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Commission approves reduced setback for Montrose project despite residents' pleas to protect mature trees
Summary
The Planning Commission granted Skanska Commercial Development a reduced building line on Montrose Boulevard — from 25 feet to 5 feet — for a proposed mixed-use tower, while neighborhood groups urged deferral to protect mature canopy trees. Commissioners voted to approve the variance; one commissioner recorded opposition.
The Houston Planning Commission on Thursday approved a request by Skanska Commercial Development to reduce the building line along Montrose Boulevard from 25 feet to 5 feet for a proposed mixed-use, high-rise residential tower with ground-floor retail at the intersection of Montrose and Westheimer.
The developer, represented by Ben Jana of Skanska, told the commission the project includes a plaza at the corner, broad sidewalks and an intent to “maintain the tree” nearest the corner in the public plaza area. Skanska said it plans to work with a local landscape architecture firm and to plant additional large-caliper or aggregate canopy trees as part of the public realm improvements.
Neighborhood speakers opposed the reduced setback and asked for a deferral. Melissa Gilhart, a Montrose resident, and Sarah Frazier, president of the Hyde Park Civic Association, both said multiple mature live oaks and other mature trees are at or near the right of way and that those trees provide shade, habitat and environmental benefits. Frazier asked the commission to defer the request so the developer and neighbors could seek a solution that preserves mature trees.
Staff recommended approval, saying the proposed pedestrian realm along Montrose after a 5-foot dedication would provide 20–25 feet for sidewalks, planters and plazas and that similar variances had been granted in the area. Commissioners voted to approve the variance; the motion was moved by Commissioner Baldwin and seconded by Commissioner Sigler. The meeting record notes Commissioner Colvard opposed the decision.
What it means: The approved reduced building line allows the developer to place elements of ground-floor retail and a cantilevered second-floor retail edge closer to Montrose Boulevard so the project’s plaza and pedestrian improvements can align with the intersection. The commission and staff said trees are subject to city forestry protections and that any work affecting street trees would require coordination with the city forester.
Next steps: The developer will proceed with detailed design and must coordinate tree protection and any required permits with city forestry and planning staff; neighbors said they will continue outreach to seek protections for mature canopy trees.
