements that these projects receive. We are specifically concerned that the DDBP is not well aligned with more recently adopted policy goals including: mobility1, pedestrian safety2, climate and sustainability3, livability and affordability4. For example, a developer may approach the Design Commission with entitlements for an eight-story commercial building, and if compliant with the DDBP, walk away with the ability to construct 24 stories of hotel space (hundreds of units), and 8 stories of parking (thousands of additional parking spaces), in exchange for modest street level improvements5, and perhaps somewhat more energy efficient building design6. The Downtown Density Bonus Program’s gatekeeper requirements do not account for: • Design for ride share queuing and associated pedestrian safety • Public access to structured parking garages or parking demand management systems • Parking structures designed for future re-use as livable space • Downtown mobility planning, i.e. support for alternative mobility options through funding, and discouragement of parking structures, especially if not designed to support transit system. To this end, the Design Commission respectfully requests that Council consider a resolution directing the City Manager to assign multi-departmental staff7 to assist the Commission in drafting proposed code amendments to better align the DDBP with the city’s adopted goals. Input from public stakeholders will play an important role in this process as well to ensure the DDBP remains functional and attractive to developers. Further, the Design Commission recommends that the process to amend the Downtown Density Bonus Program should include an examination of the following recommendations: 1 Austin Strategic Mobility Plan 2 Vision Zero 3 Austin Community Climate Plan 4 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan 5 City of Austin Great Streets Program. 6 Two-star rating from Austin Energy Green Building Program. 7 Austin Transportation Department, Office of Sustainability, Neighborhood Housing and Community Development with Capital Metro partnership. 2/2 FUNCTIONALITY • If a DDBP applicant receives …
