San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3 p.m. to consider several agenda items, including bus shelter designs, commercial developments, signage, and a carport. Chair J. Maurice Gibbs presided, with Vice Chair Jeffrey Fetzer. The meeting included a consent agenda, public voicemail comments, and votes on each item.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2, 4, 5, and 6 (addresses: 219 East Houston, 340 East Wee Setch, 110 Lexington, and 710 North Doll) were approved unanimously with staff stipulations after items 1 and 3 were pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7 – 418 Florida/319 East Carolina (Lavaca Historic District): Three voicemails were received. Chris Golke, Emily Golke (both neighbors at 410 Florida Street), and Melissa Stendhal (representing the Lavaca Neighborhood Association) expressed support for the proposed commercial development, provided the applicant incorporates all staff recommendations and addresses concerns about buffering, fencing, and landscaping. The neighborhood association requested enhanced dumpster screening and architectural detailing on the west and south elevations.
• Item 8 – 214 West We Satch (Monticello Park Historic District): A voicemail from Robin Foster on behalf of the Monticello Park Neighborhood Association supported staff's recommendation for denial, citing the carport's industrial polycarbonate materials as incongruent with the historic district.

Discussion Items

• Item 1 – VIA Bus Shelters: Art Herrera, director of special projects at VIA, presented design changes based on prior feedback: a darker green color for shelters in King William and Monte Vista neighborhoods, inclusion of neighborhood logos on signage panels, an artist recognition plaque on windscreens, and a salvaged rock veneer on a concrete wall at Roosevelt. VIA is also exploring digital messaging for neighborhood events and QR codes. Commissioner Cervantes pulled the item to discuss the changes. Some commissioners expressed concerns about the bulky, square design. The motion to approve as presented with staff stipulations passed 8-1 (Commissioner Cervantes voted no).
• Item 3 – 175 East Houston Street: Vice Chair Fetzer pulled the item to reiterate staff concerns about screening rooftop mechanical equipment and the need for articulation on a dark recessed panel on St. Mary's. The applicant agreed to study both issues. A motion for conceptual approval of items 1 and 2 (with no action on item 3) was amended to remove a specific five-foot parapet height, requiring screening adequate to fully conceal equipment. The motion passed 10-0.
• Item 7 – 418 Florida/319 East Carolina (Lavaca Historic District): Applicants Lorena and Miles from Villa Park/KPNJ presented a proposed commercial building on a vacant lot. They agreed to all staff stipulations, including a setback greater than adjacent structures, transom windows, landscaping, and enhanced fencing. They also met with the Lavaca Neighborhood Association, agreed to rename the project “Shops at Lavaca,” and added a mural on the I-37 elevation. Commissioner Velasquez raised concerns about the stark east facade and encouraged stronger design articulation. The commission voted 10-0 for conceptual approval with staff stipulations.
• Item 8 – 214 West We Satch (Monticello Park Historic District): The applicant did not appear. Staff recommended denial for a 154-square-foot aluminum and polycarbonate carport, finding it incongruent with the historic district. Commissioners debated whether a temporary, breakaway structure could be allowed; staff clarified that even breakaway footings constitute permanent construction. A motion to deny per staff recommendation passed 7-2 (Commissioners Velasquez and Cervantes voted no).
• Item 9 – 122 East Houston (Insomnia Cookies Signage): Greg Burkett of Apex Signs requested approval of a 136-square-foot face-lit channel letter sign, three LED faux neon window signs, and vinyl graphics. Staff recommended approval contingent on reverse-lit channel letters, denial of the neon signs, and approval of vinyl graphics not exceeding 30% window coverage. The applicant argued that face-lit letters and faux neon are critical to the brand. Commissioner Savino moved to approve item 1 (reverse-lit), deny item 2, and approve item 3 per staff stipulations. The motion passed 10-0.
• Item 10 – Postponed: The final item was postponed and not discussed.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (VIA Bus Shelters): Approved 8-1 with staff stipulations and applicant’s design changes.
• Item 3 (175 East Houston): Conceptual approval of building elements 1 and 2 with amended mechanical screening requirement; no action on item 3. Passed 10-0.
• Item 7 (418 Florida/319 East Carolina): Conceptual approval with staff stipulations. Passed 10-0.
• Item 8 (Carport at 214 West We Satch): Denied per staff recommendation. Passed 7-2.
• Item 9 (Insomnia Cookies Signage): Approved with stipulations: reverse-lit channel letters, no LED neon, window vinyl ≤30%. Passed 10-0.
• The meeting adjourned after Item 9. Certificates of appropriateness will be emailed within 10 days for approved items.