Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

There's an I thought it was too Good morning. Um, welcome to the December 18th, 2025 meeting of the Downtown Design Commission. My name is Kayla Copelan. I'm the chair of the commission. The agenda and documents are located at httpsocc.primeggov.com/pub/portal. You would then select the downtown design commission meeting, then click an agenda item and the relevant documents will come up below. Please see the agenda for additional information regarding meeting procedures in the review process. If you're parked in the Sheridan Walker parking garage north of John Rex Elementary School or in the art district's parking garage south of City Hall, staff can provide a parking validation ticket to you today. Keith, will you please call roll

Copeland here? Schmid here. Vlad here. Brandon here. We have Cor. Thank you. So, we'll do item number two, approval of the minutes. Do we have a motion? Have a motion to approve the minutes. I'll second the motion.

The minutes approval are passed. item. Just one second. Just FYI, I didn't vote on that. You didn't vote? Okay. Yeah. Sorry, I recorded your Perfect. All right. So, your vote has been recorded. Perfect.

Um, item number three are cases withdrawn and we have none today. Item four are our continuence requests and there are none today as well. So, we'll move on to item five, consent docket. Uh Katie Fiddle, Planning Department. Uh you all have one item on the consent docket. This means that the item exceeds the threshold that staff can approve administratively, but it met all applicable guidelines and regulations. No variance is necessary. Uh we recommend approval. I'll move to approve the consent docket. I'll second.

Still not coming up. Okay,

thank you. Consent docket passes.

We'll move to item six, cases for individual consideration. And we'll start with A at DTCA-25-000081. Part two at 710 North Broadway Avenue. Uh this is an application uh by the property owner to paint the west uh Broadway facing facade of the building at 710 North Broadway Avenue. Uh this is a building that was previously painted. It's been painted for quite some time, so they are allowed to repaint. It's before you today because staff had concerns about the selected color palette. Um while we don't have regulations or a specific color palette in the um ordinance for downtown, uh there are guidelines in the building conservation and rehabilitation guidelines that talk about appropriate color pallets for historic uh structures. This building is within the automobile alley uh national register district. At the time the district was created, it was not identified as contributing. However, the metal uh cladding that was over the face of the building at the time of the district nomination has since been removed. We think it is a historic resource and that it contributes to Automobile Alley and that a more muted color palette would be a more appropriate choice for the painting of the building. Um so we did recommend approval with condition that uh an alternate color palette be submitted to staff. Any questions for staff?

So whenever you are determining like color palette, is there some type of actual guideline? Are you referencing what like what the like five, seven, whatever the paint pallet amount is? Are you are we referencing?

Sure. So, there's um language in the building conservation guidelines that says to research what the historic painting scheme had been um or historic color scheme had been. In this case, it would have presumably been a typical automobile alley red brick. Um use that as a basis for deciding on a new color scheme. choose a discrete location to sample paint layer history um to see what colors the building might have been painted previously and to use a comprehensive color scheme for the building's entire exterior um which they are proposing to do that here. Um so, you know, as we look at just the colors used in this district historically, um the stark black would not have typically been a selection we would have seen.

Yeah. I think my concern now is that we're seeing murals up and we're having that stark black like appearance, right? So I it's just kind of this argument of what's historic, what's allowed because it's precedent. So just kind of it's in my opinion it's not very clear. So just trying to see if there's a a way that we can figure out a direction there. Sure. I agree. I think it's a slippery slope when we start talking about color. I I was curious, did you have any conversation with the owner and did they seem receptive to entertaining some other color options?

I think this is before you because they did not initially um want to change what they had proposed. So, um we said it would we would take it to the commission for review and I am I'm sorry I ran in here at the last minute and I don't know if our applicant is here or if they're okay. So they may want to speak about the color selection. If if um an alternate color selection was selected, could it be negotiated with staff? Yes, absolutely. You all could provide some general direction and then that could be submitted to staff. Would the applicant like to speak on this

or anybody in the audience as well? Good morning. Good morning. Uh, have you provided the color that I've submitted to you guys? Yes. Yes, that's in their packet. Okay. All right. Um, just was Do you mind signing in on the Oh, sure. Thanks. Keith, are we also asking for addresses? Names and addresses.

If you could, anybody that comes to the podium today, if you could please state your name and your address, that way we can document it um in our meeting notes. I want to start over again. Good morning. Morning.

My name is Amin Pakad. I am the owner of 710 North Broadway in Oklahoma City and I'm here asking for change of a color of the exterior of the building. Um, so the the the reason why we're having this conversation is you've um proposed a stark black with a contrasting font color and staff has asked if you would consider a more muted or a color or a color that would be more consistent with a historic district. Would you be willing to work with staff to come up? Absolutely. Yes. Yeah.

I think that if that would answer my question. I would be supportive of your design and I would actually like to see it in something that's consistent. I'm very skeptical about starting to litigate paint colors from where we sit, but in this instance, I think it's appropriate. So, for me, if you're willing to do that, that that takes care of any concern that I would have and I would support the application. And I would agree with that. I think in my opinion again I don't want to be the the bearer of picking a paint color. Right. So if that can be worked out between staff that like I'm in full support as well. Sure. So up to now Laura has been my point of contact. Is she going to be the one that I need to reach out to?

Laura. Um Laura or me? And um Okay. Yeah. If you you will get Laura's out of office if you email her today, but that will give you our contact information and then we can go from there. Okay. So So she's out of the office for a couple of weeks. Um, so whenever you're ready, um, just email her and then if you get her out of office, reach out. What I proposed to her was because she brought her concern to me when I talked to her. Um, there's couple there's a building maybe couple buildings down there that is a dark charcoal. Can we discuss that right now or do we need to I think we can um I think they can approve with the condition that we just work through that um outside of the the meeting and we can take a look at the buildings that you're looking at as an example um and go from there. Okay. Do you

go ahead. I would just say we need to give a little bit more um guidance on what you all are looking for, what's muted, like if it you want it to match some of the other buildings in the area um instead of just leaving it wide open to for staff because I think they need some guidance. I do think if I think a good guidance would be existing buildings in the district um in historical pallets for the district. Now I know that's not like an actual like these are your colors but I think that would be a good influence for the color choices moving forward. What do you all think is that appropriate guidance?

Yes. So that was my concern kind of initially is like there isn't there isn't a document that states these are these colors stay within these parameters right and so there's no there's no reference for us to say look at this so I think there has to be some type of there has to be some type of document or something in place where owners can reference

the the concept of going with the color that is existing. The only thing that I would say is I don't know what that color is and I don't know if it's faded. I just don't know. I think that the intent of matching something that's there is is going definitely in the right direction. I think your best approach would be to work that out with staff. And so if if you would present and you have you've sent that to Laura. Um I've talked to her about it. I have not. So the colors that you see is what I asked to to paint the building with.

