Historic Design Review Commission Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Historic Design Review Commission (HDRC) convened on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 3:01 PM, chaired by J. Maurice Gibbs. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a consent agenda with 12 items, and individual hearings for six pulled items. Public comments were received via voicemail and letters.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0, Commissioner Fetzer recused on item 5). Items included: 310 Chestnut, 240 Castroville, 1231 East Commerce, 849 East Commerce, 611 Matagorda, 501 Wix, 758 East Woodlawn, 120 East Aguarita, and 821 Dawson. All received approval with staff stipulations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Valerie, speaking for the Dignity Hill Historic Neighborhood Review Committee, opposed demolition at 310 Chestnut (item 1) and expressed concerns about materials and height at 1231 East Commerce (item 3). She also supported the ramp design at 821 Dawson (item 9) but questioned the full-yard coverage.
• Residents at 126 Lavaca spoke in favor of item 5 (Southtown Aldea), expressing support for the development.
• Marlene Carter Lawson spoke against item 7 (105 Auditorium Circle digital billboard), arguing it would harm downtown aesthetics and citing examples from other cities. She emphasized beauty and heritage.
• Frederica Kushner, representing the Tobin Hill Community Association, supported item 13 (615 East Evergreen) modifications, calling the porch reduction a thoughtful solution.
• Valerie also spoke on item 15 (932 Burnett), agreeing with staff's recommendation to not approve the oversized accessory structure.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – 105 Auditorium Circle: Applicant Ashley Ferrimon (Capitol Outdoor) proposed a 25x18-foot digital sign on the 1983 annex of the ATT building. After reductions and staff recommendation for approval, the commission voted 6-3 to approve (Chair Gibbs, Commissioners Ma'aman, Galloway, Givata, Group, Holland in favor; Commissioners Garcia, Cervantes, Fetzer against).
• Item 11 – 421 West Market: Applicant Jason Profit (Outfront Media) proposed a digital sign. Following two DRC meetings, the sign width was reduced to 11 feet 4 inches to align with architectural elements. The motion carried 7-1 (Commissioner Cervantes opposed), with a stipulation to verify dimensions with staff.
• Item 12 – 8023 Cibolo Valley: Applicant Blake Custer presented two options for a digital sign; Option B (a smaller blade-style sign within a vertical opening) was approved unanimously with staff stipulations.
• Item 13 – 615 East Evergreen Street: Applicant Wendy Cannotelle sought to reduce the front porch by 2 feet and add a rear addition. Overwhelming support from staff and community led to unanimous approval (8-0) with conditions, including adding a traditional window where a closet is located and centering the porch column.
• Item 14 – 504 King William: Applicant Daniel Cruz (Design Coop) proposed a 75-square-foot enclosed addition within an existing side porch. Despite arguments for reversibility, the commission denied the request 7-2 (Commissioners Galloway and Group opposed the denial), citing incompatibility with historic district guidelines and agreement with staff.
• Item 15 – 932 Burnett Street: Applicant Mr. McIntosh proposed a two-story, 1,642-square-foot rear accessory structure with a three-bay garage. Staff recommended denial due to excessive scale (72% of primary structure footprint) and non-compliance with guidelines. The commission voted unanimously to refer the case to a Design Review Committee (DRC) for further refinement.
• Item 16 – 214 Adams Street: Applicant Jaime Jimenez (The Idea Studio) sought conceptual approval for a two-story rear addition and metal roof replacement. The commission approved both items conceptually with stipulations, including setting the addition further back, providing an updated line-of-sight study, and reusing historic windows. Vote was unanimous.

Key Outcomes

• Approved prior meeting minutes (October 1, 2025) unanimously.
• Consent agenda approved with 9 items.
• Digital signage: Three of four proposed signs were approved (items 10, 11, 12); item 7 (105 Auditorium Circle) passed after modifications.
• Residential modifications: Porch reduction at 615 East Evergreen approved; side porch addition at 504 King William denied.
• New construction: 932 Burnett sent to DRC for redesign; 214 Adams Street received conceptual approval.
• All approvals are subject to staff stipulations and issuance of Certificates of Appropriateness.