PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20221110-23 Date: October 11, 2022 Subject: Environmental Protection, Landscape Requirements, and Site Plan Requirements Motioned By: Commissioner Cox Recommendation Approve Staff’s recommendation related to amendments to Title 25 related to environmental protection, landscape requirements, and site plan requirements and include the following amendments: Seconded By: Vice-Chair Hempel 1) Postpone consideration of the Functional Green sub-item, contained in 25-8-Subchapter C, for Staff to provide the following to the Planning Commission: - Provide results of additional formal engagement with community, industry, and other departments. Preferably, provide a summary of stakeholder comments and response from Staff. - Work with City staff and stakeholders to provide an analysis of the impact of these provisions on developable space in CBD, DMU, VMU, UNO, TOD, MF-6, zoning districts and all -MU combining districts, including providing a minimum of two test cases for each zone to consider real-life impact. - Work with City staff and stakeholders to provide an analysis of a minimum of 2 test cases that apply to a scenario with small site less than 1 acre and less than 5,000 sq ft impervious cover, approved in the last 2 years. - Provide greater definition in the Affordability Impact Statement regarding anticipated costs and environmental benefits. - Work with City staff and stakeholders to provide test cases with financial modeling for different project sites in different zoning districts to understand the financial impact of these requirenents, both one-time capital costs and recurring O&M costs, including, but not limited to, assessing CBD, DMU, MF-6, and VMU projects. - Work with HPD staff to assess the utilization of bonus entitlements to incentivize these requirements and minimize cost and developable space impacts. - Work with staff from HPD, Corridor Program Office, and Project Connect Office to assess the implications of this requirement on the ETOD and other corridor planning processes currently underway, with the aim to ensure that housing capacity contiues to support mode shift goals. 1 of 3 - Ensure that regular revisions to landscape design and plantings do not require a Site Plan Revision. - Provide the literature review conducted to define the multipliers for all allowable landcsape elements. - Provide the basis on which the 0.3 threshold requirement was set. - Explain how these requirements will converge with parkland dedication, Great Streets, UNO street design, landcaping, and other exisiting code requirements. - Assess and provide a data-based review of the environmental impact …
PLANNING COMMISSION October 11, 2022 MINUTES The Planning Commission convened in a meeting on October 11, 2022 in Council Chambers of City Hall, 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas and via videoconference @ http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Chair Shaw called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Grayson Cox Yvette Flores Claire Hempel – Vice-Chair Patrick Howard Jennifer Mushtaler Robert Schneider Todd Shaw – Chair James Shieh Jeffrey Thompson Jessica Cohen – Ex-Officio Absent: Carmen Llanes Pulido Arati Singh – Ex -Ex-Officio Richard Mendoza – Ex-Officio Spencer Cronk – Ex-Officio One vacancy on the Commission (District 2) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the commencement of the meeting will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of September 27, 2022. Motion to approve the minutes of September 27, 2022 was approved on the consent agenda on the motion by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Vice-Chair Hempel on a vote of 11-0. Commissioner Llanes Pulido absent. One vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2018-0021.02 - Skyline Oltorf Mixed Use; District 3 Location: 5100, 5208 & 5010 E. Oltorf Street and 2424 & 2424 1/2 Riverside Farms Road, Country Club West Watershed; East Riverside/Oltorf Combined (Pleasant Valley) NP Area Owner/Applicant: ADD Land, Ltd. And Charitable Holdings II Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) Office and Rural Residential to Mixed Use land use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov Housing and Planning Department Indefinite postponement request by Applicant Postponement Request: Motion to grant Applicant request for indefinite postponement was approved on the consent agenda on the motion by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Vice-Chair Hempel on a vote of 11- 0. Commissioner Llanes Pulido absent. One vacancy on the dais. 3. Plan Amendment: NPA-2022-0028.01 - 11114 and 11206 Joseph Clayton Drive; Location: District 1 11114, 11206, 11206 ½, 11212 ½ & 11220 JOSEPH CLAYTON DR, Walnut Creek Watershed; Heritage Hills/Windsor Hills NP Area Owner/Applicant: Steve A. Stratton Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Drenner Group, PC (Leah M. Bojo) Commercial to Mixed Use land use Recommended Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Housing and Planning Department Public Hearing closed. Motion to grant Staff’s recommendation of Mixed Use land use for NPA-2022-0028.01 - 11114 and 11206 Joseph Clayton Drive located at 11114, …
