Commission approves Deep Deuce hotel design, attaches conditions on valet, signage and street trees

The Downtown Design Commission on May 15 approved the design for a proposed hotel in the Deep Deuce neighborhood at Russell, Perry and First Street and recommended the Board of Adjustment consider a variance to permit a sign located within the streetscape/right of way.

Planning staff outlined several conditions tied to traffic, sidewalk demarcation and variances. Laura Griggs, planning staff, told commissioners that the project will likely need approval from the Traffic and Transportation Commission and possibly City Council for the valet drop-off and the proposed set-in on-street parking spaces. "We typically don't have actual encroachments like that into a street right-of-way from a canopy or awning," Griggs said, noting the Omni's previous encroachments had been discussed when that project came forward.

David Box, representing the applicant, said the development team had met with neighbors and secured a valet operator under contract. "We have a team full of people here that are able to answer any questions you have on the design aspect," Box said, and told the commission the developer expects valet service to address parking demand.

Neighbors at The Hill raised concerns about potential spillover parking and asked whether valet would be required. Diane Ming, a neighbor, asked whether valet will be mandatory and where employees will park; Mike Ming, another neighbor, likewise asked who would be accountable if on-street parking in the neighborhood increased. The project team and staff said enforcement of public street parking rests with the police department and that the downtown district has no minimum parking requirement.

Commissioners attached several conditions to the approval: applicant approval from Traffic and Transportation Commission (and City Council if necessary) for the valet and on-street parking; revision of site plans to show demarcated sidewalks across driveways and drop-off areas; obtaining a Board of Adjustment variance from the prohibition on signs in the right of way; changing the street-tree species to Shantung maple; and retaining eight street trees along the property. The commission also moved to forward a recommendation to the Board of Adjustment for the sign variance. The motions passed.

Staff and commissioners noted the downtown design district does not require minimum parking and that the developer bears responsibility for providing a feasible parking approach. The record shows the commission reserved the right to review any permits that require removal of proposed street trees during permitting.