Design Review Committee (In-Person) (Mar 19, 2026)

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap: March 19, 2026

The Design Review Committee convened on March 19, 2026, for an in-person meeting to conduct a formal Level III design review of a proposed mixed-use development at 50 Coxe Avenue. The committee, which reviews projects in downtown, riverfront, and hotel overlay zoning districts, focused its agenda on the administrative approval of previous minutes and a detailed evaluation of the new development proposal.

Key Decisions The committee approved the minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting by a vote of 7-0. Following the formal review of the 50 Coxe Avenue project, the committee approved the development proposal with seven specific conditions by a vote of 7-0. These conditions require the developer to address several design elements, including the size of garage and dumpster doors, planting selection for the covered pavilion area, the redesign of retail glass and brickwork, green roof stormwater management, noise mitigation strategies from nearby entertainment venues, increased vegetation and outdoor space south of the building, and the addition of vegetation on the roof along Coxe Avenue.

Discussion Highlights The primary discussion centered on the proposed 203-unit multi-family development, which includes approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space, a 7-story building totaling 251,000 square feet, and 121 spaces of structured parking. The project team presented how the design aligns with downtown guidelines and the ongoing Cox Avenue streetscape improvements, which are 75% complete. Key topics of debate included grading and utility challenges on Cox Avenue, the accessibility of townhouse-style units along Sawyer Street, and noise mitigation strategies to address sound from nearby entertainment venues and the bus station. The committee also discussed the project’s parking requirements, noting that the developer is seeking a waiver from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) because the project does not currently meet standard parking requirements.

Community Input No members of the public provided comments during the meeting.

Follow-ups The design team agreed to incorporate the committee’s feedback into future iterations of the plans. Specific follow-up actions include commissioning a noise study to assess sound levels, investigating HFA parking requirements and waiver options, exploring ways to reduce the size and improve the appearance of the garage door on Cox Avenue, evaluating options for softening the Cox Avenue facade, assessing the feasibility of reallocating brick materials to more visible areas, and exploring options for expanding the green roof area. Additionally, the team will continue coordinating with the city and county regarding the reopening of an alley as a one-way exit.

Impact This decision is significant for residents as it moves a large-scale mixed-use development forward in the downtown area. The project, developed on Buncombe County property, will introduce 203 new housing units and retail space, with an L-shaped building design that creates a pedestrian plaza under the structure. The approval with conditions ensures that specific design concerns, such as noise mitigation, stormwater management, and streetscape compatibility, are addressed before the project proceeds to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a conditional zoning request and subsequently to City Council for final approval.