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Housing and Planning Department September 20, 2022 NPA-2019-0013.01_909, 911, 915, 1001, 1003 South 2nd Street and 604 & 606 Copeland Street Staff requests a postponement of the above-referenced case from the September 27, 2022 Planning Commission hearing to the October 11, 2022 hearing date to allow the associated zoning case to be on the same agenda. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachments: Plan Amendment Map Zoning Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 32 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 32 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 3 of 32
MEMORANDUM ************************************************************************ TO: Todd Shaw, Chair Planning Commission Members September 27, 2022 Heather Chaffin, Senior Planner Housing and Planning Department Copeland South C14-2021-0185 Postponement Request by Staff FROM: DATE: RE: ************************************************************************ Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced case from the September 27, 2022, Planning Commission agenda to the October 11, 2022 agenda. Additional time is needed to review a revised rezoning request proposed by the Applicant. 1 of 13
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Housing and Planning Department September 20, 2022 NPA-2022-0026.01_8226-8240 Georgian Drive North Lamar/Georgian Acres Combined Neighborhood Planning Area Staff requests a postponement of this case from the September 27, 2022 Planning Commission hearing to the Octobeber 25, 2022 hearing date to allow staff additional time to review the application. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachment: Plan Amendment Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 24 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 24
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g MEMORANDUM TO: Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members September 20, 2022 Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Housing and Planning Department NPA-2022-0007.01_10810 Newmont Rd North Austin Civic Association Neighborhood Planning Area FROM: DATE: RE: Staff requests a postponement of this case from the September 27, 2022 Planning Commission hearing to the November 8, 2022 hearing date to allow staff additional time to review the application. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachment: Plan Amendment Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 25 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 25
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Housing and Planning Department September 20, 2022 NPA-2022-0017.01_Crestview Village 6916, 6926, 6928 N. Lamar Blvd and 808, 810, 812, 906 Justin Ln Crestview/Wooten Combined Neighborhood Planning Area Staff requests a postponement of this case from the September 27, 2022 Planning Commission hearing to the November 16, 2022 hearing date to allow staff additional time to review the application. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachment: Plan Amendment Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 26 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 26
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Housing and Planning Department September 20, 2022 NPA-2022-0020.01_Industrial Blvd & Terry O Lane 439-511 & 515 INDUSTRIAL BLVD (odd #s only) & 4208 Terry O Lane South Congress Combined Neighborhood Planning Area Staff requests a postponement of this case from the September 27, 2022 Planning Commission hearing to the November 8, 2022 hearing date to allow staff additional time to review the application. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachment: Plan Amendment Map The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 27 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 27
City of Austin Housing and Plannin g Department P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 -1088 (512) 974-3100 ♦ Fax (512) 974-3112 ♦ www .c ity o fau s tin .o rg/ h ou s in g Todd W. Shaw, Chair & Planning Commission Members Maureen Meredith, Senior Planner, Inclusive Planning Division Heather Chaffin, Senior Planner, Current Planning Division Housing and Planning Department September 20, 2022 NPA-2021-0010.01_2317 E. 2nd Street (2400 E. Cesar Chavez Parking Expansion) C14-2021-0121_2317 E. 2nd Street The applicant requests a postponement of the above-referenced cases from the September 27, 2022 hearing to the November 16, 2022 hearing date. Please see the attached email from Ferris Clements, the applicant’s agent. