Commission tables Peregrine Tower resubmission, asks for TNDO-compatible base design and clarifications

A proposed 37‑story mixed-use tower at 90 South Ninth Street was tabled by the Downtown City Planning Commission on May 13 so the developer and architect can address major design and technical questions raised by staff and commissioners.

Planning staff and an outside urban-design reviewer (Goody Clancy) said the tower’s proposed height will contrast sharply with the surrounding 3–6 story context and recommended the applicant revise the building’s base (roughly the first six stories) so its massing, window spacing and ground-level rhythms better match adjacent buildings and the TNDO design intent. Staff also noted that portions of the building’s sixth floor project into the public right-of-way and that encroachment permits and coordination with city public works will be required.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of fitting the ground-level scale to nearby Walnut View Apartments and other low- to mid-rise buildings, suggested more brick and vertical rhythm at the base, and asked the architect to address the tower cap’s proportions. Several commissioners said they support an architecturally distinct slender tower if the base is made more sympathetic to the street and neighboring properties. The applicant said many of the outstanding technical comments are typical plan-cleanup items and that the design team would work with staff; the applicant also requested additional time to pursue zoning relief related to sight-triangle requirements and city encroachment approvals.

The applicant voluntarily agreed to extend review timelines while coordinating with staff and the zoning hearing board. The commission voted to table the application and asked the team to return with revised elevations, context imagery that includes adjacent buildings (Walnut View and Wiler redevelopments) and responses to engineering and traffic comments.