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Design, alley access and sustainability highlighted in Packard hotel review
Summary
Committee members pressed applicants on street activation, alley safety, valet access and tree spacing. Applicants said the eastern Novus frontage will be glazed and active, the rear alley will be 27 feet and controlled with bollards, and the project targets LEED Silver.
Committee members focused detailed questions on how the Packard hotel would interface with Novus Place and the adjacent garage.
Kevin Curran, the project's architect, said the Novus elevation will be “very well activated” with a restaurant and bar providing visual connection to the street and glazing to engage pedestrians. Curran described durable ground‑floor materials and a porte‑cochere arrival. He said the project uses masonry, metal panel, glazing and other direct applied finishes intended to create texture and pedestrian interest.
Members raised concerns about the alley behind the building and potential conflicts between pedestrians and service vehicles. The applicant said the alley is 27 feet wide, will be pedestrian‑first and will use bollards to control vehicle access; service and trash operations would occur during low‑pedestrian hours. On valet and parking, the applicants described a new entrance into the ASU garage and a parking agreement that provides credentialed access but does not geographically reserve specific garage stalls for the hotel.
On sustainability, Curran said the project is targeting LEED Silver certification and will incorporate high‑efficiency HVAC, shading and other measures to reduce energy demand. Robert Mansolillo, senior planner, reiterated a staff condition requiring alley paving to meet engineering standards for refuse and fire truck loads.
The presentation and questions emphasized compatibility with surrounding retail and restaurants and operational details the committee sought to ensure — materials, sightlines at corners, tree spacing and service access.
