Germantown Design Review Commission Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Germantown Design Review Commission met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, following a 5:30 PM executive session. The meeting included the election of officers, annual adoption of the Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan, and approval of several development items, including a new Hattie B's Hot Chicken location. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Items A–F were approved as a single consent agenda. These included sign packages and exterior modifications for American Eagle (Aerie) at Saddle Creek South (cases 26-002 and 26-003), a new wireless transmission facility (MLGW Tower co-locate at 9713 Wolf River Blvd., case 25-021), and a sign package for Hattie B's Hot Chicken at Germantown Village Square (case 25-011). Commissioner Schmidt recused himself on the MLGW tower item. The motion passed unanimously (8-0).

Election of Officers

• Vice Chairman: Commissioner Schmidt was elected Vice Chairman over Commissioner Schweighofer after a brief discussion regarding Mr. Schmidt's potential future term limits. The vote was 8-0.
• Secretary: Commissioner White was elected Secretary. The vote was 8-0.
• Both terms run through 2027.

Commission Liaison Appointments

• The following appointments were confirmed: Commissioner Kimbrough to the Historic Commission; Commissioner Meanwell to the Parks and Recreation Commission; Commissioner Schmidt to the Public Art Commission; Chairman Bruns to the Sketch Plan Committee; and Chairman Bruns also to the Tree Board.

Adoption of Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan

• Ms. Pounder presented the annual adoption of the citizen-led strategic plan, highlighting the vision, community values, and key performance areas relevant to the commission (economic development and land use/transportation). Strategic objectives include walkability in the Central Business District, promoting investment in key commercial areas, and property value trends. The plan includes a long-term (10–15 year) goal to redevelop the municipal center into a mixed-use city center. The commission adopted the plan unanimously (8-0).

Hattie B's Hot Chicken – Preliminary and Final Site Plan (Case 25-011)

• Staff presentation: The proposed site at 7694 Poplar Avenue (Germantown Village Square) is under 0.4 acres. The building is 22 feet tall with a parapet to screen mechanical units. There are 15 parking spaces and 2 bicycle parking spots. Access is from the internal shopping center lot. Exterior materials include alabaster brick, wood composite, and a cherry tomato red storefront system. A patio with red and black furnishings is planned. Landscaping includes planters along Poplar Avenue. Lighting conforms to smart code regulations.
• Commission questions and discussion: Commissioners asked about the building's height relative to grade changes, the depth and offset of the brick diamond pattern on the west elevation, and the use of the cherry tomato red color (a brand concession for Hattie B's). The applicant confirmed that the red was never altered before and that the diamond pattern was a new solution to add visual interest to the rear elevation. Concerns about visibility of red patio furnishings from Poplar Avenue were addressed. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the applicant's responsiveness to prior subcommittee feedback.
• Outcome: The commission approved the preliminary and final site plan unanimously (8-0).

Commission Liaison Reports

• Historic Commission: Reported a subcommittee forming to plan participation in the nation's 250th anniversary celebration and its relation to Germantown's history.
• Parks and Recreation Commission: Met January 22, 2026. Key items: Cameron Brown Park enhancements (237 additional parking spaces, conversion of field 5 to synthetic turf, improved pedestrian access, greenway connections); Riverdale Park nearing completion; pickleball restroom building installation expected mid-April; Greenway Beaver Loop redesign to widen trail; Houston Levee bridge replacement; parks department pursuing CAPRA accreditation; master plan shifting focus from sports complex to Cameron Brown improvements.
• Public Art Commission: Released a call for artist applications for the Riverwood Pedestrian Tunnel mural project on January 16. Received 63 applications, narrowed to 10 semifinalists. Proposed designs due March 12, 2026.
• Tree Board: Reported reorganization of natural resources department; Brian Pifer training as arborist. Living Legacy Tree Fund donations increased (5–6 trees in recent months, a notable bump). Tree mitigation phase 2 projects at Cameron Brown. Arbor Day event scheduled for March 6, 2026, at Huey's parking lot, first come first served.
• Board of Mayor & Aldermen (BMA) report: BMA expanded debt capacity to support school district funding. Tax increment financing question expected at March 9 BMA meeting. Budget season begun. Text amendments adding design review commission review to all Germantown zoning (including SMART growth) were adopted on second reading.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Schmidt elected Vice Chairman; White elected Secretary (both unanimous).
• Consent Agenda (Items A–F): Approved 8-0.
• Germantown Forward 2035 Strategic Plan: Adopted 8-0.
• Hattie B's Hot Chicken Site Plan (Case 25-011): Approved 8-0.
• Next Steps: Staff to compile all design plans into one full set for the entitlement process. Subcommittee meeting anticipated due to five new applications received by the upcoming deadline.
• Meeting adjourned after liaison reports.