Design Review Committee – June 20, 2024

Design Review Committee Meeting Recap – June 20, 2024

On June 20, 2024, the City of Asheville’s Design Review Committee (DRC) convened to evaluate proposed development projects within designated design review areas: Downtown, the Riverfront, and the New Hotel Overlay District. The DRC plays a crucial role in ensuring new construction aligns with established design guidelines and contributes positively to the unique character of these areas. This recap summarizes key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding the impact of these projects on their community.

Key Decisions & Leadership Changes: The meeting began with the election of new leadership, with Christine Roush elected as Chair and Jeremy Goldstein as Vice-Chair. The committee also initiated a review of proposed updates to the DRC's Rules of Procedure, aiming to align committee terms with other commissions and modernize language. While the updates were discussed, a procedural hurdle prevented immediate approval; this will be revisited at the next meeting.

Major Project Reviews & Debates: The most significant portion of the meeting focused on two major projects: Riverside Residences (179 & 144 Riverside Drive) and Thompson at Biltmore (2 Micah Place). Regarding Riverside Residences, a contentious debate arose concerning the applicant's request to exceed building height limits. Committee members also scrutinized whether the proposed plaza adequately met Urban Design Ordinance (UDO) requirements, particularly regarding pedestrian access and overall extent. Concerns were raised about the building’s design details, landscaping integration along the riverfront, and the aesthetics of the proposed parking lot. A comparison was drawn to a previous project, Radview, to clarify interpretations of plaza requirements. The committee ultimately requested a more detailed landscape plan and asked staff to investigate the Radview precedent for further clarification. For Thompson at Biltmore, the committee generally supported the new multifamily building, suggesting minor adjustments to the Micah Place facade and a more consistent design for the entrance. A committee member recused themselves due to a conflict of interest. Finally, revised plans for the Courtyard Hotel at 215 Haywood Street were approved, including changes to a guest room location and the addition of green roofs.

Community Voices Heard: Public comment was an important part of the meeting, with several residents from Micah Village expressing concerns about the Riverside Residences project. These concerns centered on potential impacts related to flooding, parking congestion, and loss of green space. Another resident questioned garbage disposal arrangements for the new development. Overall, public comments emphasized a desire for more pedestrian-friendly design and improved landscaping, particularly along the riverfront.

What's Next & Why It Matters: The DRC’s work directly shapes the physical landscape of Asheville’s key design districts. Several action items emerged from this meeting that will influence future development:

• Rules of Procedure Review: The committee will revisit the proposed updates to their operating procedures at the next meeting, including a discussion about streamlining the amendment process.
• Riverside Residences Clarification: City staff will research and provide clarification on the Radview precedent to better inform decisions regarding plaza requirements for Riverside Residences.
• Landscape Plan Enhancement: The applicant will be required to submit a more detailed landscape plan for Riverside Residences, addressing concerns about aesthetics and integration with the riverfront.
• Staff Follow-Up: City staff will engage with the Riverside Residences applicant to address specific design concerns raised by the committee, including parking lot aesthetics.

Residents can stay informed about the DRC's ongoing work and access meeting minutes and recordings on the City of Asheville website: https://www.ashevillenc.gov/departments/planning-urban-design. The DRC’s deliberations are vital to ensuring that new developments enhance the vibrancy and character of Asheville's unique design review areas.