Council approves developer’s height and density request at 1000 Red River despite neighborhood objections

The council voted March 26 to approve a developer’s request to increase floor‑area ratio and maximum height at 1000 Red River, overriding staff recommendations that had proposed a lower 200‑foot maximum.

Neighborhood groups from Judges Hill and historic‑preservation advocates asked the council to postpone the vote and to hold to the staff recommendation. Megan Meisenbach, speaking for Judges Hill, asked for postponement to allow further study of historical compatibility and possible contamination from a former dry‑cleaning site on the property. Environmental consultant Brad Snow described groundwater concentrations at the site that he said exceeded vapor intrusion screening levels and urged additional investigation.

Applicant representatives and downtown advocates said the project delivers housing — including family‑sized units — and a significant payment to the city’s affordable housing trust fund. Judah Rice told the council the project would create “435 units of housing, including more than 4‑bedroom apartments,” and noted the developer’s affordable‑housing contribution.

Council debated whether to postpone the item for two weeks; the motion to postpone was denied and the council voted to approve the applicant's request for the proposed density bonus and height increase. A number of council members recorded no votes or abstentions on the matter.