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Owners told to pursue civil solutions as commission questions large retaining walls at Mesta Park property
Summary
Commissioners discussed extensive erosion and proposed retaining walls at 500 NW 17th Street, approving several related items but continuing two items (retaining wall and driveway reconfiguration) pending redesigned plans and civil solutions.
The Historic Preservation Commission spent an extended period reviewing a multi-piece application for 500 Northwest 17th Street in Mesta Park (HPCA-25-00087), focusing on severe yard erosion and a proposed front/side retaining wall. The applicant's designer, Fallon Brooks Magnus of Jollybird Design, presented a large proposal that included paving removal, new retaining walls, parking reconfiguration, screening, and other site work.
Commissioners and staff raised concerns about the scale and materials of the proposed retaining walls and about a proposed parking apron that appears to encroach on a public alley. Staff and commissioners encouraged the applicant to explore civil engineering solutions (French drains, subdrains), native plantings, and lower-profile or segmented retaining systems before the commission would approve high poured-concrete walls.
Commissioner comments noted a steep drop of roughly 5.5 feet from sidewalk to yard in places and that proposed retaining walls reached 3 to 4 feet in some spots; the commission suggested looking at permeable pavers, stacked block systems, improved drainage, and plantings as alternatives. Staff said that unless an alley has been formally vacated the commission cannot approve use of the alley for a private parking apron.
The commission approved items 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 on HPCA-25-00087 (remove side yard paving, replace sidewalk steps, install screening for trash cans and HVAC, remove apron north of garage, new walkway to gate) with staff-recommended findings, and continued items 3 (construct retaining wall) and 5 (widen driveway and reconfigure parking) to the October meeting for revised plans that address drainage, materials, and alley status.
Applicant and staff were directed to research less-invasive drainage measures and landscape-based solutions and to provide specifications and additional documentation before the continued hearing.
No public speakers registered opposition; commissioners and applicant agreed to pursue engineering and landscape approaches before returning with a revised proposal.