Okay. So um I think your your next best option would be to negotiate with staff to come up with a color that everybody is acceptable that is acceptable to everybody and then we will be in support of it. Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Is there anybody in the audience uh that would also like to speak on this?

If not, I think we'll entertain a motion. I'll move to approve the application on the basis that the project complies with the regulations and guidelines of the downtown design district zoning ordinance as referenced in section C and D of the staff report with the condition that the applicant work with staff to identify a color palette that will be acceptable

and more muted with the intent that it becomes more muted and consistent with the historic character of the district. Brandon second. Motion passes. Okay, we'll move to item D or B, sorry, B. It will be DTCA-25-000087 at 1111 and 11000 class and drive. Uh this is a project to construct a new building on a vacant site uh at this location and also um redesign of the streetscape pedestrian walkway along class between this building and the plaza court building. Um the applicant is present and they do have a presentation. U I'll just briefly summarize the um issues that are noted in the staff report. So due to the unusual nature of this site and the shape of the site as well as the closure of classen through the area to create a pedestrian thoroughfare. Uh there are a number of variances that will have to be sought for this development to take place. Um this includes the uh height requirement for the one-story portion of the proposed building uh that you will see the uh as well as the setback for the proposed building because it's on a kind of triangular parcel. Um so they they are required to be within 10 ft of the property line on all sides and that's not feasible for this project. Um they are proposing solar panels to function as carports for a surface parking lot because they are technically visible and

they are mechanical equipment that is required to be screened. Uh they need a variance to that screening requirement. Um there are some signs that are uh do not meet requirements of the sign code for uh height and for placement on the roof. Um so each of those would require a variance. And then uh this doesn't require a variance but we have a parking lot proposed on a corner uh and there's a guideline against that. Um we have in various circumstances approved such surface parking lots on corners and do think that it's justified in this case with um the proposed development as it is. Uh, and then I just one other thing I wanted to note before the applicant presents is there are two items that you'll see in the renderings that are not in this um packet for your review today. They will come back at a later date. Those are an uh entrance, an enclosed entrance to be added on to the Plaza Court building itself and then a railing at the brick fence wall in front of Plaza Court. Um staff is still working on um the details of those with the applicant and that will come back to you. Um just quickly to scroll through, I think everyone's very familiar with this site. Um but this is on Classen uh Drive between Walker and um uh 11th 10th Walker Dwey um that uh block there. Um plus a court building of course existing on one side and then a vacant site where you all previously approved the demolition of a structure uh on the other side of class. You all did review and approve new construction in a somewhat similar configuration several years ago. That CA has since expired and that construction never took place. Um, and then just the surrounding area with with uh Midtown Plaza Court and the traffic circle and then St. Anony's and Kaiser's uh surrounding the property. And I think with that that's your presentation.

How do you Thank you. Uh Brian Fitz Simmons, Fitz Simmons Architects 2721 North Walker. Had to remember my own address. Okay.

Um this presentation is a slideshow. It's not exactly what's in the packet. I don't want to rehash everything in the packet, but thought I'd talk a little bit about the project and some of the influences. Um it's fivetory mixeduse development. Let's see. There we go. Um as the the general goal of this project was to design a pedestrianoriented uh plaza that was uh emphasis for the street closure. Uh I guess that was two three years ago now. and to create a public space in the Midtown District that currently doesn't really have a public space or a permanent public space uh a park of any sort and creating pedestrian prominade that would be enhancing this the streetscape for the experience of the pedestrians. uh prominade includes seating, landscaping, has an amphitheater on the north end and that kind of acts as a a terminus for for that to then move on into the rest of the district. This is at the midpoint of the retail area, sort of the turning point between 10th and then going up Walker and also a goal of kind of creating future event festivals. That's a general overview. So this is the site and this would be kind of an aerial. This emphasizes that you'll kind of look in the background there's taller uh structures with the hospitals and that sort of thing. And then on the north end

which is the right hand side of this it uh the height of buildings and the scale of buildings uh lowered significantly. So part of it is trying to bridge that gap with putting the emphasis of the massing on 10th street and the turning circle. So creates a uh visual landmark and turning point similar and looking back. So this emphasizes how this feeds into the classroom drive. There's a future sculpture that hopefully is installed in spring this year on the turning circle. And this also talks to what slide number am I? Uh shows the amphitheater as the end cap and creating a visual massing there with trees that's also a park but also allows see through for the eyes on the street and making sure that activities and and that sort of thing. This shows a bit of what was influenced in what I was speaking of earlier with the north west tent is the emphasis of the district heading into automobile alley and then north walkers pretty active retail area and this is intended to kind of help that terminus and provide a gathering place off of that. It also shows placement of the building where the taller portion is pushed to the south again emphasizing the circle

but it also allows the building to take uh advantage of the views to downtown. This is kind of a three-dimensional depiction of that um to help get an understanding of scale. Some of the design inspiration that went into the project was kind of ghosting and mirroring the Plaza Court. the the main features, historic entry of Plaza Court was this set of arch windows with these kind of faux balconies and that was also the main stairs that go up to the second floor and the rest of the building is rectangular in vocabulary. So we used differentiation of materials to to speak to that twotory portion use of the arch arches that align with the arches uh of plat court. Some other inspirations of items that are in there is uh again these sort of playing off of these projected balconies. The balconies when grouped together u speak to that with all three of the height of the balconies connected creating kind of an inspiration of that. Also the plaza court sign is major landmark in the area and on the north end of our project which is one of the variances is to be allowed a roof sign that speaks to that. We don't have the final design because we're contending that that may be driven by the tenant that would go in there. If that doesn't happen, we may name it something else, but that's what we're working toward.

And this kind of shows that sign on the end and the general configuration. Part of the goal as well was when you're in the plaza to make we needed to keep parking. So balancing the size of the building with the parking um it's just a market reality that parking and is needed near businesses to help them and um Plaza Court keeping the parking on that side. The hope is to not to keep those businesses with the same activity that they have now. And this is kind of in the plaza. One of the things it's set up with with is we'll have tent tie downs throughout the plaza so that we can continue to have markets that would be this is holds the same number of tents and scale as the current popup shops on 10th. Those will not be there forever. So we want to create a place that allows that to continue to happen. That's the overall site plan. Open to any questions or discussion.

I love it. I think the excitement that this is going to bring to Midtown is going to be huge. Um I specifically love the pedestrian space, how you're bringing in color as well. um your planting palette on the plan is is generic, but in your renderings is diverse and I hope that that stays. I really really

like what y'all are doing there. Um the incorporation of the massings of trees to help um with views and control um um like your portals. I love it. Um I think you're doing a really good job even the bringing in of the solar panels for the parking. Um, we've had a couple applications come in for that and I think it's great that we are moving that direction um, for so many reasons. So, um, I just want to say good job and I love this project. Um, do you all have any questions? We we miss questions for staff too. So, either for staff or for the applicant.

