Downtown Design Guide
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The document provides an overview of a proposed Downtown Design Guide for San Antonio. It discusses the policy framework and design criteria that inform the Guide. The Guide's vision is to develop an authentic urban character that emphasizes the pedestrian experience and sustainable design. It aims to provide predictability for developers while protecting Downtown's architectural traditions. The Guide outlines key elements like ground floor treatment, massing, architectural detail and public art to achieve these goals. It also addresses potential issues with additional review requirements and costs.
Downtown Design Guide
- 2. Topics of Discussion Background Policy Framework The Design Criteria Applicable Review Areas Design Guide Vision Principles Purpose Content Key Program Elements Perceived Issues Process
- 3. Background – Policy Framework Policies: Design Guidelines have been recommended in past studies. Center City Implementation Plan 2012 Center City Strategic Framework Plan 2012 Downtown Neighborhood Plan 1999 Master Plan Policies 1997 Historic Design Guidelines adopted by Council September 2012. Historic Districts
- 4. Background – The Design Criteria 1. Introduction and Overview 2. Sidewalks and Setbacks 3. Ground Floor Treatment 4. Parking and Access 5. Massing and Street Wall 6. On-Site Open Space 7. Architectural Detail 8. Streetscape Improvements 9. San Antonio River Walk 10. Signage 11. Sustainable Design 12. Public Art 8 11 5 10 3 4 29 12 6 7
- 5. Background – Review Areas Development Review Downtown: Consolidated Review Committee (CRC) reviews new infill projects in the Form-Based Zoning (FBZ) Districts.
- 6. Background – Review Areas Development Review Downtown: HDRC reviews historic projects in the RIO and Historic Districts.
- 7. Background – Review Areas Development Review Downtown The blue area on this map is the “D” (Downtown) zoning District where the Design Guide will apply to all new infill development or additions to non- historic structures.
- 8. Design Guide - Vision Develop a strong, authentic character. Reinforce Downtown’s urban quality. Emphasize the pedestrian realm, with specific attention on the ground floors of buildings. Incorporate sustainable elements into the design solution.
- 9. Design Guide - Vision Avoid complicated criteria. Architecture in it’s time, place and use. Buildings that exhibit vertical and horizontal articulation
- 10. Design Guide Principles Emphasis on Ground Floor Architectural treatments
- 11. Design Guide Principles Traditional Building Components
- 12. Who Benefits? Investors benefit through favorable returns on their investments and through satisfying occupier demand, although the full pay-off may not be immediate. Developers benefit by attracting investors and higher densities more easily and hence from enhanced company image. If they retain a stake in their developments for long enough, they also benefit from good returns on their investments. Designers benefit because good urban design is crucially dependent on their input. Occupiers benefit from the better performance, loyalty, health and satisfaction of their residents/employees and from the increased prestige that well-designed developments command with guests and clients.
- 13. Who Benefits? Everyday users and society as a whole benefit from the economic advantages of successful regeneration, including new and retained jobs, and also through access to a better quality environment and an enhanced range of amenities and facilities. City of San Antonio benefits by meeting their obligation to deliver a well-designed, economically and socially viable environment and often by ripple effects to adjoining areas.
- 14. Design Guide - Purpose Legal Defensibility Predictability of Outcome Property Value Protection Protecting Authenticity HDRC Review Conformance
- 15. Design Guide - Content Generally, the Downtown Design Guide is intended to: Provide a clear design framework for future development in the Downtown. Incorporate a balance of design guidelines and standards. Promote sustainable design solutions.
- 16. Design Guide - Content
- 17. Design Guide - Key Program Elements Ground Floor Treatment Massing & Street Wall
- 18. Design Guide - Key Program Elements Authentic Architectural Detail Public Art
- 19. Design Guide- Key Program Elements Sustainable Design Parking & Access
- 20. Design Guide - Key Program Elements Signage
- 21. Design Guide - Key Program Elements
- 22. Perceived Issues Additional Bureaucracy Additional Construction Costs
- 23. Process Improvements Staff Level Recommendation & Design Assistance CityDesignCenter Historic & Design Review Committee Consent or Individual Item Action