REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday March 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by register, please contact Ryan Sperling at Ryan.Sperling@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-3568. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Vice Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 19, 2025. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on February STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing regarding the recent work towards renovating the Austin Convention Center. Presentation by Trisha Tatro, Director, Austin Convention Center Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Historic Resource Survey by the Historic Preservation Office. Presentation by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. 4. Update from the liaison from the Parks and Recreation Board on the topics discussed at the January 2025, and February 2025, board meetings. 5. Update from the liaison from the Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan and Recommendation Number 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at Ryan.Sperling@austintexas.gov or …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Amy Mok Anne-Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Whiley – Observations on Austin Land Development Code APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on January 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on January 15, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Seaholm area multi-modal improvements by Alex Payson, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Alex Payson, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the progress of the Austin Light Rail. Presentation by Austin Transit Partnership staff. The presentation was made by Sean Barry and Deron Lozano, Austin Transit Partnership. 4. Discussion of the proposed reorganization of certain Boards and Commissions as outlined in Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-133. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding High Level Goals for the Downtown Austin Plan Update. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding High Level Goals for the Downtown Austin Plan Update was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Election of officers in April FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:36 pm without any objection.
City of Austin Downtown Historic Resource Survey Downtown Commission Meeting, March 19, 2025 Agenda What Does a Historic Resource Survey Do? Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey Survey Boundary What’s Inside the Survey? Survey Timeline Frequently Asked Questions Where to Find the Survey Draft What Does a Historic Resource Survey Do? Highlights potential historic properties by identifying older buildings and areas that help to tell the story of an important person, community, group, or the city as a whole; or exhibit significant architecture or landscape design. Includes fieldwork, archival research, and oral histories. Ensures that historically significant resources are recorded. Results are available for public use. Is an information-gathering tool only – does not include zoning changes. 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey 45+ year old buildings in Downtown Austin 1,313 potential historic resources Survey boundary: Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd on the north, I-35 on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the south, and MoPac on the west Background research for Historic Preservation Office Background research for community use Conducted by HHM & Associates 4 Survey Boundary 5 What’s Inside the Survey? 6 What’s Inside the Survey? 7 What’s Inside the Survey? 8 Survey Timeline Project Initiation 1st Public Meeting Public Comment Period Opens Deadline for Public Comments Oct. 2023 Dec. 18, 2023 March 26, 2025 May 9, 2025 Nov. 2023 May 13, 2024 April 16, 2025 July 2, 2025 Draft Fieldwork 2nd Public Meeting (Virtual) 3rd Public Meeting (Virtual) Presentation to Historic Landmark Commission 9 Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will the survey change the zoning on my property? A: No. The survey consultants will evaluate whether properties are eligible for potential designation as future landmarks, historic districts, or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Q: Will the survey change my property taxes? A: No. Q: If I want to designate my property based on the survey’s recommendations, how will that work? A: If property owners choose to designate a landmark or historic district based on the recommendations, it will entail a rezoning process. The City of Austin Historic Preservation Office will help guide you through the process. Q: If I choose to designate my property, will my taxes change? A: Maybe. Locally designated landmarks are eligible for a partial property tax exemption. Properties in locally designated historic districts can receive a tax abatement for rehabilitation work. 10 Review and Comment on Draft Survey Public Comment Period opens …
Topics Studied in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (or DEIS) provides a comprehensive analysis of Austin Light Rail in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable statutes. This handout contains summary information for key areas of interest that were identified during previous community input. Scan to access the full DEIS at atptx.org Wildlife and Water Resources What are the potential impacts on water and local wildlife? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y Current drainage patterns will y Less than 2% overall change to y Manage lighting to avoid or minimize be maintained and will bridge impervious coverage because impacts on bats and birds during or culvert over water features the Project is largely within construction and operations. to limit disturbance. existing right-of-way. y Ensure compliance with Clean Water y No threatened or endangered y Lighting during construction Act by continuing coordination with the species or habitat will be and operations could affect the Army Corps of Engineers. impacted by the Project. bat colony and the new light rail bridge across Lady Bird Lake is in the bat flight path. y Continuing bridge design will seek to reduce impacts to water quality, plants and animals. Air Quality How would the construction and operation of light rail affect air quality? