2. Topics of Discussion
Background
Policy Framework
The Design Criteria
Applicable Review Areas
Design Guide
Vision
Principles
Purpose
Content
Key Program Elements
Perceived Issues
Process
3. Background – Policy Framework
Policies:
Design Guidelines have
been recommended in past
studies.
Center City
Implementation Plan
2012
Center City Strategic
Framework Plan 2012
Downtown Neighborhood
Plan 1999
Master Plan Policies 1997
Historic Design Guidelines
adopted by Council
September 2012.
Historic Districts
4. Background – The Design Criteria
1. Introduction and Overview
2. Sidewalks and Setbacks
3. Ground Floor Treatment
4. Parking and Access
5. Massing and Street Wall
6. On-Site Open Space
7. Architectural Detail
8. Streetscape
Improvements
9. San Antonio River Walk
10. Signage
11. Sustainable Design
12. Public Art
8
11
5
10
3 4
29
12 6
7
5. Background – Review Areas
Development
Review Downtown:
Consolidated
Review Committee
(CRC) reviews new
infill projects in the
Form-Based Zoning
(FBZ) Districts.
6. Background – Review Areas
Development
Review Downtown:
HDRC reviews
historic projects in
the RIO and
Historic Districts.
7. Background – Review Areas
Development
Review Downtown
The blue area on
this map is the “D”
(Downtown) zoning
District where the
Design Guide will
apply to all new
infill development
or additions to non-
historic structures.
8. Design Guide - Vision
Develop a strong,
authentic character.
Reinforce Downtown’s
urban quality.
Emphasize the
pedestrian realm, with
specific attention on the
ground floors of
buildings.
Incorporate sustainable
elements into the design
solution.
9. Design Guide - Vision
Avoid complicated
criteria.
Architecture in it’s
time, place and use.
Buildings that exhibit
vertical and horizontal
articulation
12. Who Benefits?
Investors benefit through favorable returns on their
investments and through satisfying occupier demand, although the
full pay-off may not be immediate.
Developers benefit by attracting investors and higher
densities more easily and hence from enhanced company image. If
they retain a stake in their developments for long enough, they
also benefit from good returns on their investments.
Designers benefit because good urban design is crucially
dependent on their input.
Occupiers benefit from the better performance, loyalty,
health and satisfaction of their residents/employees and from
the increased prestige that well-designed developments
command with guests and clients.
13. Who Benefits?
Everyday users and society as a whole benefit from the
economic advantages of successful regeneration, including new and
retained jobs, and also through access to a better quality environment
and an enhanced range of amenities and facilities.
City of San Antonio benefits by meeting their obligation to
deliver a well-designed, economically and socially viable environment and often
by ripple effects to adjoining areas.
15. Design Guide - Content
Generally, the
Downtown Design
Guide is intended to:
Provide a clear design
framework for future
development in the
Downtown.
Incorporate a balance of
design guidelines and
standards.
Promote sustainable
design solutions.
