Commission approves three waivers for 'jewel-box' restaurant in Berry/TCU development

The Urban Design Commission on July 16 approved three waivers requested for a two-story ‘‘jewel box’’ restaurant within the Murado on Barrie/TCU-area redevelopment. Staff framed the waivers as consistent with the form-based code’s intent to encourage design excellence and an active public realm even where an upper level is partially open rather than fully enclosed.

Joseph Adunger and preservation staff described the technical issues: the code defines occupiable space as enclosed condition space, and the applicant’s second-story canopy is covered but not enclosed, which triggers a need for waivers from enclosure and from multiple build‑to‑zone requirements. The applicant argued the canopy would be actively used and activate the street, and architect Hoyt Hammer and developer representative Shane Hessen presented renderings showing ground-floor transparency, outdoor dining and an accessible covered terrace.

After questioning about access, facade percentages, and how the building relates to adjacent approved higher-rise buildings, the commission approved all three waivers. Chairman Benner recused himself for this item; Vice Chair Ramsey and the remaining commissioners approved the request 6–0.

Staff and the applicant emphasized the project’s broader context: the jewel-box building is part of a larger, multi‑building, mixed‑use development with structured parking and retail intended to knit TCU’s campus to new retail corridors along Berry Street. Approval allows the project to proceed under the waivers as described in staff materials and subject to standard plan-review and permitting steps.