Yeah, I think I want to echo Kayla's sentiments. Um, I know this has been a long time coming for Fitz Simmons, so just appreciate the dedication to the project. Um, excited to see something finally be built there.

I like the project as well. I specifically appreciate the fact that you flipped the one story. We kind of litigated that last time and worked our way through it. So, I think it's fine and appropriate and the scale is similar, but I really like it on the north side and away from the from the roundabout. Um, I think that the way that you've organized, I like everything about the project. I have one question that is going to step out of my wheelhouse. I'm going to ask Kayla, how do you feel about standard live oaks in this environment?

Live oaks. He's got a He's got a live oak calipiber varies for his significant trees. Now, I know that there's one that's an Ozark kind of a Those are existing. Those are those are all existing. The three live oaks are existing and we're going through great pains to Okay. not kill them. I was I was I I I saw live oak. If I would have just looked up too, I would have seen existing vine, but I a new live oak would be more questionable, but an existing one that is in good condition. Yeah. These are pretty size. That's That's perfect, especially for their unique evergreenness that they bring for a shade style tree.

So, I think it's good. I like it. Um, I think I would be remiss if I don't bring up the thing that I usually bring up, which is I'm concerned that the North Dewey pedestrian experience suffers because we've not installed shade trees because we don't want to shade the solar canopy. And it's definitely a building that presents a front and a back. Um, and parking is a reality. I just wonder if anyone expresses a similar concern of saying could the solar canopy be on the east side of that parking experience and then we can actually get shade trees on the west side for the pedestrians that walk past this. Um, so we have the shade type trees on the south. On the west there are trees. Um,

but I mean those are going to be your classic Midtown sweet gums probably. Yeah. And that's my concern is it's not really a a canopy street tree. It's a tall columnular sculptural thing but not necessarily shade. And I recognize you've done that because we don't want to shade the solar, but we've we've seen experiences in Midtown uh across the way from the old striker building where we have shade trees near solar canopies to balance it. So, we still get pedestrian experience with shade. Um and I just, you know, I'm the one that always beats the draw shade trees and I don't know if anyone's seeing that the same way I'm seeing it.

I see it. Um did we have any rendering showing Dewey in your presentation? Uh in the I don't know if I had the packet but there is the application on the application probably best shows on the solar variance discussion. I'm going to scroll and find that really fast.

Okay, perfect. Okay, this one. Yeah. Okay, we found it. Does it get bigger? I have power. And we are the intent is to plan a tall hedge road that will um meet the typical guidelines of parking adjacent a street um but to create a wall that hides visibility of the cars and at least helps that. Um, and the trees are planted pretty closely together. So hopefully I understand it's not shade specific, but

yeah, it's it's intent is more of maybe a buffer for the car viewing than for shade for a pedestrian. Was there and I because mine is kind of taken over. Is there enough space to add a little bit more width to your green where we're out of room where where these trees currently are? Yeah. I guess I was trying to say, can we flip the solar canopy from the west side of the parking lot to the east side of the parking lot

and then you're no longer having the problem of shading solar panels and you can put the right street tree on the street. Um, we'd rather not do that, but let's tight.

Part of the reason that it is on that side is we had originally done what you're talking about. Um the intent of the panels canopies themselves would be for the uh apartment units and so trying to get the retail customers as close as possible seemed like a more market choice. So that is why it was there. But yes, it was a discussion.

Is there like is there going to be a delineation between what's apartment parking versus public parking or you know retail parking if that makes sense? There we don't have it mapped out yet, but the covered parking will be reserved for specific units. Okay. So

yeah, I mean I could I could see an apartment dweller just going to the first available closest parking spot just as much as I could see um a you know a retail um you know not resident but you know shopper going to one of the retail buildings too. I think it's just like a maybe it's just the part closest if it's to the building or not. So I don't know. Hopefully like your um kind of delineation between what's resident, what's retail helps that. or maybe breaking up the solar where it's not a long strip. Maybe there's a two or three segments so you're able to fit a shade tree in between. I don't know.

I like the idea of more shade trees as well along the the street. I don't dislike though what you're showing right now either. I do I like at least there's some softness, some verticality um that will be on Dewey. Yeah. Part of part of the hope is is that pedestrians and this isn't necessarily a direct uh not saying that there won't be people walking up and down Dewey but if you're on the west side the hope is that you would travel through the pedestrian way.

Yeah. And you do have that the street car stop on the north end of right of the lots of the of the of the property too. So I don't know if you can see my mouse or not but street car stop is right here. Yeah.

What's so directly across the street is a parking garage. And there's also thoughts that went into not just the reserve spot, but by adding a massing of the carport at least is something whereas if it's just trees and parking, I don't know. It felt better to put it there, but

I think I'm okay with it as proposed. Now, I could see what Kayla, what you were presenting of maybe breaking up the massing as much to where it feels a little bit softer. Yeah. Can we're happy to look at that, but I don't want to hold this up in a Oh, sure. And I think I'm just trying to get to a solution over here. So

any other comments? This would not have to come back if there was some kind of adjustment to either the location or configuration, it would not have to come back before us. It could be something that would be worked out with staff. Yeah, if you all have direction uh as part of a condition for the applicant on changes to the solar panels, uh that's something we can certainly work through with them. So, that would just have to be crafted in the motion. Okay.

I I just think uh Midtown Renaissance is easily one of the strongest developers in the city. Brian Fitz Simmons has done phenomenal projects. I think there has been tremendous value placed in the pedestrian experience, but there is a um we bear a bit of burden on our side, which is ensuring that the pedestrian experience for people that walk past your site, but not necessarily use your site are also gaining from this development. And so for me personally, I believe while the hope is people will park in the parking lot and walk around to use the retail, there are people that work in the hospital that are going to walk north up Dwey and into Heritage Hills or people using the street car stop and walking past the site to use the hospital. And so I I just think um we are living in an increasingly less desirable place to live because it gets hotter and street trees are one of the ways we can combat it. And so I would love to see meaningful you know canopy street trees on Dwey. Um that's just where I am. The rest of the development I mean it's like a 99.9 out of 100 the project. It's just um this is a drum that I've beaten out for three years and I just think the project I see a path to sustaining the project and still having street trees.

Yep. So, do you want to try to figure out like what that path forward is? What like how do we get there? like what's could we come up with a solution right now or do we need to because again if I don't I don't want to hold up the applicant if we can get there also at the disadvantage of the owner is not here well we there's two things we could do we could approve application but not um provide the recommendation for approval for screening of the solar and that would then require you to go and revise or rethink how to work that part of the application and come back to us. Right.