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ATP will require contractors to implement best management practices to minimize dust and emissions that might be caused by construction. During construction: y Increase in dust from construction activities. y Increase in emissions from machinery used during construction. y Temporary emissions from cars due to traffic conditions. Reduced Vehicle Miles Traveled Annually, over 20 million fewer vehicle miles will be traveled, as more people transition to the newly available transit options. No Air Emissions During Operation Light rail vehicles are electric. Austin Prioritizes Clean Air The Austin area complies with all federal air quality standards designed to protect public health. 1 Trees What will happen to trees along the light rail? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y A tree task force y Three-tiered strategy conducted an will be applied to inventory of trees trees within the limits to determine of construction, which y Removed trees y Continuing objective is to avoid tree removals or impacts Three Tiered Strategy for Trees: the potential for includes: preservation in the Project area. 245 Protected Trees 211 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Recommendation Number 20250304: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have a new on-street, high- quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the UTC recommends that the City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and the active project listed …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation No. 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement WHEREAS, the Project Connect Contract with the Voters defines Project Connect as “a high capacity transit system, to address the City's transit needs for safer, faster, and more reliable transportation that will improve access to essential services, such as education, health care, grocery stores, childcare, and jobs, especially in historically underserved and underrepresented communities;” WHEREAS, the ballot language for Proposition A of the November 3rd, 2020 election noted that Project Connect would include “associated road, sidewalk, bike, and street lighting improvements;” WHEREAS, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) oversees the design, construction, and completion of the Project Connect Light Rail Implementation Plan; WHEREAS, on May 2nd, 2023 the City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommended that the City of Austin and ATP engage “in a scoping project for multimodal investments to ensure light rail integrates with and expands Austin's existing and future pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections;” WHEREAS, Project Connect is essential to accomplishing the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan’s 50/50 mode split goal by 2039; and WHEREAS, on January 10th, 2025 ATP released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends ATP move forward with all light rail design elements and options suggested in the Draft EIS; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends that, in keeping with the Contract with the Voters, ATP should prioritize right-of-way for pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and other transit options in future design iterations over preserving access for private auto traffic. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 3/4/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Draft/Confidential PROJECT Introduction Draft/Confidential Austin is the 11th largest city in the country. But the Austin Convention Center is only the 61st largest. Draft/Confidential 3 Once the redevelopment is complete, we expect the Austin Convention Center to be around the 35th largest in the country. Draft/Confidential 4 The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will be larger than: Charlotte Fort Worth Baltimore Nashville Kansas City Pittsburgh Draft/Confidential Austin’s new competitive set San Antonio Boston Seattle Philadelphia Denver Draft/Confidential Big changes are coming Draft/Confidential PROJECT SCOPE Draft/Confidential Numbers CONSTRUCTION COST $1.26B RENTABLE SPACE AREAS EXISTING CONVENTION CENTER 365,000 SF NEW CONVENTION CENTER INDOOR + OUTDOOR 550,000 + 70,000 SF Draft/Confidential PROJECT GOALS Draft/Confidential Austin City Council Resolution NO. 20210610-096 The City Council seeks to work with the prime architecture firm capable of delivering a world class design befitting a city of Austin’s size and prominence. The Convention Center design shall incorporate the most innovative ideas in programming and placemaking and shall aim to create a civic building that draws and serves Austinites as well as visitors. The City council affirms its intention that the convention Center be, like its companion civic building to the west, the Austin Central Library, a landmark of great distinction, a bustling and vital public gathering place, and a point of pride for the community. Draft/Confidential Uniquely Austin Draft/Confidential SUSTAINABILITY Draft/Confidential Net Zero Carbon Green Building • ILFI Zero Carbon Certification • Net Zero Operational Carbon • Embodied Carbon Reduction • LEED Gold • AEGB 3-Star Generational project that is transforming the Austin market for: • high performance design • low-carbon concrete + steel • construction salvage + reuse • mass timber Draft/Confidential RECONNECTING AUSTIN Draft/Confidential Intersection of Past, Present, and Future Draft/Confidential Connections Urban to Landscape Draft/Confidential Landmark Buildings Central Library City Hall Convention Center Draft/Confidential PRESENTING Draft/Confidential Repairing Waller Grid Draft/Confidential Future Expansion Outdoor Event + The Warehouse • Enhance Connections and Movements • Flexible Event & Gathering Places • Abundant Shade & Comfort • Reflect History of the Site and Materials • Extension of Warehouse District Scale THE BACK YARD R E H T A G FESTIVAL E D A N E M O R P THE WAREHOUSE DISPLAY DROP-OFF BACKYAR D PROMENADE WAREHOUSE EXHALL TRINITY NECHES RED RIVER Outdoor Event Plaza Outdoor Event Plaza Draft/Confidential The Hub West and East • Reconcile the Downtown Urban Grid • Break the scale of …
