Several prerecorded voicemails played during the Historic and Design Review Commission’s consent agenda period raised preservation and design concerns for projects on the docket.

A caller identified as speaking for the Dignowity Hill Historic Neighborhood Review Committee opposed recommendations to allow demolition for two buildings at 310 Chestnut (case 2025-273) and said buildings older than 25 years within the district should be protected under the Office of Historic Preservation guidelines. The caller provided examples of restored commercial buildings in the area and urged adaptive reuse rather than demolition.

The Dignowity Hill representative also left a message regarding 1231 East Commerce (case 2025-223), questioning proposed exterior materials and the proposed building height, noting the project sits adjacent to St. Paul Square and that brick façades with traditional windows are more common in that area.

Other voicemails included support for item 5 (residents at 126 Lavaca said they were in favor of a nearby project), and concerns about item 7, digital kiosks or billboards proposed for downtown (one caller criticized large, human‑scale digital billboards and said San Antonio’s skyline and historic character should be protected). A caller representing the Tobin Hill Community Association supported the staff recommendation for 615 East Evergreen (case 2025-257) and recommended approval of the porch modification and rear addition with staff stipulations.

Despite the voicemails, the commission approved the balance of the consent agenda with staff stipulations and noted that certificates of appropriateness would be prepared and emailed to applicants within 10 days.

Votes at a glance: Balance of the consent agenda approved by roll call (motion carried).