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Planning commission approves Wood Partners’ Metro Center multifamily site plan with two major adjustments
Summary
The commission approved a 365-unit transit-oriented multifamily project in the Metro Center with two major UDO adjustments—more surface parking frontage than allowed and reduced masonry coverage—paired with a $1.1 million public-art commitment.
The Aurora Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 13 approved a site plan with two major adjustments for a Wood Partners multifamily project in Metro Center, Parcels B3, B4 and B6, voting 7–0.
Staff described the proposal as a 365-unit, market-rate multifamily development on about 8.17 acres, producing a density of roughly 44 dwelling units per acre. The project includes four four-story buildings, two small urban parks, a pool and other resident amenities. Staff said the site requires 383 parking spaces under the Unified Development Ordinance but the applicant is providing 430 total spaces — 360 on-site and 70 on-street guest spaces — with a portion of on-site spaces designated as compact per UDO allowances.
The application requested two major adjustments: (1) to allow surface parking to occupy up to 75% of the lot frontage within a 60-foot depth along an arterial where the UDO limits surface parking to 25% of frontage; and (2) a reduction in the masonry coverage requirement for multifamily facades (the applicant committed to at least 25% brick on each building rather than the higher masonry percentage normally required). Staff supported both adjustments, citing existing utility and easement constraints — including a high-pressure gas line along the eastern project edge — and architectural mitigation including increased public art.
Developer representatives said the project will invest about $1.1 million in public art, including large-scale murals on building elevations and integrated art elements in public spaces. "We're investing over a million dollars in public art, nearly doubling the city's minimum requirement," Daniel Braswell of Norris Design said during the presentation.
Staff and the applicant told commissioners the masonry reduction would be offset by material durability choices and enhanced public-art and design commitments. Approval was conditioned on resolution of outstanding technical issues prior to recordation of the site plan and issuance of building permits.
Commissioner Hogan moved to approve the site plan with the two major adjustments; Commissioner Bush seconded. The roll-call vote was unanimous in favor.
The project team said the design aligns with the Metro Center master plan’s vision for increased density near the Aurora Metro Center station and for an activated pedestrian frontage along South Granby Street. The applicant also committed to two small urban parks and streetscape improvements intended to meet the master plan’s public-realm expectations.
Final technical approvals and recordation must be completed before building permits can be issued.
