Urban Design Commission reviews grocery store proposal at Classen and 26th Street

The Urban Design Commission meeting held on May 28, 2025, commenced under the leadership of Chair Tyler Holmes, who outlined the procedural guidelines for speakers and attendees. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of all commission members. Following this, the minutes from the previous meeting were approved without objection.

Katie Frithel from the planning department provided an important update regarding an ordinance introduced to amend fees associated with various planning department processes. This ordinance, set for final hearing and adoption by the city council on June 3, proposes an increase in design review application fees. Notably, the fees for administrative approvals will rise from $200 to $250, and the commission review fees will be adjusted to reflect the scope of projects, ensuring larger projects incur higher fees.

The commission then moved to the consent docket, which was approved without any requests for individual consideration.

The primary focus of the meeting was a case for individual consideration regarding a proposed grocery store at the northeast corner of North Glasson Boulevard and NW 26th Street. Staff comments highlighted the project's history, noting that it had previously been reviewed multiple times since 2016. The site had been cleared of buildings but remained an eyesore due to a construction fence. The current proposal involves a nearly 30,000 square foot building, primarily one story with a mezzanine, designed to connect with the existing Golden Phoenix Building.

The commission acknowledged that the site is still subject to the urban design overlay district's standards and guidelines. Staff raised several concerns regarding the project that the commission would need to deliberate on before making a decision.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed significant updates on fee structures and a key development proposal, setting the stage for further discussions and decisions in upcoming sessions. The commission's next steps will involve careful consideration of the grocery store project and its alignment with urban design standards.