Downtown Design Commission approves Classen Drive mixed-use project but pauses solar carport decision

The Downtown Design Commission voted Dec. 18 to approve the bulk of a proposed five-story mixed-use development on Classen Drive, but the panel delayed final action on visible solar carport structures so staff and the applicant can refine screening and configuration.

City planning staff told the commission the triangular site and proposed street closure create several departures from the downtown design code, including variances for building setback, a one-story height standard, roof-sign prohibitions and screening of mechanical equipment. Staff also said the project proposes solar panels that function as carports over surface parking; because the panels are visible they would normally require screening or a variance.

Architect Brian Fitzsimmons described the proposal as a pedestrian-oriented plaza designed to provide a permanent public space and an amphitheater-style terminus along the promenade. “The general goal of this project was to design a pedestrian-oriented plaza that was emphasis for the street closure,” Fitzsimmons said. He said the design places the taller massing to the south to frame the roundabout and preserve views downtown.

Commissioners praised the development’s public-space goals but raised repeated concerns about the placement of the solar canopies and the pedestrian experience on Dewey and other adjacent streets. Commissioner (Unidentified Speaker 10) asked whether the solar canopy could be relocated so larger street trees could provide shade for pedestrians: “Could the solar canopy be on the east side of that parking experience, and then we can actually get shade trees on the west side for the pedestrians that walk past this?”

Staff and the applicant offered two procedural options: approve the application except for the solar/carport item (3b) and continue that portion for further review, or approve everything now but require subsequent variance review and refined screening. The commission chose to approve the application with the exception of item 3b, voted to continue item 3b to a later meeting for focused review, and recommended the package of variances to the Board of Adjustment (including setback, height, roof-sign and screening exceptions).

The commission’s action lets the developer proceed with the majority of site and building approvals while preserving a chance to resolve solar canopy placement and screening with staff and, if necessary, an additional commission review.

Next steps: the applicant will work with staff on the solar/canopy details and variances; the commission anticipated receipt of revised materials in early January and recommended Board of Adjustment consideration for the listed variances.