Right. Um or you could you could approve the application except for item 3B, install carport structures, continue that item to a future meeting. That way we could issue the CA for everything else. They could move forward to get their variances for everything else. Um,

you could probably even provide a recommendation on the variance to use the solar panels and not screen them even though that item is going to come back for further review. That way, everything else could move forward. Um, and it would just be the applicant being able to communicate with the property owner and figure out a solution there. I'm completely in favor of that idea. That Yes. Okay. Right. who's crafting that would we need to come back to the commission or work that so

I think that depends on how much consensus the commission has to provide to you in a direction for changes if that needs to come back to the commission to see again I would like for it to come back if I'm honest I I would love to make sure that we're collectively on the same page So the next meeting is January 15th. And something would have to be provided to you by what date?

Um, so officially I'm supposed to say December 23rd. Um, I don't think we're going to write any staff reports on December 24th, 25th, or 26th. So, honestly, that first full week in January, um, January 2nd, January 5th, uh, because it's a very simple change and we're going to write three sentences and send it back to you guys. So, and we can work with applicant on that and nail down a deadline. I mean, I think that depends on Eric ultimately. I mean, I think that if this is something that we're kind of editing from this and want to see a revision, do you want to see it?

I think we should I think we should review it again. Yeah. But I mean to like what was said, this is um very successful and we wanted to move forward. The vast majority of the project is exactly the way that we would want it to be able to. So this is just a minor item. Okay. So, I'm crafting a motion that is approving the application with the exception of item 3B. Is that what I'm doing? Yes.

Okay. Okay, I'd like to make a motion to approve the application on the basis that the project complies with the regulations and guidelines of the downtown design district zoning ordinance as referenced in section C and D of the staff report with the exception of item 3B in the application plus the condition that the applicant obtains variances from the board of adjustment from minimum height of two stories or 30 feet. The regulation requiring the first two floors of new construction to be at or within 10 feet of the street right ofway. The regulation requiring mechanical equipment to be screened. Prohibition of roof signs in DTD1. Requirement that buildings be seven plus stories to have a roof sign. Prohibitions of signs on the right ofway. And the maximum height of pole signs.

I'll second the motion. Will we do that separately? So then we need to continue item 3B and then make a recommendation. Okay. And I will um make a motion to continue item 3B. I'll second the motion. Yes. From me. This is a separate motion. That's the continue. The continue. Mhm.

And then I'd like to make a motion to provide a recommendation of approval to the board of adjustment for variances from minimum height of two stories of 30 feet. The regulation requiring the first two floors of new construction to be at or within 10 ft of the street rideway. The regulation requiring a mechanical equipment to be screened. Prohibitions of roof signs in DTD1. Requirement that buildings be seven plus stories have a roof sign. Prohibition of signs in the rideway. And the maximum height of pole signs. Second the motion. Try to get them all in at one time. Yes. And all three of those motions pass today. Perfect. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, we'll do um continue on with item C, which is DTCA-25-000089 at 1100 North Walker Avenue. This is just across the street um at what was Brown's Bakery uh informally known as. Uh staff has previously administratively approved um renovation items related to um this building and getting a new tenant into this space and re re generally remodeling the property. Um you can see a lot of that is underway now. Um what is before you today is uh signage that will require a variance because it includes roof signs that are not um supported by the sign code. They are um approximating a historic condition with roof signs that were on these uh on this structure previously and staff is supportive of that uh variance. And then the other items include landscaping, site improvements, outdoor seating um etc. staff's uh recommending approval of the application and the applicant has a presentation for you. Uh any questions for staff?

No. Thank you, Katie. I take it just one click. Uh yeah.

Hi. Uh Weston Dennis, Dennis Studio Architects, 559 Pedra Circle, Newcastle, Oklahoma. Uh we just put together a couple slides here to add some color to uh to the signage uh beyond what we submitted in our application. Uh this was uh historically this was uh Clyde's grocery store and they had some uh signage on the building on the canopy to the south. There was some roof mounted signage there, some steel signage, kind of drum uh construction, and then uh a sophet sign there in the middle of the barrel. Uh this was identified on the part two application uh is something that would be put back in a similar location. Uh what we're proposing u very similarly, same construction and more or less same locations for the signage here. Um, in my my understanding with talking with Laura Griggs that the signage code that currently prohibits roof mounted signage on buildings that are under seven stories is is likely to change next year. Uh, so we're we're just seeking to add back signage um in in a way that respects the the building and and its history. That's that's uh those are all my slides.

Okay. Thank you. Any questions for the applicant? Looks great. Yeah, it does. And it's a silly thing to think that that canopy mounted sign is a roof mounted sign. I mean, let's, you know, let's just get this thing approved and go. It's awesome. Thank you. Was there You said there's landscaping as well or Yes, there's a outdoor seating. Um I don't know if you have a slide in there that shows that um uh we we were just uh prepared the presentation for the the signage for the variance um beyond what we had submitted on that. It was just some tables and chairs and couple Okay.

It's just like an outdoor patio. Okay. You Yeah, it was landscaping talked and I was like didn't see it. So just clarification. Perfect. No, it looks great. I no notes. Okay.

I was just going to mention I forgot to say that this property a year or so ago was added to the National Register of Historic Places and this is a historic tax credit project. So, we're always very excited to see those happening. I'm zooming into the landscape plan because I also missed that. and it'll be located on the corner of Park Place, the landscape area.

Do you have any shade trees planned for that space? Um, no. We The plants are so small. We've planned for just a It's a little gem dwarf magnolia tree. Part of the reason we wanted to be sensitive towards height there just given the we don't want to obscure any of the building. Ryan has in previous applications submitted reworking all that parking lot with a whole bunch of new trees and stuff. So this is almost more like a tenant infill. Um

I' I've reviewed that application thoroughly before. So I'm I'm super happy with what's going on on this project. I think it's really great. Thanks. Anybody in the audience want to speak on this?

Okay. Then we'll entertain a motion. I'll move to approve the application on the basis that the project complies with the regulations and guidelines of the downtown design district zoning ordinances referenced in section C and D of the staff report with the condition that the applicant obtains a variance from the board of adjustments from the prohibition of roof signs in DBD and from the minimum height required for roof signs of seven plus stories. I'll second.

Yay. And I'll move to provide a recommendation of approval to the board of adjustments for variance from the prohibition of roof science and DBD and from the minimum height required for roof signs of seven plus stories. Second. Yay.

