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Downtown Design Commission denies alteration at 700 South Walker Avenue, orders storefront restoration
Summary
The commission denied application DTCA-25-00094 for exterior alterations at 700 South Walker Avenue, finding the brick infill inconsistent with Downtown Design District guidelines and ordering the applicant to remove the infill and restore the storefront under staff-approved certificate of approval.
On March 19, 2026, the Downtown Design Commission denied an application for exterior alterations at 700 South Walker Avenue, directing that a brick infill be removed and the storefront opening be restored.
Daryl, an Urban Design staff member, told the commission the project site is the only building on its block, lies west of Scissortail Park and north of the streetcar maintenance facility, and is "eligible to be on the National Register of Historic Places." Daryl said the applicant had not submitted additional documentation since the commission last reviewed the case and that staff recommended denial because the alterations did not meet the Downtown Design District guidelines.
According to staff, the work that prompted the case converted a previously boarded wood window into an infill of brick. Staff stated the brick should be removed and the original storefront window restored; staff said the applicant may secure the interior in other ways that conform with the guidelines. Commissioners discussed the record and then moved to deny the application "on the basis that the project does not comply with the regulations and guidelines of the Downtown Design District Zoning Ordinance" as referenced in the staff report. The motion included a condition that the applicant remove the infill, restore the opening with a storefront window, and submit a certificate of approval application for staff review. The commission approved the motion.
The commission did not record a named mover or a roll-call tally in the transcript; the motion was announced as passing. The transcript shows no public speakers on this case and indicates the applicant was not present at the hearing.
The denial directs the applicant to work with staff on a certificate of approval application and to meet the restoration conditions stated by staff. The commission’s action maintains the separate role of Heritage Preservation guidelines for historic properties: staff noted earlier that HP guidelines remain standalone and continue to govern installations that may affect character-defining features.
The commission moved on to other business after recording the decision. The applicant or project representatives were not present for comment at the meeting.
