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The applicant, Mr. Greg Trost with The Lawrence Group, was present to explain the proposal. The proposed four-level parking garage is to be constructed on an existing surface parking lot located just south of the Castlereagh building. The current lot has70 parking spaces that serve three surrounding buildings: Center of Creative Arts (COCA) to the south, 560 Music Center to the west, and Castlereagh apartments to the north. The proposed parking garage would be three stories and include 210 parking spaces that would continue to serve the three surrounding buildings. However, the garage would provide more parking for the buildings than what is currently provided and required for the uses by the zoning code. The proposed garage meets all setback and building height regulations in the Zoning Code. Pedestrian links from the garage north to Delmar Boulevard are proposed as recommended in the 1985 Civic Plaza Master Plan. Appropriate pedestrian access to the south will connect the garage to the COCA building. Mr. Trost explained the floor plans, exterior elevations, and other details. The proposed facades would have vertical channel glass panels, stainless steel cable railings, and solar panels on the roof. Mr. Trost pointed out that COCA is currently planning an expansion to their existing facility. However, the expansion project is separate from the proposed parking garage and will be presented to the HPC at a later date. It is important to note that the proposed parking garage will serve the COCA facility and provide 128 dedicated parking spaces. Questions / Comments and Discussion by Historic Preservation Commission - Was consideration ever given to lower the height of the garage and provide more parking underground? Mr. Trost stated it was, but they were more concerned with meeting a target number of parking spaces based on anticipated demand, which could be met while still meeting setbacks and maximum building height. - Was the proposed exterior meant to complement the proposed COCA expansion? Mr. Trost stated the intent was not to try to copy the other nearby buildings, but to try to complement the proposed COCA expansion. - Regarding the rendering looking north, would the proposed building block the view of City Hall from Washington Avenue? Mr. Trost stated that at 35 feet, it would not and it would be significantly shorter than the Castlereagh apartment building. - Regarding the façade, the previous COCA expansion (2004) was compatible with the original COCA building. It was stated that that garage by itself, without the glass panels, would be preferred in comparison because the glass draws more attention to the structure. The concept of the parking garage at this location is appropriate, but the façade needs to be reconsidered. - Commission members discussed existing and potential parking issues. Mr. Trost stated that there would be a net gain of 50 to 60 stalls, serving the three buildings. - There was concern about potential for simultaneous events. - Did the increase in parking take into account the proposed COCA expansion? Mr. Trost confirmed it did take the expansion into account. - It appears that the building was designed in isolation with the proposed COCA expansion, rather than with other nearby buildings in mind. It does not seem like a good fit and it stands out, which is not ideal for a parking garage. The Commission is likely to have similar questions for the proposed COCA expansion when it is presented. The proposed garage, as shown, does not enhance the area. tğŭĻ Ќ ƚŅ Ѝ