Motion passes. So, we'll move to item D, which is DTCA-25-000090 at 1100 South Robinson Avenue. Um, this is an application for demolition of all buildings on site and for new construction. Um you all have the standard um language and considerations in your staff report regarding the demolition of the structures. These are properties that are within what was a propo an identified as potentially eligible national register district for hubcap alley. This was a district that was never pursued by the city or by any property owners and at this point in time numerous structures within that district have been demolished. Uh as you can see there's not a lot of integrity left to that area. The applicant has also provided uh photos of the structures to be demolished um showing the condition that the buildings are in. Um

you showed pictures of theirs. There are the neighbors.

Oh. Oh. Um did I Yes. So these are surrounding photos as well as the subject uh property. So this is just the surrounding area. We're right across from Scissor Tail Park um and other surrounding uses to the south of the property. So you can kind of see the existing character and then obviously there's lots of new developments starting to occur in this area. Um see if I can go back. Um I don't ever do this and I can see why this drives Laura crazy. These are tiny little buttons on this on this screen. Um, so the proposal before you is uh to construct a three-story mixeduse building cloud with brick uh aluminum composite panels and brake metal to construct a parking lot sidewalks um install lighting on the building and under canopies um install landscaping and parking lot landscaping street trees um construct a dumpster enclosure. Uh and the one item that um needs any sort of um variance is just that their dumpster enclosure will require maneuvering in the right of way to access and utilize that. So they would need a variance uh for provisions against maneuvering in the right of way from the board of adjustment. Other than a recommendation on that variance, staff has recommended approval of the project as proposed

and the applicant is present. Uh any questions for staff? Hi, Sam Gresham, 400 Northwest 23rd, here to represent the owner. I'm I'm here with Scott Holsey, the owner, and and the neighbors, Don Narcomi and Vicky Vanstavern, who are uh next door to this project and have sold some of their property to for this Scott to build this project. Um the building is 300 ft long. It's it's uh 42 43,000 square feet, uh three stories high. it um it it has the appearance of a of a we did a lot of we'll call it studies in effort to try to come up with some solution that looked good. My opinion is that real contemporary things did not fit. They just looked arbitrary and ridiculous. Massing on the building was um with 300 ft it needed to be broken up. But again it seemed to me that that the the way it looked it looked best like this. I mean, as a as a kind of bricktown-like structure with some modifications to make it a little more contemporary in appearance. It um um it it the parking will be in expanded at some point uh to the west east, pardon me. And and that area, the owner, Scott Holy, has purchased all the land east of this building. That's not included in any part of this application. It's on the other side of the alley and the alley has been uh will be vacated uh at district court uh at some point. So, we'll have some modifications to to make there. But uh um I'd be happy to answer any questions you have. I I um like to hear from you.

Any questions for the applicant or Yes. Do you have pictures of the building? Have you do you see it? We we have it on our screen. Okay. I mean, I didn't I didn't know if you had any Oh, yeah. renderings. Everyone else had gray renderings when they came up here and did a tremendous slideshow. And I'm I feel kind of lame that didn't have a didn't have a clicker

slideshow. I'm excited to see some life in South Sicille to be honest. Um, I think it's is so adjacent to Noricutell Convention Center, New Arena, Marriott Gardens that this is I think this is I'm beyond excited to see some uh some people down there. I mean, we I see people down there on at the Scissor Tail Park on weekends already. So, I think this is just for someone to to live right across the street from the park, right? I that's going to be huge. So, I appreciate your due diligence and your efforts and and making this come to life.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Yes. No, I'm I'm uh there's some anticipation for changes in the streetscape. We only one of the issues for us is that the walk sidewalk is only eight feet wide and uh there is some some kind of proposed change to increase the either bike lane, add a bike lane, drop it down to two uh you know, one north, one south, two lanes. Um I'm not sure. I don't know what I haven't seen those plans, but uh it would be nice to have a little more space on the on the patio on the sidewalk space outside the building between Robinson and the building facade. Um I I appreciate a lot of the things that you're doing here and I think that you've accomplished a lot of what the guidelines have spoken to in the past. I have a couple of questions and they are kind of delving off into aesthetics. So, I'm going to verbally process a little bit. Um, your canopy height above the sidewalk is is how high?

14 ft. 14 ft. From a scale standpoint, it felt when I look at the individuals who are walking on there. And then you have 14t of glass that's adjacent to it. Well, maybe it's not 14. Let me look at that.

But in in scale, close. And above that glass is a lot of brick. And you said kind of a brick town aesthetic. I see at places where you're bringing down the columns to represent locations where you have structure. There's this transparency underneath all of that brick that I am conflicted because I want the transparency for the pedestrian individual who's going to interact with the building. That's exactly what we always say and I think that's successfully done. But the amount of glass relative to the amount of brick above it and the amount of vertical space before the canopy hits feels from a scale standpoint to be something that I'm was curious how it was derived. Was there a reason for that much height? Was there a reason for that much glass without any indication of structure? I'm going to say the owner was very keen on a lot of glass and it does have a quality of unsupported load on top of, you know, this heavy massive building, almost nothing under it. And uh and that that we'll call it a contemporary aesthetic. It doesn't really uh I have a a real sense of wanting to see, you know, visual support there, some kind of structure that that, you know, implies that we've got, you know, enough holding it up. But, uh, it no, the building is basically floating over that glass.

I I um I actually appreciate the comment of you're trying to create a contemporary solution. And so I I was just curious because that is what my eye was drawn to. So um I don't necessarily know if we have something that I would be able to even say that I take exception to in the way that you've laid it out. Um from a scale standpoint and from a rhythm in the GL is that glass butt glazed is that glass have I saw in it's structural silicone glazing. It's it's the glass is insulated glass put together with the silicone. No no framing. No, frame sits behind it, right? The canopy is 12 feet.

Oh, good job. Thank you. I couldn't remember. I Is um is staff aware of any proposed street improvements to the east side of Robinson here? Sorry, say that again. Is staff aware of any city proposed street improvement projects on the east side of Robinson here? I don't know specifically. I know there are a lot of street projects, um, pedestrian improvements, bicycle improvements all over all over the city, but I'm not aware of anything specific in this area. That doesn't mean it's not happening.

And the owner owns the property to the east of the proposed project today.

Yes. Uh although uh Don and Vicki Don Comey and Vicki Van Stavern own the property that's on 10th Street there. There's a a remaining. You see that little flag that's cut out of there? And that's that's Don's studio. And uh um I take exception to the fact that we've spent hundreds of millions of dollars on a downtown park with amazing trees. Um, and you're capitalizing on that city investment but not returning the favor with street trees.

Street trees are hard to accomplish in this particular location. We've got a west facing exposure and a and the canopy extends 4 feet out. We have eight feet of sidewalk. And the discussion that I had with Laura, and again, I I should have pursued the uh you know, discovering what that that proposed street improvement would look like, but it is a um um the idea of of having it front on the public street was important. I don't know whether there's going to be room enough to do street islands, some kind of u um inset on the on the Well, if if if they drop to two lanes, although if they're going to do a bike lane down there, too. There's no room for that.

