Council approves rezoning of United Campus Ministry property to allow mixed-use development

On Jan. 20 the council voted 7-0 on first reading to rezone the United Campus Ministry property at 510 North Guadalupe Street from Public to Character District 5 (CD-5), allowing mixed-use and higher-density housing consistent with downtown goals.

Planning staff explained CD-5 permits a range of pedestrian-oriented uses, including townhomes, apartments and mixed-use shopfronts, and told council the site is within the preferred scenario for infill and downtown housing. Staff also noted the property sits within the Edwards Aquifer transition zone and must comply with applicable groundwater and environmental regulations if developed.

Pastor Todd Salomi, the United Campus Ministry director, told council the ministry intends to retain ownership of the land and to pursue development through a ground lease so the ministry can continue its community services while making the site financially sustainable. "Resoning lets us steward the land in a way that's mission-driven and financially sustainable," Salomi said.

After public comments in support from local preservation and downtown advocates, council approved the ordinance on its first of two readings; any future changes in building height beyond the CD-5 allowances would require a separate alternative-compliance review.

What happens next: the item will return for second reading at a subsequent meeting as required by ordinance procedure; development proposals, plats and any alternative-compliance requests for greater height will be reviewed in follow-up proceedings.