San Antonio Historic and Design Commission Meeting - August 6, 2025

The San Antonio Historic and Design Commission held a regular meeting on August 6, 2025, at 235 East Commerce. The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established. The commission reviewed 12 agenda items, with item 9 not heard and item 11 postponed by the applicant. Public comments were heard on several consent items, and the commission deliberated on individual cases, including a controversial proposed restaurant terrace and bridge on Crockett Street.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1, 5, 7, 8, and 11 on the consent agenda were approved unanimously with standard staff stipulations. The commission voted to approve these items without further discussion. (Vote: 7-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rusty Wallace (Managing Director, Mansion del Rio) and Mickey Steinberg (Hotel Manager, Macara Hotel) spoke against Item 2 (235 East Commerce), arguing that a proposed elevated restaurant terrace and bridge would destroy the peaceful environment of Crockett Street and the River Walk, and that the structure would be out of scale with the historic district. They cited security risks, noise violations, and fire hazards. (Position: Opposed)
• Michael Kim (Winspeci, representing Macara Hotel owner) elaborated on the same case, stating that the raised platform would violate the historic character and create an incompatible visual barrier. (Position: Opposed)
• Robin Foster (Monticello Park Neighborhood Association) provided comments on items 3, 6, and 10, asking for additional stipulations regarding concrete columns, preservation of interior photos, and water drainage. (Position: Support with conditions)
• Link Penetrick (resident, 312 Parkway) spoke on Item 4 (250 Grayson), supporting the project but expressing concern about preservation of existing cypress trees and palms. (Position: Support with concerns)

Discussion Items

• Item 2: 235 East Commerce (Restaurant Terrace and Bridge) – Applicant John McDonald presented a proposal for a restaurant terrace and sky bridge on Crockett Street, arguing it would activate the River Walk and extend pedestrian traffic. He noted multiple meetings with the city and some neighbors but not with the adjacent Macara Hotel. Commissioners discussed concerns about scale, noise mitigation, water drainage, and lack of communication with Macara. After a motion to deny failed (3-4), a new motion to approve with staff stipulations plus an added stipulation requiring the applicant to work with Macara on mitigation passed (6-1). The owner of Macara requested a representative be present in future talks.

• Item 3: 435 Avenue Donaldson – Applicant Jeffrey Stromberg (by phone) sought approval for structural work on a historic house. Staff recommended approval with stipulations, including concrete columns. Commissioner Fetcher, who attended a site visit, confirmed that neighbors' concerns about window obstruction and balustrade details were addressed. The motion to approve with staff stipulations passed unanimously.

• Item 4: 250 Grayson (Patio/Green space at Pearl) – Applicant Blaine Townsend (by phone) confirmed that existing cypress trees would be preserved and palms added to an area with only concrete. Commissioners requested a more detailed site plan with dimensions. The motion to approve with staff stipulations and a condition to submit a final site plan passed unanimously.

• Item 6: 1932 West Avenue (Demolition of accessory structure) – Property owner Lindy Sandel stated the accessory structure is in severe disrepair, posing safety and financial burdens (she pays mortgage and utilities but cannot rent). Commissioners debated lack of interior photos and a redevelopment plan. A motion to approve based on economic hardship failed for lack of a second. Instead, a motion to conduct a site visit by the Design Review Committee at the next possible opportunity passed (6-1), delaying the decision.

• Item 10: 2127 West Woodlawn (Addition and RV garage) – Applicant Natasha Chase presented plans for a second-story addition and a 16-foot-tall RV garage. Commissioner Fetcher questioned ceiling heights and water drainage. The applicant stated they are following staff recommendations and not removing existing windows. Staff recommended approval despite finding the size potentially inappropriate. The motion to approve passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2: Approved (6-1) with staff stipulations and an added condition to work with adjacent Macara Hotel on mitigation. The applicant must engage the hotel owner directly.
• Item 3: Approved unanimously with staff stipulations.
• Item 4: Approved unanimously with staff stipulations and a condition to submit a detailed site plan.
• Item 6: Action deferred. The commission will conduct a site visit of the accessory structure before a final decision at the next meeting.
• Item 10: Approved unanimously with staff stipulations.
• Consent Calendar: Items 1, 5, 7, 8, and 11 approved unanimously.
• Item 11: Postponed by the applicant.