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. Attachments: Ferris Clements email Plan Amendment Map Zoning Map MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 1 of 48 From: Ferris Clements < Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2022 3:14 PM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov>; Chaffin, Heather <Heather.Chaffin@austintexas.gov>; Chris Cowan Subject: RE: Sept. 27 PC Hrng: NPA-2021-0010.01_2317 E. 2nd (2400 E Cesar Chavez Prkg Expan) *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Hi Maureen, We’d like to request a postponement to November 16, 2022. As you know, we submitted NPA applications for our other adjacent sites in July. We’d like for all of our cases to go through simultaneously. Thanks, Ferris G. Ferris Clements, III Associate Armbrust & Brown, PLLC 100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1300 Austin, Texas 78701-2744 (512) 435-2337 - Direct (512) 435-2360 - Facsimile fclements@abaustin.com www.abaustin.com THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE IS CONFIDENTIAL AND IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE NAMED ADDRESSEE(S). THIS MESSAGE MAY BE PROTECTED BY ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGE. IF THE READER OF THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE IS NOT AN INTENDED RECIPIENT (OR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE TO AN INTENDED RECIPIENT), BE ADVISED THAT ANY REUSE, DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, OR COPYING OF THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE IS PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS E-MAIL MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE NOTIFY THE SENDER AND DELETE THE MESSAGE. THANK YOU. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will provide reasonable modifications and equal access to communications upon request. 2 of 48 The City of Austin is committed to …
MEMORANDUM ************************************************************************ TO: Todd Shaw, Chair Planning Commission Members September 27, 2022 Heather Chaffin, Senior Planner Housing and Planning Department 2400 E. Cesar Chavez Parking C14-2021-0121 Postponement Request by Applicant FROM: DATE: RE: ************************************************************************ The Applicant requests a postponement of the above referenced case from the September 27, 2022, Planning Commission agenda to the November 16, 2022 agenda. The Applicant needs additional time to coordinate related rezoning and neighborhood plan amendment cases. 1 of 19
MEMORANDUM ************************************************************************ TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Sherri Sirwaitis Housing and Planning Department DATE: September 21, 2022 RE: (Leander Rehabilitation PUD Amendment #16) C814-97-0001.15 Postponement Request ************************************************************************ The staff would like to request a postponement of the above mentioned case to November 16, 2022. The staff is asking for this postponement to complete our review of this PUD rezoning request. The postponement request was made in a timely manner and meets the Planning Commission’s policy. 1 of 110
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET SITE AREA: 12.21 acres DISTRICT: 10 Planned Unit Development Amendment No. 2 CASE: C814-92-0006.02 – Seton Medical Center ZONING FROM / TO: PUD-NP to PUD-NP, to change conditions of zoning ADDRESS: 1201 West 38th Street PROPERTY OWNER: Seton Medical Center, % Altus Group US Inc. (Scott Herndon) AGENT: Metcalfe Wolff Stuart & Williams, LLP (Michele Rogerson Lynch) CASE MANAGER: Wendy Rhoades (512-974-7719, wendy.rhoades@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant an amendment to planned unit development – neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning as shown in the Proposed Zoning Submittal (Attachment A). For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, see pages 2 and 3. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: August 17, 2022: APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO PUD-NP DISTRICT ZONING AS THE STAFF RECOMMENDED [J. BRISTOL; M. SCHIERA – 2ND] (7-4) A. BARRETT BIXLER, R. BRIMER, R. SCOTT, P. THOMPSON – NAY [J. THOMPSON; R. SCHNEIDER – 2ND] (9-0) S. PRAXIS – ABSENT PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: September 27, 2022: August 23, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD TO SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: October 27, 2022: September 15, 2022: APPROVED A POSTPONEMENT REQUEST BY STAFF TO OCTOBER 27, 2022. VOTE: 10-0, MAYOR PRO TEM ALTER WAS OFF THE DAIS. ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The West 31st Street Creekside Neighborhood Association and the Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association requested postponement until the September 27th Planning 1 of 19411 C814-92-0006.02 Page 2 Commission meeting. The Applicant did not object to the postponement request by the Neighborhoods. The Applicant has met with the Rosedale Neighborhood Association and President of Brykerwoods Neighborhood Association, and met with the Brykerwoods Neighborhood board on August 16, 2022. EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS TO THE STAFF REPORT: Exhibits A and A-1: Zoning Map and Aerial Attachment A: Applicant’s Summary Letter Correspondence Received Attachment A-1: Proposed Zoning Submittal Attachment B: Environmental Commission action and support material Attachment C: TIA Compliance document CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The Seton Medical Center PUD is bounded by West 38th Street on