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Planning commission narrowly endorses 61-unit downtown mixed-use building
Summary
The Rowlett planning commission recommended approval, 3–2, of a 61-unit mixed-use building at Main and Kirby that includes ground-floor retail and 61 multifamily condominium units; commissioners raised concerns about parking and narrow Kirby Street but staff said the project meets form-based code standards.
The Rowlett City Planning and Zoning Commission on June 24 voted 3–2 to recommend approval of a special use permit and site development plan for a 61-unit mixed-use condominium building on Main Street, forwarding the project to City Council.
Staff said the 1.801-acre proposal conforms to the Downtown Rowlett strategic plan and the form-based urban village code. Greg Garen, the project architect, said the six-story (63-foot) mixed-use building would include 61 residential units and approximately 2,307 square feet of ground-floor retail, two points of fire access between Main and Kirby streets, and 96 on-site parking spaces for residential units plus seven retail spaces and bicycle parking.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on parking adequacy and site circulation. Commissioner Pollard and others noted Kirby Street is narrow and expressed concern about the number of units relative to the site’s traffic-carrying capacity; Pollard initially moved to deny the project on those grounds before withdrawing and allowing debate that ended with a 3–2 approval recommendation.
Staff and the applicant said parking calculations follow the form-based code’s unit-type chart (efficiency, one-bedroom, two-bedroom parking ratios). The applicant said the retail parking demand can be addressed under existing downtown parking agreements and nearby on-street spaces.
The commission’s recommendation to approve the SUP and site plan will be transmitted to City Council for final action.