Um so, I don't know what we have left. So, um 10 feet gets you a street tree and a sidewalk. So, you know, if the building moved two feet east, we could get a row of street trees and street wells and then a five foot sidewalk along the whole front of that project. Um, and you know, I think that would vastly improve even the architectural intent of this building. I mean, Main Street Arcade is a great building that has a continuous canopy out front that is then lined with amazing street trees and has the layering of a very generous uh urban design.

No, I like that idea. It's a great idea. I mean, a larger sidewalk with outdoor dining, you know, life on the street, that sort of thing. It makes perfect sense. It creates amenity zone for benches, trash cans, bike racks, etc. bring it to my owner and my owner is right there and he might have something to say about that. I I'm glad to do it. I think it's a great idea though. I do.

And then the other concerns I have are the sidewalk along Southwest 11th is interrupted by the dumpster enclosure and then does not continue access into the parking lot. Um so I think that probably needs to be looked at further to make sure that we have continuous pedestrian sidewalks all the way along Southwest 11th. Let me tell you a little bit about the the the property south. Uh he's also the owner again also pursuing that has uh I I'm not sure if the agreement has been settled but the idea of vacating 11 street is in in the works that I that's a proposed I the concept of vacating all the alleys and all the streets as long as the owner owns both sides of it will be pursued and uh we don't expect 11th Street to remain a it doesn't go anywhere and it's God blocks the concrete sitting in the middle of it. I don't know who put them there. Uh and the rideway terminates at at the shields u right away. So

I think that is an awesome idea, but I can't judge that today. No, I I agree with you. And if you needed you're saying sidewalks on 11th Street all the way back. Well, you've you've um Could I share my screen? Can we share Eric's screen? Boom. There you go. You've got a sidewalk. Um, we have a sidewalk. Yeah, you do. To our approach. And then you've got a dumpster enclosure, right? And then if you keep going east, you don't have a sidewalk anymore.

There's an alley back there. Our property line terminates at that alley. We have a curve essentially on the alley. You can't get to that alley. There's your sidewalk stops at your dumpstream closure. Right. Right. And and the alley will be vacated. It that is a is a given. I know it's not part of your you can't consider it now as part of our our our call it a condition. Uh but but uh what what are you proposing? I'm not clear on what you think we should do. It's hard to see because I can't point to it.

I have it zoomed in. Yeah. Could we switch to my screen? Are you doing something? Oh, there it is. Yeah. Good. Okay. And And what do you propose here? I would I would propose that the sidewalk that you're traveling east on Southwest 11th Street will have some sort of ramp down across the dumpster enclosure and then a continuation of sidewalk across where you're seeing the Yalpon and Yelpon Holly and then designating some sort of pedestrian continuation to the east. Yeah. Pass the gate opener.

Yeah. and and that would have some kind of changing color and some kind of change in texture so that individuals would realize that they're in the vehicular vehicular zone but um they're notified.

Oh, we can add that. Sure. Yeah. It's I mean it sounds like there's so much stitched together amazing development happening down here with all these properties and this is like the first piece and we're only seeing 33% of the the grand vision. Um and you know if 11th Street closes I think differently about the dumpster enclosure and the trash trucks maneuvering in the street you know and so I just um I have a hard time because it feels like we're seeing part of the picture.

Trash trucks maneuvering in the street. You're saying it is it's a dead end. There's nothing back there and and as a we'll call it a safety hazard. It really isn't representing much of any kind of hazard. Um and it may be we again he owns the property east of this and that may come into play with a change in this site plan. It definitely will for the parking. We're underparked. Although there's no parking requirement down there, we we have a practical need for parking. So, um the dumpster will um I don't like it there. We had guest parking and then we had a gate. We had an area of guest parking, but we had to pull it all out because you can't have the dumpster enclosure behind a gate, a security gate. We We are concerned about security. So, there's a fence and a gate around this parking area. Um, access is controlled. So, um,

I have a question for staff. If Southwest 11th is eventually closed, will this street become a um, cross access type of of vehicular access into the property owners on the north side of the street and the property owners on the south. basically becomes part of the parking lot. At that point, I'm not entirely sure. I'm looking at our municipal counselor um if it would become some sort of private drive. Um and if it's the same ownership all around um it would go to the center line. It would just go to the center line.

New property line would go if it's vacate. If the rideway is vacated, then you know that private property goes to the center line. Then whoever's on the other side would own the rest of it. Yeah. And I would say right now, I don't know if it's clear from the images you all have seen, the street does dead end and there is nothing to the east of it. Um, so I know we want to get sidewalks everywhere we can get sidewalks, but at this time there would be no reason for someone to continue past the end of this building. Um, unless the developer owns the land of the east, then they're going to be putting in more development and buildings and then they need to connect back to Robinson. So, yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

I do also agree on the street trees along Robinson. I think um with how we're moving uh throughout the city with our developments, the street trees are very important for us to not forget right now. He'd love to move it back two feet and have street trees. I think it's a great idea. He's enthusiastic, too. So,

thank you. I think that'll be a great addition. Any other questions for the applicant? And if not, is anybody um is there anywhere? Golly, words are hard right now. Sorry, guys. Is there anybody else that would like to speak on this in the audience? Okay. Thank you. Do we entertain a motion then

with the notes about the street trees along Robinson? The issue of street trees then really needs to either we're going to have to either be comfortable that would go to staff for administrative approval so that it but w with the understanding that we would approve the project that the building would move two feet to allow for street trees and I think the question is, is staff okay with the cadence of the tree and the uh species of the tree or do we want to have input on minimum cadence because really that's going to determine on

May may I offer something there? There is an ordinance for uh is it river scenic river front? We're part of that same district. Street trees are required and street trees have both a species and a a frequency the centers between trees. I I I don't know what it is. I know Laura talked about it but she couldn't we couldn't get there. Uh but we are now. Eric has a you know with his concept we're there. So I I can you defer?

