Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) – December 18, 2019

We delivered five statements on a variety of new construction projects in some of the city’s most rapidly changing historic areas: the Broadway corridor, downtown along the river, and the River Road and Dignowity Hill historic districts.

1900 Broadway

We urged the incorporation of the historic building on this site into Jefferson Bank’s design for new construction. Although little remains of what started out as one of San Antonio’s earliest gas stations, the existing building can still trace its roots back to a 1944 auto dealership along San Antonio’s “Auto Row.”  Read our full statement.

HDRC approved Jefferson’s proposal, which means the end of this pedestrian-friendly corner building.

151 E. Travis

Too much hotel on too small a lot by the river resulted in this request to cantilever the building a few feet over the public right- of-way.  We spoke against setting this precedent.  Read our full statement.

The commission denied this request.

335 Trail – River Road Historic District

We reiterated our concerns about several design issues for this new apartment complex, including atypical garages and large cisterns near a pedestrian trail.  Read our full statement.

This project received approval with additional stipulations.

911 N. Pine – Dignowity Hill Historic District

We joined with Office of Historic Preservation staff in requesting denial for this four-house project.  The lots sizes and contemporary style made the current proposal incompatible with the historic houses in the neighborhood.  Read our full statement.

Commissioners sent this case to the Design Review Committee.

434 Sherman Street – Dignowity Hill Historic District

This infill house came closer to fitting in with the district, except for its large scale and contemporary wall-of-windows.  Read our full statement.

HDRC approved this proposal with stipulations.