Commission approves garage‑to‑commercial conversion for 404 North Austin Street owner George Torres

Property owner George Torres presented his plan to convert a 2009 garage at 404 North Austin Street into small retail or office space and said he hoped the change would support local small businesses. "Yeah, George Torres. I own George Shores Farmers Insurance," he told the commission during his remarks.

Will, historic‑preservation staff, reviewed applicable guidelines and repeatedly noted several historic criteria were not applicable to a 2009 structure; staff recommended approval of the garage conversion without any pergola or covering because the submitted COA did not include that element. Commissioners offered design suggestions — including planters, a shallow cedar pergola and reducing visible driveway area to lessen the 'garage conversion' look — and agreed that any added pergola or cover would require a return COA and specific design submittal. A motion to approve the application as submitted (without pergola) was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote.

The commission's decision preserves the primary entrance and requires the applicant to return if he later wants to add a pergola or other covering element.