I think stop could do this. Um, I would also there's a the city also has a putting down roots guide which is a great guide for street trees in Oklahoma City. Um, any species out of that book I think would be species appropriate. And they they label um medium street trees, small trees, street trees. Gosh, you guys across the street is sort of cypress trees. I I'm not sure I g I don't know why, but cypress are really popular street trees. Anyway, that's what's across the street. So yeah,

thank you. I'm going to move to approve the application on the basis that the project complies with the regulations and guidelines of the downtown design district zoning ordinance as referenced in section C and D of the staff report with the condition that the owner work with staff in moving the BU building a minimum of two feet um east uh and incorporating canopy street trees in accordance with the regulations of the riverfront overlay district,

scenic river overlay design district and that the applicant applies for variance from the board of adjustment from the regulation prohibiting maneuvering in the rightway. I'll second. Yay. And then I'll move that motion passes. Then I'll move to provide a recommendation of approval to the board of adjustment for variance to for a variance from the regulation prohibiting maneuvering in the right of way. I'll second y

and for the next item I'm going to recuse myself and I feel like I have to say something which is I went straight to the negative on your street trees. It's a fantastic project. very good density next to the park. It's exactly what we're trying to do with private public development. I appreciate what you're doing there. So, good job. Sorry, I went straight to the negative.

I love the idea of the tree, especially Christmas. Okay, we'll move to item E, which is DTCA-25-000093 at 204 and 101 Northeast K. Gayaylor Boulevard and we'll have staff do their report first. Okay. Um, this is a project to construct a an elevated pedestrian bridge across uh EK Gaylord from the Santa Fe parking garage on the west over into Bricktown on the east. This is a project that is um being brought forward by the city of Oklahoma City public works. Um, and they do have um some images and a presentation to go through the project. Um, we anticipate there may be a need for some sort of formal action regarding the structure crossing the street and being constructed in the ride of way. If that is something that ends up needing a recommendation from this body, that will come back to you. But right now, we just have a um recommendation of approval for the structure. And I will let uh our applicant tell you more about the need for the project.

Good morning. My name is Tim Sjac and I am the PM with ADG BLAT in reference to this project. Uh we're located at 920 West Main Street. Uh thank you. What we wanted to bring to you today is originally um when we had submitted our application, we had just given you the working drawings that we were going through. Uh today we wanted to bring some of the renderings that we have for the current current design. The reason we weren't able to do that at the time is we had we had found some information that uh required us to move uh the footprint of the building. And so we just had to go through that process and we wanted to be able to to bring that to you today because we do know that there are some of the conceptual drawings that were out there previously in an article that came out earlier this week. So we just wanted to hopefully that would clear things up, take us through a little bit of the history. I won't take too much time, but um I just want to give you a little bit of the background. So, we're on EK Gaylord 100 North uh Street Block. We are uh east side of Gaylord. We are west of the elevated railway and its rideway and we are north of the old Park Avenue uh street. So, what we'd like to do here, I I will reference the Park Avenue underpass a little bit through our conversation, I'm sure, but it is not part of the project. Our project starts at stops at the right of way for the railroad. Um so what we're what we're creating here when we had to relocate the footprint um of the of the uh circular tower itself was because we found some existing conditions that didn't match what was on the on the existing drawings and in real life those those utilities were further north than we anticipated. Um actually we kind of like what

happened even though it created a little bit of work for us. We like what happened because originally the the circulation tower we had in the bridge itself was was really just one integrated um um structure. What we've been able to do to have the same entry point that we have into S Santa Fe Garage, which is the which is the most desirable location for bringing a pedestrian across, is we've been able to separate the bridge from the tower itself and really have two independent structures. Um, one of the things that that did to us was it allowed the bridge itself to become a lighter structure with more glazing. It'll actually be in our minds u a better experience for someone that's crossing EK Gaylord either way in the fact that you can come up the stair tower now and you'll be walking out into the the bridge itself and you'll be able to see in all directions. So you'll be able to look back into Bricktown now. you'd be able to look toward the downtown skyline into the business district. Whereas originally, if you were coming the opposite way, you would just be going into the the circulation tower. Um, one of the items I wanted to bring up was the tower itself. So, we'll have 24/7 access to to the bridge and tower itself. Uh, the tower itself is um climate controlled, but the bridge itself is not. So there'll be a separation there. Um, one of the other items that needs to happen here also that I wanted to bring up is creating a new vehicular access under Park Avenue and also having the pedestrian access back to Bricktown or from Bricktown. Um, we are having to interrupt one lane of EK Gaylord in in an effort to place this

building and have it outside the ride ofway of the railroad. Um, I don't do I just

Okay. So, here is a view uh looking south. So, Santa Fe garage is on your right. Of course the and you're seeing the circulation tower and the bridge on your left. This is view view looking north. As you can see, we've got the interruption of the drive lane over on the right side. And you're seeing at the very right side of the image, uh you're seeing what is the elevated pedestrian walkway under the underpass and to our bridge. Uh that brings me to one of the items. The reason that we have that retaining wall and that raised parkway and what I call or or walkway and what I call a a plaza level to the bridge is for two reasons. It's actually three. It's it's a protection of the portals and the structure themselves in case a vehicle had had left the street. It also is a protection per for the pedestrians in someone who doesn't want to use use the bridge or use the tower. It will will cause a barrier for them to go ahead and follow through with that as opposed to what people are doing now which just is dodging through traffic and going across the street. Um that's the danger we have now is we're at a midpoint between Maine and Second Street with no you um no utilities helping you know uh pedestrian cross that. So um the the third item also does is it it creates that base and elevates the pedestrian away from the car in case we had something else um vehicular incident down at the base. So, I think I'd leave it at that at this point. If there's any questions you have for us, I can give you more history on kind of the background and how we've got

here, but I'd be interested in your comments. Any questions for the applicant or for staff? Can you read what the clearance is?

What is your clearance to the bottom of the bridge from the road 16 ft ODOT is 14 ft. So we're two we're two feet above the minimum of what we need for OD do clearance in EK Gaylord. Okay.

Thank you. is the only signage for the road ending the three yellow arrows on um EK Gaylord Boulevard when we're closing down the road. Well, we'll what will probably happen and we haven't worked through this completely through with traffic yet, although we have had uh quite a quite a few conversations with them on how this interruption will happen, but there will be some there will probably be some street striping that will be also along with it. The second item there is if you notice the three yellow chevrons, those are added to the project um as those will be lit and the idea behind those chevrons is those will also be on uh a sequence and so that they will be like a turn signal to alert a car that that the uh that lane is ending.

Okay. It seems like you've you have solved the problem that has been presented to you. I think it's looks like a lot of money to cross a road that we could have maybe spent just closing the far east lane of EK Gaylord, putting street trees and sidewalk and connecting into the grid of pedestrian walkway that we already have. Um, so I don't take exception to your solution. I take exception to the idea of the project. Um, sure looks like a good spot for a street tree.

It does, doesn't it? It does. Like maybe one one good street tree. I'll get that out of it. I used to live in Deep Deuce and walk up and down EK Lord. It is the worst three blocks in Oklahoma City for pedestrians. And um this I would not say improves it because it it doesn't solve the real problem which is people trying to go north and south. Um so I think you've got a set of beautiful renderings and you've solved the problem that's been presented to you and I don't think it's our remit to tell them what to do.

