Historic and Design Review Commission approves multiple certificates, denies altered entry at 322 Lamar

The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission on Sept. 3 approved multiple certificates of appropriateness and conceptual reviews, voting on items ranging from window replacements to accessory garages and calling for restoration of a damaged fish‑scale siding at 322 Lamar Street.

The commission accepted staff recommendations and approved a proposal by Conrad Martínez of RBK I Architectures to replace existing windows with reflective, blue‑tinted glass; Martínez said the replacement matches glazing on the opposite side of the street and that “sí, va a ser reflector, azul, entintado azul.” The commission approved the item with staff stipulations by unanimous vote.

The commission approved a Sweet Street application (applicant present virtually) with staff stipulations, after discussion about earlier work on the porch and balustrade and whether prior repairs followed procedures. The motion carried with two commissioners voting no (Sabino and Fetzer); the roll call recorded Neman, Galloway, Bezuca, Guevara, Group, Cervantes, Cohen and Gibbs as yes; Sabino and Fetzer as no.

On 322 Lamar Street the commission acted without the applicant present after considering a neighborhood email urging restoration. Commissioners voted to deny the application’s Article 1, approve Article 0.2, and require that the pedestrian sidewalk be replaced with a continuous walk and that the fish‑scale siding be restored to its original appearance. Staff was directed to show the applicant photo #34 illustrating the original skirt detail when they confer before the next meeting.

The commission heard a façade alteration request at San Pedro Avenue from applicant Faustino Mancha proposing a front tower and extensive changes to the storefront. Although staff recommended denial, commissioners discussed the building’s mid‑century character and the need for additional design work; the commission ultimately approved the item, with commissioners noting the applicant may return for further input.

The commission approved a certificate for an accessory garage at a Donaldson address with multiple stipulations: a garage opening configuration (two separated doors with a gap), a wood garage door and a refined finish, cladding limited to 5 inches or less, and staff review prior to issuing the certificate. Applicant Paul Hunter confirmed acceptance of the stipulations and the application passed unanimously.

Finally, the commission gave conceptual approval to a proposal on La Vaca Street with standard material and setback stipulations; the applicant (identified in the record as Pelu) told commissioners he had reduced heights and adjusted windows according to staff guidance.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (items 1–10 except 4 and 6): approved (unanimous). Staff will email certificates of appropriateness within 10 days for approved consent items. - Conrad Martínez / RBK I Architectures (window replacement, reflective blue glass): approved (unanimous). - Sweet Street (porch/balustrade issues): approved; yes — Neman, Galloway, Bezuca, Guevara, Group, Cervantes, Cohen, Gibbs; no — Sabino, Fetzer. - 322 Lamar Street (walkway and siding): motion to deny Article 1, approve Article 0.2 with stipulations (approved, unanimous). - San Pedro Avenue (façade change, tower): approved (unanimous). - Donaldson (accessory garage 22x22, cladding/garage door stipulations): approved (unanimous). - La Vaca Street (conceptual approval): approved (unanimous).

Commissioners and applicants repeatedly emphasized that staff must verify materials and details before final certificates are issued. Several commissioners asked staff to document evidence and photos for follow‑up so those who are not present at the meeting can respond to staff questions before final sign‑off.

The meeting concluded after the final item and a short recess earlier in the agenda.