Design commission recommends AUS West Garage to council with added sustainability conditions

The City Design Commission voted to recommend to City Council that the AUS West Garage project at 2921 1/2 Presidential Boulevard comply with the city’s design and sustainability standards, while adding specific conditions to strengthen its sustainability and pedestrian access.

The recommendation follows a presentation from project staff and consultants describing a seven‑story concrete parking garage with 7,037 spaces, a stacked speed‑ramp system, a pedestrian bridge tying the new structure to the adjacent Blue Garage and various ParkSmart sustainability measures. "The West garage will replace the existing red garage," project manager Marie Boren said during the presentation, explaining the garage is required to clear space for terminal expansion.

The commission’s amended motion asks the project team and City Council to pursue a solar array or solar‑ready roof structure; to explore water‑retention opportunities tied to the site’s landscape strategy; to plan for increased EV capacity and electrical infrastructure even if chargers are staged; to…