the north, Medical Parkway to the east, West 34th Street to the south, and medical offices that border the property to the west (GO-V-NP). There are retail and service-oriented commercial uses on the north side of West 38th (SF-3; LO; CS-1-V; LR-V; CS-V; GR-V); medical offices and supporting businesses on the east side of Medical Parkway, the south side of East 34th Street and adjacent to the west (CS-NP; CS-V-NP; …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET HLC DATE: July 6, 2022 PC DATE: August 9, 2022; August 23, 2022 CASE NUMBER: C14H-2022-0073 ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1122 Colorado Street APPLICANT: Brian Evans, Westgate Condominium Association HISTORIC NAME: Westgate Tower WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake ZONING CHANGE: CBD to CBD-H COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from Central Business District (CBD) zoning to Central Business District – Historic Landmark (CBD-H) combining district zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Architecture and historical associations: The Westgate Tower is an excellent example of New Formalism, is the only building in Austin designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, and has served as a model for mixed-use building.1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: 2012 – recommend historic zoning; 2022 – recommend historic zoning PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: August 9, 2022 – postpone to August 23, 2022 per neighborhood request. CITY COUNCIL DATE: N/A ORDINANCE READINGS: N/A CASE MANAGER: Kalan Contreras, 974-2727 ACTION: N/A ORDINANCE NUMBER: N/A NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Lost and Found Pets,Austin Neighborhoods Council, Central Austin CommunityDevelopment Corporation, City of Austin Downtown Commission,Downtown Austin Alliance, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Assn.(DANA), Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Homeless NeighborhoodAssociation, Neighborhood Empowerment Foundation, PreservationAustin, SELTexas, Sierra Club, Austin Regional Group DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. Land Development Code §25-2-352(A)(3)(a) states that City Council may designate a historic landmark if it retains integrity, is over 50 years old, and is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Landmark Commission recommended historic zoning in 2012; however, the application was withdrawn by the applicant prior to Planning Commission hearing. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: §25-2-352(A)(3)(a) The property is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places; or is designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, State Archeological Landmark, or National Historic Landmark. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. §25-2-352(A)(3)(b)(i) Architecture. The property embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value …
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, September 27, 2022 The Planning Commission will convene at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at City Hall, Council Chambers 1001 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. Some members of the Planning Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Grayson Cox Yvette Flores – Secretary Claire Hempel – Vice-Chair Patrick Howard Jennifer Mushtaler Carmen Llanes Pulido Robert Schneider Todd Shaw – Chair James Shieh – Parliamentarian Jeffrey Thompson District 2 - Vacant Ex-Officio Members Arati Singh – AISD Board of Trustees Jessica Cohen – Chair of Board of Adjustment Spencer Cronk - City Manager Richard Mendoza - Director of Public Works EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Planning Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The Commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 Attorney: Steven Maddoux, 512-974-6080 Commission Liaison: Andrew Rivera, 512-974-6508 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the commencement of the meeting will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of September 13, 2022. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: Location: 3. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request: NPA-2019-0013.01 - Copeland South; District 9 909, 911, 915, 1001, 1003 S. 2nd St. and 604, 606 Copeland St., East Bouldin Creek Watershed; Bouldin Creek NP Area SB-Frank South, LLC StoryBuilt (Mike Melson) From Single Family to Mixed Use land use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Housing and Planning Department Staff postponement to October 11, 2022. C14-2021-0185 - Copeland South; District 9 909, 911, 915, 1001, 1003 S. 2nd St. and 604, 606 Copeland St., East Bouldin Creek Watershed; Bouldin Creek NP Area SB-Frank South, LLC StoryBuilt (Mike Melson) From Single Family to Mixed Use land use Pending Heather Chaffin, 512-974-2122, heather.chaffin@austintexas.gov Housing and Planning Department Staff postponement to October 11, 2022. Attorney: Steven Maddoux, 512-974-6080 Commission Liaison: Andrew Rivera, 512-974-6508 4. Plan Amendment: Location: 5. Plan Amendment: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: …