Will there be any signage on the bridge? you know, maybe the street name or I'm just trying to think of right now it it is very um generic. It's not necessarily branded and maybe that was the intent, but I was curious if it's going to have a little bit more any branding hasn't been brought to us as of yet.

Um the possibility is there of course. Um, we actually do have at least the um foundation for something like that in the design at at this point with color changing lighting and that sort of thing. So, if somebody, you know, found that as interest to them, but it hasn't been brought to us yet. I think that would be a great addition. Some light changes.

I agree. I actually kind of spent some time just looking the opposite direction of this of the the bridge and you do have this third lane on the far east side of EK Gaylord that you're just like well why wouldn't you just terminate the east the east street and make it a sidewalk and have street trees just so you can have people walk up and down EK Gaylord. Uh again, this is the this is the the project and this is what is presented that you know of course that would be a traffic decision and that sort of thing. Um totally agree. Traffic has agreed to close it. Well,

by giving you the pass through under park interrupt. Yes, they they have interrupt or close. I mean, we're throttling it down to two lanes.

I agree. And and where I was going with that is we would have to do that all the way to Second Street because the way that the elevated railroad sits to to EK Gaylord, their ride of way doesn't sit parallel. It's actually at a little bit of a at an angle. And so you'd really have to close that road. I'm not I'm not disagreeing with you, but it would have to be closed all the way to second. And currently what happens now, and this again is a reality, not a legality, is people make an illegal left turn coming out of Santa Fe garage and dump onto EK Gaylord to go north to go home. And so that extra lane is is beneficial by the way that it's being used. Um, and that was the reason that we show in our design that we immediately give the lane back as you pass the entry and exit point of the Santa Fe garage.

Anyone else want a street tree? Love to have one. I'd love a street tree. Um, I do see a tree on the plan, but I can't decide if that's that one. Yeah, I think it's exist existing. Can't on the Let's see what direction are we? Yeah, there's north of the new building, there's a a tree symbol shown on the plan. Yeah, there's one that's there. It's existing. It's existing. one on the south side would be nice. Um there's if the chevrons could move forward.

Um in the I don't know what to call that. The little force turn. Um one behind the chevrons would be nice in that planting bed space. It's a big space. Will that be irrigated? It has a winter creeper ground cover in it. It has ground cover down. It would be irrigated. Yes. Especially with it being irrigated, that'd be a healthy tree.

If we if we'd like to make a motion that this mic button get fixed. Um, if we added a condition of adding a street tree on the south side, is that something that sounds agreeable to you and and your client? I'm just going to note that it, if I'm understanding what you're describing, it sounds like the tree would be directly in front of the chevrons that are supposed to be indicating for people to change lanes. Um, we were proposing Chevron's move south. Okay. Because it's a very large island closer to where the vehicles will see them and then the tree would be behind it. Mhm. Gotcha.

Are you Are you hoping, not against the idea, are you hoping that it is a shade shade type tree, larger canopy? And the reason I say that is because the way that the island sits and setbacks that we need from 3 feet off of the curb line with setting anything, meaning the chevrons and those sorts of things, we're going to have a pretty limited area up against that retaining wall that's correcting that's um that is protecting the portal frame itself. And that's why we'd like to leave that wall there. So, a a more um a a a a smaller canopy of tree would be probably more desirable in the long run in a maintenance issue down the road once that tree started to mature and being up against the building and the walk-in canopies.

You could do something with a more vertical aspect ratio like an American um what's the American helm that's more tall and slender and then Bald cypress is tall and cinder. Like there's plenty of tree species that would fit. Sure. If we can't get three blocks of amazing street trees and sidewalk, I I'd like one street. Fair enough.

I see people getting walking up and down that sidewalk every single day. And it is a miserable experience. And you can tell that it happens because there's a desired path beat to the ground where there's no grass. And this is not going to get in the way of that. um know whether people should be walking there or not. There's there's obviously a need for it. So I think a street tree, a medium-sized street tree of your species selection sounds appropriate. Yeah, I do have one question just on the flow of the bridge. Um

so once we So we are I'm going to look at let's see the east side where the tower is and we're walking west. Mhm. Will you only connect to the second story of the parking garage? Correct. And then I assume there's a stairway within the parking garage going down and an elevator option as well. Correct. And that's why that's why it was desirable for us to enter the bay that you're seeing here. Because originally when we when we had to relocate the structure itself, one idea was just nothing more than if everything slid together, then we're down in the next bay, which makes it a harder walk for everybody trying to get to what the circulation patterns are within Santa Fe garage.

Are any improvements happening within the garage to the elevator or the stairway that we're connecting to? No, not not that I know of. It'd be separate for from us. The only thing that would happen, of course, is we would we would have a redesign of the parking that is existing there because there is parking in that bay currently. So, you'd abandon that parking. We'd have walking lanes and we'd have those sorts of things, but nothing I know of as far as physically in the structure. Okay. Any other questions or comments? Anyone else from the audience? Anybody from else from the audience want to speak on this?

Okay. I'll make a motion to approve the application on the basis that the project complies with the regulations and guidelines of the downtown design district zoning ordinances referenced in section C of the staff report with the condition that they add a mediumsiz street tree on the south portion of the bridge on the east side of EK Gaylord. Brandon second.

Yeah. Motion passes. Appreciate your time. Thank you. Do we want to bring bring him back Tony back? Oh, for other business. There he is. I got a lot of trees today. I was going to say I How many trees have we added to That's the goal. I feel like at least that's a good day for Yeah, it is. Um item number seven is other business and we have none. Item eight for communications. It's a long list of administrative approvals. Anything that

Nothing extraordinary to report signs and fences and extensions to CAS. Um we're always happy to answer questions about any of these if you see them and uh would like to know more and then they're attached in your packet as well if you ever want to look through them. Okay. Um item B, comments from planning department staff. I think we do anticipate a meeting in January. uh we will um poll for uh quorum uh early um and uh be in touch more about what that meeting will entail, but we think that we will have a meeting um and nothing else to report. Thank you everyone. Have a happy holidays. Yeah. Um item C, comments from commission members.

Mayor Hall, what's going on, buddy? Yeah, it would be great to have some more um members to our commission and we'll talk to Rachel. We will ask every meeting. Um I will note we are planning on we've held off for quite some time on doing a commission committee training. Um we are going to go ahead and go forward with that probably late March, early April. We'll get some dates to you guys um to get that scheduled and maybe that'll be another motivation.

Great. All the motivation is welcome. And then item D, our next meeting. The next regular commission meeting is Thursday, January 15, 2026. New applications were to be submitted to staff by 400 p.m. Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. Revisions and information on continued projects are to be submitted by Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025. And with that, we are adjourned.