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Commission reviews downtown density-bonus project at 305 W. Fifth; members flag ground-floor activation, transparency and art
Summary
Commissioners examined the recently completed Hanover Public Square (305 W. Fifth) as part of a review of projects approved under the downtown density bonus program. Comments praised compliance with approved plans but noted missed opportunities for street activation, public art and greener solutions for above-grade parking.
The commission reviewed the completed Hanover Public Square project at 305 West Fifth as part of a retrospective analysis of density-bonus projects approved over the prior decade.
Vice Chair Meiners and several commissioners said the built project appears to match the materials submitted for review but identified shortcomings in ground-floor activation and public engagement with the street. "I think most of us are familiar with the Hotel Zaza. It definitely ties in more to kind of what would be a warehouse district. Whereas this building kind of stands out, in contrast," Vice Chair Meiners said, noting that the project's podium and ground-floor treatment feel utilitarian and miss opportunities for art and vibrancy.
Commissioner McKinney said the project largely matches the approved plan but called attention to a blank east façade and limited publicly accessible art. "They do have a little bit of a blank facade on the east side of the building that I think we could have pushed for some more, like, publicly accessible art," McKinney said.
Commissioners raised several recurring concerns for future guideline updates: improving requirements or incentives for ground-floor active uses in nightlife districts; requiring clearer transparency standards so that ground-floor spaces engage the sidewalk; adding greenery or planter strategies to mitigate above-grade parking impacts; and discouraging artificially opaque storefront glazing where uses (for example, speakeasies) choose to block transparency.
Commissioner Carroll reminded the commission of the limits of design guidelines on prescribing uses. "We can only ask for so much in design guidelines," Carroll said, noting guidelines can encourage a mix of uses but cannot mandate a particular business type.
Commissioners recommended the working group and staff consider these observations as they refine the urban design guidelines so future projects more consistently deliver street-level activation, public art and greening strategies.
Ending
The commission will carry these observations into the ongoing guidelines update and asked staff and the working group to consider changes that reduce subjectivity in review, strengthen guidance for ground-floor activation and identify techniques to encourage publicly accessible art and greening on project facades.