A.4 - 1 ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET HLC DATE: PC DATE: September 24, 2012 CASE NUMBER: C14H-2012-0089 APPLICANT: Westgate Condominium Association HISTORIC NAME: The Westgate Tower WATERSHED: Lady Bird Lake ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 1122 Colorado Street ZONING FROM: CBD to CBD-H SUMMARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from Central Business District (CBD) zoning to Central Business District – Historic Landmark (CBD-H) combining district zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: The Westgate Tower is an excellent example of the New Formalism approach to modern architecture, is the only building in Austin designed by internationally-known architect Edward Durell Stone, and has served as a model for continued mixed-use growth in the city, combining residential, commercial, and social uses in the same building. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The building is not listed in the Comprehensive Cultural Resources Survey (1984) because of its age. ACTION: PHONE: 974-6454 ORDINANCE NUMBER: CITY COUNCIL DATE: ORDINANCE READINGS: 1ST 2ND 3RD CASE MANAGER: Steve Sadowsky NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: Architecture: The Westgate Tower was designed by internationally-known New York architect Edward Durell Stone in 1962; the building was completed under the supervision of prominent local architects Fehr and Granger in 1966. It is an excellent example of the New Formalism in the modern movement of architecture in the 1960s, as espoused by Stone, who was known throughout the world for his high-rise buildings that combined verticality with the monumental scale, refinement, and ornamentation of Classical building styles. The Westgate, named for its location just west of the State Capitol grounds, also served Stone’s philosophy of building up-scale residential buildings in park-like settings in or near downtown areas, luring wealthy residents away from single-family houses in the suburbs. Stone was concerned that most high-rise architecture of the era was sole solution to 1 of 12112 A.4 - 2 overdevelopment where going up was the only way to develop a site that was otherwise overbuilt already. The location of the Westgate Tower provided Stone the opportunity to express the ideals of downtown living with a green setting. The Westgate was also innovative in several other ways, providing a model for future central city development – combining residential and commercial uses, and a necessary amenity in the modern era – an integral parking garage that formed a significant part of the entire composition rather than as an …
September 22, 2022 Planning and Zoning Commission: Thank you for your consideration of making the Westgate Towers a Historical Landmark Combining District. I grew up in nearby Taylor, Texas and have always loved this building. When my mom and I traveled to downtown Austin to shop or visit the capitol we always drove by the Westgate. At that time (early 1970’s), there were few buildings that competed with the height and majesty of the Westgate. I was enthralled that people actually live in that building. What a dream! Fifty years later, I’m fortunate enough to have purchased a modest 1,100 square foot home in the amazing building. It was one of the buildings that inspired me to become an architect. I’m now a practicing architect in downtown Austin and have worked on architectural preservation projects around the country. My work has included the restoration of Radio City Music Hall, the Downtown Los Angeles Main Public Library, the main Cleveland Public Library, and the New Amsterdam Theatre in Manhattan. I’m currently working on historic projects at Texas Tech University, Stephen F. Austin University, and the City of Richardson, Texas. During my time living in New York City (31 years and moved back to central Texas in 2020), I’ve worked with the NY Landmarks Preservation Commission on multiple projects. I understand the importance and opportunities of historic buildings in maintaining rich, inviting, amazing neighborhoods and communities. In my 33 years of architectural practice, I believe the Westgate represents an extraordinary candidate as a Historical Landmark Combining District for the City of Austin. It has every component that’s important in designating a historic landmark: 1. It’s over 50 years old and a represents a period of architectural significance. 2. It retains a high degree of architectural integrity. 3. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2010) 4. It’s a recorded Texas Landmark (2012) 5. It’s a place of historical significance (capital view corridor, LBJ, Headliner Club, etc). 6. And very importantly, it represents an era of Austin-past. I say this because its astonishing to me that Planning & Zoning has not already unanimously approved this City of Austin designation. I’ve been involved in so many projects where building owners were fighting against historic designations and didn’t want to maintain the architectural significance of their building. The amount of time, money, and effort focused on maintaining the Westgate is substantial (I’m on …
