Historic and Design Review Committee Meeting - July 16, 2025

The Historic and Design Review Committee (HDRC) met on July 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM. Chair Gibbs presided, and all members were present, establishing a quorum. The committee reviewed items on the consent calendar and three major agenda items: a proposed observation wheel at St. Paul's Square, a residential project at 120 Callahan Avenue, and an addition and window modifications at 838 East Magnolia. Public comments were received via voicemail from the San Antonio Conservation Society.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the consent calendar (excluding Item 3) with all staff stipulations. Items approved included: 110230 East Commerce, and others. (Item 3 was pulled from consent for separate discussion.)
• A voicemail from the San Antonio Conservation Society supported Item 1 (designation of a house) for meeting criteria and preserving character.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beri Boucher, on behalf of the San Antonio Conservation Society, submitted a voicemail supporting the designation for the house in Item 1, stating it meets the criteria, maintains original character, and will help the owner with taxes.
• For Item 10 (120 Callahan Avenue), the San Antonio Conservation Society left a voicemail supporting staff stipulations for the proposed design but opposing the permit because the garage design had not changed and no parking plan was submitted.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 (Pulled from Consent – 123 James McKnight? / Observation Wheel at St. Paul's Square): The applicant, James McKnight, presented a concept for an observation wheel and associated structures at St. Paul's Square, within the Downtown Overlay. Staff recommended conceptual approval, noting that although the guidelines do not specifically address observation wheels, the height and design relate to surrounding tall structures (e.g., Tower of the Americas, Alamo, nearby hotels). The applicant agreed to all staff stipulations, acknowledging that detailed design elements (lighting, landscaping, etc.) would be addressed later. The committee approved the concept unanimously. A commissioner commented that the wheel evokes the Hemisphere Fair era and adds a fun, engaging element to the downtown landscape.

• Item 10 – 120 Callahan Avenue (Residential Structure): The applicant, Daniel Cruz of Design Crew, sought a permit (Section 35608) and approval for a two-story residential structure in the Lavaca Historic District. Staff recommended approval of the permit (Item 1) and construction of a one-story structure (Item 2) with stipulations. After the previous hearing, the applicant reduced the building height, removed the garage, added bicycle storage, and adjusted the roof form. The committee debated the garage door removal and the blank façade. Some commissioners wanted to ensure fenestration or window patterns on the front elevation. The applicant stated willingness to explore options. A motion to approve Item 2 conceptually with staff stipulations was amended to require the applicant to explore window patterns (not necessarily windows) that can be approved by staff. The amended motion passed unanimously. The committee also approved Item 1 (permit) with the stipulation that the garage door be removed and the roof line changed to be consistent with historic structures.

• Item 11 – 838 East Magnolia (Addition and Window Replacement): The applicant, Ivan Solís, proposed a 600-square-foot addition, infill of a window opening, and window replacements. Staff recommended three stipulations: lower the addition height, use windows that meet guidelines, and repair rather than replace historic windows. The applicant accepted all stipulations except the requirement to repair windows, arguing that the existing windows are in poor condition and would be costly to repair. After discussion, the committee approved all three items with staff stipulations, including the requirement to repair and maintain historic windows. The applicant retains the option to return to staff if a window is beyond repair. The motion passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (excluding Item 3) with all staff stipulations.
• Item 3 (Observation wheel at St. Paul's Square): Approved conceptually with staff stipulations. (Unanimous)
• Item 10 – 120 Callahan Avenue:
  • Item 1 (permit): Approved with stipulations, including removal of garage door and roof line changes. (Unanimous)
  • Item 2 (construction): Approved conceptually with staff stipulations, amended to require the applicant to explore window patterns on the front façade. (Unanimous)
• Item 11 – 838 East Magnolia: All three items approved with staff stipulations, including repair of historic windows. (Unanimous)
• The meeting adjourned after the last case.