Historic Design and Review Commission Meeting - March 18, 2026

Meeting Overview

The Historic Design and Review Commission (HDRC) held a regular meeting on March 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM. All 12 commissioners were present. The meeting began with approval of minutes from the previous meeting and a consent calendar of eight items. The primary agenda item was Phase 2 of the Brackenridge Park improvement project, which drew substantial public comment and discussion. Three additional items were heard individually: a residential project at 1253-1255 Crockett, four townhomes at 509 Mission Road, and a porch addition at 1919 Thorain Boulevard. All items were approved, some with specific stipulations.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the minutes from the March 2026 meeting unanimously.
• Eight items (items 2 through 8) were approved on the consent calendar as recommended by staff, with stipulations, on a motion that passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brackenridge Park Phase 2: A total of 54 voicemails were received; 35 expressed support and 9 expressed opposition (the remaining 10 were not categorized in the transcript). Five people spoke in person. Susan Scott, President of the Brackenridge Park Council, expressed full support for the project, noting community engagement. Chris Maitrey, executive officer of a supporting organization, spoke in favor, citing City Council approval and the need to move forward after 3,033 days since the bond was approved. Arisha Garlock spoke in opposition, requesting a delay or stop, raising concerns about parking removal, accessibility for disabled persons, and disruption to family gatherings. John Greel, representing Gary Rez and Ms. Torres in ongoing litigation, opposed the removal of trees 106 and 141, arguing they are cultural and religious resources. Another speaker (Olivia) opposed the removal of picnic tables and parking spaces, arguing it contradicts the park’s reconciliation report and would exclude low-income users. Sarmstrom, who was given extra time, opposed the design, particularly regarding tree removal and the placement of picnic tables near the bike lane. Patterson, a cancer survivor, spoke against tree removal, emphasizing the health and environmental benefits of mature oak trees.
• 1253-1255 Crockett: A voicemail and a letter from a neighborhood association expressed concerns about the fenestration and materials, but no in-person public comment was recorded.

Discussion Items

• Brackenridge Park Phase 2 (Item 1): Staff presented modifications since the January meeting, including adding nine picnic tables, providing two accessible parking spaces (with willingness to consider more), relocating a historic stone kiosk, and reducing impervious cover by 1% (from 10% reduction to 9%). The project is funded by the 2017 bond and additional private donations. Staff highlighted the incorporation of public feedback from site walks. Commissioners questioned the design, picnic table locations, parking for disabled persons, tree impacts (especially trees 106 and 141), and the relationship to ongoing litigation. Legal counsel clarified that the two trees are part of Phase 1, not Phase 2, and that their removal is already subject to permitting and litigation, outside the scope of this item. After extensive discussion, a motion was made to approve as presented with staff stipulations.
• 1253-1255 Crockett (Item 9): The applicant sought approval to modify a previously approved building by changing the roof form, removing some fenestration, and adding a 12-foot-wide driveway. Staff recommended approval of the roof modification, but not the fenestration removal, and required the driveway width be reduced to 10 feet. The applicant revised the design to add back windows and agreed to reduce the driveway. The motion passed with stipulations.
• 509 Mission Road (Item 10): The applicant proposed four two-story single-family homes. Staff recommended approval with multiple stipulations regarding materials, fenestration, landscaping, and parking. The applicant (Ruben Saucedo) and architect (Brenda) agreed to all stipulations. The item was approved unanimously.
• 1919 Thorain Boulevard (Item 11): The applicant requested a certificate of appropriateness to add a 96-square-foot porch and to retain existing painted brick siding on the house. Staff recommended approval of the porch, but recommended replacing non-historic brick with wood siding. The applicants argued that removing brick was cost-prohibitive and that the brick was original (though painted). Commissioners debated whether brick was original material. The motion was modified to allow brick where the applicant could demonstrate it had existed previously, and to accept wood where brick had fallen off. A site visit was suggested but not required. The motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• Brackenridge Park Phase 2: Approved on a motion by Commissioner Howard, seconded, with staff stipulations. The vote was unanimous (all 12 commissioners in favor). The approval includes the addition of picnic tables, accessible parking, and a 1% reduction in impervious cover compared to the previous design. The stone kiosk will be relocated. Tree removal is not part of this phase.
• 1253-1255 Crockett: Approved with staff stipulations (roof modification, driveway width of 10 feet, fenestration as revised). Vote was unanimous.
• 509 Mission Road: Approved with all staff stipulations. Vote was unanimous.
• 1919 Thorain Boulevard: Approved with a modified motion: brick may be retained where it existed historically; wood siding to be used elsewhere. The applicants were encouraged to work with staff. Vote was unanimous.