Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves revised fourth‑floor design at 802 Commerce with metal cladding and setbacks
Summary
HAHC approved a revised COA for 802 Commerce Street allowing a larger fourth floor clad in dark corrugated metal with 5‑foot setbacks on both street faces, after the owner cited repeated flooding and tornado damage that made expanded, elevated office space necessary.
The Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission on Nov. 7 approved a revision to a previously authorized project at 802 Commerce Street that expands the approved fourth floor and permits dark corrugated horizontal metal cladding with 5‑foot setbacks on both street elevations.
Yasmin Arslan, staff, summarized the revisions and said staff offered no formal recommendation because the applicant presented multiple options; the applicant requested a decision to proceed. Owner‑representative Benny Augusto Jr. described repeated flood events and storm damage that limited use of the ground floor and motivated the need for more usable upper‑floor office space: "We flooded all 3 years ... we knew we couldn't use the 1st Floor hardly," he said, urging the commission to approve a functional redesign.
Architect Tom Stifffer presented design alternatives, explained why a flush metal penthouse was less desirable aesthetically, and said the team was "leaning heavily into a 5 foot setback with metal cladding" as a compromise that preserved masonry massing at lower floors while providing necessary office area atop the building.
After commissioner questions about setbacks, massing and precedent, a motion to approve the metal cladding with 5‑foot setbacks passed. The commission approved the consent agenda items presented alongside the D2 decision; staff will provide final conditions and documentation necessary for permitting.
What happens next: With HAHC approval, the applicant may proceed to permitting and construction consistent with the approved fourth‑floor design and any conditions recorded in the COA.
